Can You Ride an Electric Scooter in the Rain?

All electric scooters, even off-road electric scooters, can be damaged when ridden in wet or extreme conditions. Unfortunately, a few riders still try their luck and ride while it's raining. This is not good practice as it can be very dangerous for the rider. This quick electric scooter guide gives an overview of all that you need to know about riding in the rain and how to prevent your electric scooter from getting wet.

Can you ride an e-scooter in the rain?

It’s not recommended to ride an electric scooter when it’s raining. After all, there are plenty of safety hazards when riding in wet and slippery conditions. However, there are times that an electric scooter can ride in the rain. It will all depend on the intensity of the rain and the type of electric scooter that you ride. For example, it’s possible to ride during a light shower with a water-resistant electric scooter. However, it’s still highly discouraged to ride an electric scooter in the rain as real-world conditions are unpredictable, and it could cause unwanted accidents and injuries.

What is an IP Rating?

One thing to keep an eye on when choosing an electric scooter is the IP rating. IP or ingress protection ratings are an international standard for measuring the dust and moisture resistance of a piece of equipment.

E-scooter manufacturers often include this in the model’s specifications. Unfortunately, around half of the electric scooters in the market don’t have an IP rating. So, if there’s no IP rating in your e-scooter’s specs, then it’s not dust or water-resistant.

When looking at IP ratings, you will notice that electric scooters have different ratings. The rating includes two numbers. The first number refers to its dust resistance, while the second number refers to its water resistance.

For example, the Mearth X Pro and the Mearth GTS Series both have an IP54 rating. This means it is protected against solid particles and splashes of water from any angle. The higher the digits, the better the protection. So, the best electric scooter for rain are those with a rate of 7 and up. After all, these are resistant to water immersions.

What happens if you ride in the rain?

For those who are using electric scooters with no or low IP rating, you are at risk of damaging the electrical components of your electric scooter. So, don’t ride them in wet conditions. However, for those who have higher IP ratings, riding e-scooters in the rain is still not advisable. After all, roads are more slippery and less visible when it rains. The chances of slipping, falling, or failing to brake is higher due to the wet conditions.

How to protect your electric scooter from getting wet

If you are caught in the rain or would like to protect your electric scooter from moisture when storing, here are some tips to keep in mind.

1. Avoid riding it when raining

First of all, don’t ride your electric scooter in the rain. This tip is very repetitive, but it’s to emphasise the importance of following this safety rule. By avoiding riding in the rain or wet conditions, you save yourself from possible harm, keep your electric scooter from damage due to water, moisture, and dirt, and extend the lifespan of your e-scooter.

2. Cover your electric scooter

If you store your electric scooter outside or if you get stuck in the rain, use an electric scooter rain cover to protect your unit from getting wet. When shopping for covers, choose a lightweight and portable cover made from good polyester material, so you can carry it anywhere and anytime. A quality cover can help evaporate moisture from the e-scooter if it gets wet.

3. Cover gaps and holes

Make your electric scooter waterproof by covering gaps and holes with duct tape. It’s a fast, easy, and cheap way to protect your e-scooter from getting wet. If the tape ruins the aesthetics of your electric scooter, choose a tape that has a similar colour to its body or paint over the tape to match the e-scooter. The tape will protect the wires and other electrical components from water and moisture when it rains or when you clean your electric scooter.

4. Don’t fold your e-scooter when wet

Folding your electric scooter when wet will allow the water to drip down the stem and into the screen, throttle, controls, and other electrical components of your e-scooter. These are the most vulnerable parts of your electric scooter, so always make sure that it's free from water and moisture. Also, always dry your electric scooter before folding and storing it.

5. Check and clean your unit regularly

Lastly, inspect your unit regularly for any water, dirt, or moisture build-up. Take a closer look at the electrical components mentioned previously, so it continues to function normally. Moreover, clean your electric scooter regularly with a dry towel. If you need to wash it with water, make sure to cover all the gaps, holes and electricals to prevent any damage to the e-scooter. If you are not sure where to start cleaning your e-scooter, here’s a quick guide on how to clean your electric scooter properly.

Always ride safely

For your and your electric scooter’s safety, avoid riding in the rain, especially when visibility is low or the rain is too cold. Even when your e-scooter model is rated as waterproof, don’t attempt to ride in wet conditions. The best way to enjoy your trips is to ride safely always.