Can You Use Electric Scooters in The Rain?


Can You Use Electric Scooters in The Rain

An electric scooter in a stand-up vehicle that uses an internal combustion engine, also known as an electric motor. It is classified as a form of micro-mobility, meaning it is meant for short distance transportation with the goal of avoiding large traffic jams and wasting time in rush hour. The electric scooter, as well as micro-mobility in general, is drastically growing in popularity, making dodging traffic pain points and congestion issues, that much easier. 

So, Can You Use Your Electric Scooter in The Rain? The answer is Yes! Electric scooters are water resistant and can be ridden in light rain. However, riding your scooter during heavy and intense rainfall, through flooded streets and deep puddles, may damage your electric scooter.

Keep in mind that even though riding an electric scooter in wet conditions is doable, you must be careful not to slip and get injured. If you want to learn more about electric scooter and wet conditions, continue to read this article.

Can Electric Scooters Get Wet?

Just as any other piece of electronic equipment, electric scooters and water do not mix well. While a few drops of rain or any other liquid won’t harm your electric scooter, leaving it out in pouring rain is not a good idea. If you do so, you might be left with metal parts that are rusted and the scooter may not working anymore. So be careful with that.

Are Electric Scooters Waterproof?

No, electric scooters are not waterproof, but they are however water resistant. Meaning, they do withstand light wet conditions but are not completely defiant to water. Although there will certainly be waterproof electric scooters in the future, they are not yet publicly available for now. Although it is very easy to make a waterproof e-scooter, its price would be quite more expensive than the average scooter, which is currently not satisfactory for companies to invest in it, as a small number of users would use them.

Can You Get Electrocuted While Riding an Electric Scooter in The Rain?

The chances of experiencing electric shock while riding your electric scooter in the rain are remarkably low. The reason for this is the fact that the grips and the standing deck are made of rubber, which does not attract lighting. Additionally, the soles of your shoes are most likely also rubber, making the chances of electric shock even lower. Even if your electric scooter is not waterproof and large amounts of water do get into the battery case, it will stop working but you will still be safe.  

How to Ride an Electric Scooter in Rain?

Can Electric Scooters Get Wet

If you do plan on riding your electric scooter in bad weather, best thing to do is buying a good quality waterproof (not resistant!) electric scooter with fenders. Most manufacturers already put fenders on at the factory, but if you end up not getting them, buy some and get them installed. Otherwise, you will most likely end up extremely wet because there is nothing stopping the water from splashing over your shoes and clothes.

Additionally, adjusting your tire pressure will also add on to the safety of your ride. Lowering tire pressure helps because it increases the contact area between the tires and the road. Of course, do not forget to adjust tire pressure back to normal, when riding in dry conditions. Moreover, avoid freezing temperatures that cause slippery pavements and wear an easily noticeable color such as a florescent yellow. (best highly visible raincoats for bad weather)

How to Waterproof an Electric Scooter?

There are things you can do if you are planning on riding your electric scooter in wet conditions. An easier option that might not solve the issue completely, but certainly will help, is getting a waterproof scooter cover. Additionally, taping gaps and holes in the deck, covering the charging port while riding in the rain, putting O-rings around non-sealed screws and holes with wires and cables, sealing non-functional holes with silicone and protecting the screen with plastic covers will for sure help securing your electric scooter and make it more water resistant.

Another great tip on protecting your scooter from rain is waxing the metal surfaces allowing rain to slip off and preventing the moisture from causing any damage to your vehicle. The best solution though, is buying a higher quality waterproof electric scooter, that guarantees you safe transport no matter what the weather conditions are. (Best water resistant and waterproof scooters)

Why You Should Avoid the Rain While Riding an Electric Scooter

Why You Should Avoid the Rain While Riding an Electric Scooter

Life is unpredictable and so is the weather. Sometimes you might find yourself in a situation in which riding your electric scooter in bad, and rainy weather might be the only way to get to your desired destination quickly as possible. That is why we are here, to help make those kinds of rides easier and more practical for you. You might even have some fun with it!

1. Poor Driving Visibility Can be Dangerous

Sometimes bad weather does not influence visibility, but in some cases it really does. Even though you might see where you are going during rainfall, it is important for you as a traffic participant to be mindful of the fact that many drivers in cars and other vehicles do not see as clearly as you do. They often experience great difficulty with observing the entire traffic because of windows fogging up or being completely covered in water. What you can do, in order to create a safer environment for yourself and others, is wear clothes in an easily visible color, slow down in speed and pay attention to other traffic participants.

2. Emergency Response

During bad rainfall, people often find themselves in unpredictable situations, partly because of bad visibility but also because of not paying enough attention. What you should take from that, is that you should be extra careful at times like those, because bad weather creates many possibly dangerous outcomes. If because of any reason, you must suddenly hit the brakes during rainfall, you will most likely fall. The reason for this is the slippery pavement that creates a longer stopping distance and of course loosing stability.

To avoid that, try to slow down much earlier than you usually would to make your decrease in speed much more comfortable. Although paying good attention and being careful is key, it would still be good to have an ABS (anti braking system) that stops wheels from blocking during braking. An ABS helps you steer in emergencies by restoring traction to your tires and makes it possible for you to steer your way back to safety.

Most Common Fears After Electric Scooter Got Wet

Some people enjoy riding their electric scooter in the rain, finding it amusing and challenging but some just get caught in the rain before making it to their destinations. Either way, here are two most common fears people have about riding in the rain.

1. What if the electric scooter dies while riding?

The electric scooter can for sure stop working because of taking way too much water, either from massive rain or running through deep puddles. In the chapters above you have learned about ways to protect your electric scooter from water and had a chance to scroll through some water resistant and waterproof electric scooter options, that have IP ratings that can withstand larger amounts of water. With that knowledge, you can totally know what to expect in the future. The key is to be prepared!

2. What if the front tire slips?

Front tire slips will not happen often if you follow these suggestions. While riding, try to avoid parts of concrete that are painted, and metal manhole covers. Additionally, since the wheels of electric scooters are quite small, you should have treads on your tires and make sure that the tires are not worn out.  It might be difficult in the beginning, but when you get the hang of it, it will be a piece of cake for you.

Other Features to Consider

There are other features with which the electric scooter can be equipped to make riding in the rain safer. Some are:

  • Bright lights that make the electric scooter visible in light rain
  • Slip-proof decks and fenders that help making the surface less slippery and keep your feet and legs from getting soaked in water
  • Inflatable tires opposed to pneumatic tires that add risk of flats
  • Braking system that allow riders to make emergency, sudden stops without any consequences. A great example of an electric scooter that has an amazing braking system installed is the “Unagi Model One” (link za amazon). This model has brakes designed to meet any type of conditions. With it you get high-quality anti-lock electronic breaks that do not seize up on slippery substrate and an added foot break that gives extra insurance and controllability in sudden stopping even if the scooter shuts down.

Summary

In conclusion, most electric scooter will take a few raindrops with no issues whatsoever. There are of course different choices you can make when purchasing an electric scooter. You can buy a cheaper, non-waterproof electric scooter with which you can peacefully ride in dry conditions and in lighter rain while avoiding pouring showers and puddles, or you can purchase a higher quality, more expensive, option and ride in any weather without much overthinking.

Luckily, with time, as technology advances, you will be able to buy more affordable electric scooters that are in fact completely waterproof. Both options are possible and it’s on you to make the absolute best decision for yourself!

Mario Poljak

I'm the co-owner of ElectricScooterReport. I have been passionate about Scooters since I was a boy. I will bring you experience, expertise and knowledge in this new industry which I have gained over the last couple of years.

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