Riding an electric scooter on a bright, summer day is the best of times – the wind in your hair, the sun on your face… you get the picture. Unfortunately, though, rainy days are inevitable. And as they say, when it rains, it often pours. So, can you ride e-scooters in the rain?
The short answer is yes, but there are some caveats to riding in wet conditions. For one thing, you’ll need to check the water resistance rating of your e-scooter before riding, as well as the manufacturer’s advisory regarding rain. Whilst the Nought.One has IP65 waterproof protection rating (which means it is impervious to rain, snow and sleet- more on that later), this isn’t the case with most e-scooters. You’ll also need to take some extra precautions and take good care of the scooter’s electrical components to prevent water damage.
Are electric scooters waterproof?
The second number is what we’re interested in: the level of water that your electric scooter can withstand. Some scooters are more water resistant than others, for example, a rating below four is not appropriate for riding in wet conditions. Here is what each of the ratings mean:
- 4 – protected from splashing water from any direction
- 5 – protected from low-pressure water jets from all directions
- 6 – protected from high-pressure water jets from all directions
- 7 – protected against short-term immersion in water (up to 1m)
- 8 – can withstand longer periods of immersion in water (up to 1m)
The higher the IP rating, the more likely your e-scooter will withstand heavy rain. The Nought.One is one of few e-scooters to gain IP65, which means it won’t be affected by rain, snow and sleet. It’s still advisable to avoid big puddles though – besides the potential to damage your scooter’s electrical components, puddles are risky to ride through as they could be hiding a deep pothole which might cause an accident.
Is it safe to ride e-scooters in the rain?
The biggest problem in rainy weather is poor visibility – you might struggle to see other road users and likewise, they might struggle to see you. To stay safe, it’s important to make yourself more visible. If you can, wear reflective waterproof gear, add reflectors to your scooter and ensure your electric scooter’s lights are working before heading out. Keep your lights on at all times and ensure it can be seen from a distance of at least 150m.
You will also need to adjust your riding style to take the wet conditions into account. Allow for a longer braking distance because you won’t be able to stop as quickly when the road is slippery. You also don’t want to hit your brakes too hard and lock the wheels, which could result in you skidding with no control or grip. For both of these reasons, it’s best to ride slower than usual.
Lastly, if it looks like rain, lower your tyre pressure – this will give you better grip on wet surfaces for a smoother, safer ride. One thing to look out for is ‘rainbow’ puddles – this is when oil or fuel on the road comes to the surface; they’re especially slippery and best avoided. The same applies to painted lane markers – they also become more slippery when wet.
What to do when your electric scooter gets wet
When you can’t avoid riding in the rain, there is some basic maintenance you’ll need to take care of to keep your e-scooter in working order. After each ride in wet weather, take the time to clean your scooter and dry it thoroughly. Avoid folding your electric scooter right after a wet ride – water could drip down into the sensitive electrical components. Use a small towel or rag to get into all the nooks and crannies. This will help prevent water from getting into the electrical components and protect your e-scooter from rust. Once you’re done, store your scooter somewhere dry and warm, but avoid spots that are damp or humid.
So, can you ride e-scooters in the rain? It’s always best to avoid riding an electric scooter in torrential rain and err on the side of caution, both for your safety and the longevity of the scooter, but when you need to get from A to B, these tips should help you and your e-scooter keep riding.
