In many places, electric scooters have become a popular way to get around. They are fun, convenient, and often cheaper than other forms of transportation. But what happens when it rains? Can you ride an electric scooter in the rain?
When we look at the word electric scooter, it reminds us of electric components, and it has been programmed in our minds that electronics and water do not go along well. This raises the question of whether you can ride an electric scooter in the rain.
If you’ve had this question in mind, then you are at the right place.
Let’s begin!
Can you ride an e-scooter in the rain?
The short answer is yes, you can ride an electric scooter in the rain ONLY if your scooter comes with proper water resistance.
Trust me, there’s nothing worse than riding in the rain only to discover that your scooter isn’t water-resistant, and now you have to buy a new one.
Even with a proper water-resistant scooter, there are a few things you should keep in mind.
There are still risks involved with riding in heavy rain and flooding areas as the water can still seep into your scooter’s base and cause permanent damage to the battery and electronics.
On top of that, riding in slippery conditions comes with risk and safety hazards which can be detrimental to a person.
So, regardless of whether your scooter has an IP rating or is marketed as water-resistant, staying on the safer side is always better than riding in the rain. You never know when things might go wrong on an electric scooter.
What is an IP Rating?
One thing you should be looking for while purchasing an electric scooter is its IP rating. Ingress Protection (IP) rating is an international measure that can measure a piece of equipment’s moisture and dust resistance.
This rating is often included in the specification details of the model. Unfortunately, more than half of the scooters in the market do not have an IP rating. This means that if there isn’t any IP rating on your scooter, it is neither dust nor water-resistant.
If you’ve ever looked at IP ratings, you would’ve noticed that electric scooters have different ratings. This rating includes two numbers. The first indicates the scooter’s dust resistance, while the second tells us about its water resistance.
What happens if you ride your electric scooter in the rain?
All this preaching about not riding your electric scooter in the rain, but what happens if you ride it in the rain that everyone advises against it?
People with an electric scooter without an IP rating are at risk of damaging the electrical components of their scooter when riding in the rain.
Moreover, riding in rainy conditions makes the rider more vulnerable to physical damage as the roads tend to be wet, and there’s a high chance that the rider may slip and get injured.
On top of that, the ride’s control is significantly decreased, and the road grip between the scooter’s tires and the road is reduced.
Therefore, it is advised not to drive in rainy conditions. Even if your scooter has a high IP rating, riding in the rain is not worth it as visibility is significantly reduced, due to which the rider might get into an accident.
How to protect your electric scooter from getting wet?
If you’re riding your scooter and it suddenly starts raining or if you would like to protect your electric scooter from moisture while storing, here are some tips that might prove helpful.
1. Avoid riding your scooter when raining
Although this might sound repetitive, the best way to protect your scooter from rain is not to ride it while the rain’s pouring.
By not riding your scooter in the rain, you save yourself from any possible harm, protect your scooter against any damage that might occur due to water, and extend your scooter’s lifespan.
2. Cover your electric scooter
Be it storing your electric scooter or when the rain pours down, use an electric scooter rain cover to protect your scooter from getting any water damage.
While buying an electric scooter, try buying a protective cover for your scooter as well. While buying the cover, ensure that it is waterproof and lightweight.
Covers made from polyester are preferred as it is lightweight and portable. A good quality cover can help evaporate moisture from your e-scooter if it gets wet.
3. Cover Gaps and Holes
Covering the gaps and holes in your electric scooter is another way to protect it from getting wet. For this, you can use duct tape; it is an easy, efficient, and cheap way to protect your scooter.
Choose a tape that has a similar color or pattern as your e-scooter if you feel like the tape ruins the aesthetics of your scooter. The tape will help in protecting wires or other electrical components from water when it rains.
4. Don’t fold your electric scooter when it’s wet
Folding your electric scooter when wet is a big mistake and must be avoided at all costs. If you fold your scooter, the water drips and seeps down into the stem, throttle, screen and controls, and other critical electrical components of your scooter.
These are the most vulnerable and integral parts of your scooter’s functioning; hence these must be protected. Always dry and then store your electric scooter.
5. Check and clean your unit regularly
Lastly, you should regularly check your electric scooter for any signs of moisture, water, or dirt. These might not be visible at the surface level, so always look closely at every integral electrical component.
Moreover, it would help if you cleaned your electric scooter regularly with a dry towel. If you feel that your scooter needs a wash, make sure to cover all the holes, gaps, and electricals to prevent any damage that might occur to the scooter.
These regular checks will not only ensure that moisture stays away from your scooter but will also ensure extended life and improved performance for your scooter.
Final Thoughts
The crux of the above discussion is that it is not advisable to ride an electric scooter in the rain regardless of whether your scooter has an IP rating. Always give priority to your safety over thrill or fun.
Why ride an electric scooter in the rain even if there’s a slight chance of any unfortunate event? However, if you feel the matter’s urgent and there’s no other choice than to head out in the rain, always take safety measures first.
Wear a helmet and padding on the knees and elbows. Remember that driving is a massive responsibility as there is a risk to your safety and the safety of others.
This requires every rider to act as a responsible citizen by putting the safety of themselves and others before anything else.
Happy Riding!
