Can You Ride An Electric Scooter in Rain?

Since its emergence, electric scooters have been a hit among people of all ages for fun outings and sightseeing. However, one common question often arises in the rider’s mind.

Is it okay to ride electric scooters when it’s raining? Ideally, it’s best “not” to, but some say “yes” you can ride. However, it’s not a simple yes or no question. It depends on the scooter and how heavy the rain is. If you pick the right e-scooter, it is fine to do in most cases.

Keep reading the article, because here we’ll explore the important factors that should be considered before deciding if it’s safe to ride your e-scooter in the rain.

Are Electric Scooters Water Resistant?

As you know, not all e-scooters are made equal. So, don’t assume they’ll handle rain the same. How they react to rain depends on their Ingress Protection (IP) rating. If your scooter has a low IP rating, it’s safer to keep it dry to avoid damage.

In serious cases, if you use low-rated scooters in the rain, it might even give you some electric shock as well. When you ride e-scooters in the rain, their performance can also drop significantly. Just like driving a car in the rain can be slippery and limit visibility, riding scooters in the rain can slow you down too.

Note: You won’t get an electric shock if that’s what you’re worried about. Electric scooters are covered with rubber and other insulated materials to keep riders safe.

What is The IP Rating System?

There’s no such thing as waterproof scooters. But like most electronic devices, many electric scooters are rated for “Ingress Protection” (IP) from dirt and liquid. You’ll see the number in spec like IP56 sometimes.

The first digit “5” is for dust protection which we don’t really care about. And, the second number “6” in IP rating stands for water protection. Some scooters handle water better than others. If the ratings are below 4, it means they aren’t good for wet rides or the rain.

Here are some standard ratings:

None: Not safe for rain.

IPX4: Good for wet ground or light rain.

IPX5: Can handle light rain or puddles.

IPX34: Deals with wetness, fog, and light rain.

IP54: Able to handle light rain, dampness, and off-road.

IP55: Good for constant rain off-road use.

IP65: Handles constant rain and tough terrain.

IP67: Best for heavy rain and water immersion.

The higher the IP rating is, the better it would be in the heavy rain. 

However, whatever the IP rating is, you should do your best to clean off your scooter after you ride it in the rain. Then, park it in a warm indoor location or a garage. So, it has a chance to completely dry itself before you take it on the next ride.

Remember: We suggest you avoid big puddles, though. They can damage your e scooter and hide dangerous potholes that could cause accidents.

Can’t find the IP Rating for your e-scooter? Well, most have one, but not all. If your scooter’s manufacturer doesn’t provide this information, it’s a clear warning sign. Your scooter may have no water protection and should stay indoors even in light rain. Riding in the rain not only damages the scooter but can also cause electric shock.

What Are the Risks of Driving an Electric Scooter in The Rain?

What we’ve experienced throughout the years, even with a good IP rating, it’s not safe to ride an e-scooter in the heavy rain. They might handle a bit of water, but riding during a downpour is dangerous.

In simple terms, riding an electric scooter in rainy weather has risks for both you and your e-scooter. What are those, let’s understand them one by one.

Loss of Traction

• Loss of traction not only causes skidding but also makes the e-scooter less stable, especially on rough or bumpy roads.
• In rainy times, tires can lose grip and make the scooter slide or hydroplane, particularly when you’re going fast or uphill.
• As a rider, you have to be careful and slow down when raining to adjust for less grip.

Reduced Visibility

• Rain can cause mist or fog, which makes it hard for riders to see obstacles, people, or other vehicles properly.
• Riders need waterproof clothes, reflective gear, and headlights to see well and see rain.
• Big vehicle drivers might not see e-scooters well in the rain, so ride defensively and stay aware of people around you.

Electrical Damage

• When water gets into the electrical parts, it can cause several problems, whether it’s small glitches, serious damage, and expensive fixes or replacements.
• Riders should stay away from deep water or puddles to keep the scooter’s electronics safe.
• Keep your scooter lasting longer and avoid water problems by drying it and checking electrical parts regularly.

Slippery Surfaces

• Rainwater mixed with oil and dirt can make surfaces very slippery. Riders need to expect this and adjust how they ride to stay safe.
• When raining, you have to watch out for wet leaves, painted lines, and metal surfaces like manhole covers. The reason is that they get super slippery in wet conditions.
• You have to keep the tires in good shape by checking the tread and air pressure. This helps you grip better and avoid sliding on slippery roads.

Braking Problems

• When brakes are wet, they might take longer to work or have less grip. So, use brake earlier and gently to avoid sudden skids or losing control.
• Anti-lock brakes (ABS) can make wet braking safer by adjusting brake force to stop wheels from locking, which improves stopping in the rain.
• Riders should always practice braking in the rait to get used to how your e-scooter handles. Also, it is important to brake safely when necessary.

So, the above-mentioned risks highlight the importance of taking precautions and thinking about other ways to get around safely in the rain.

6 Tips to Ride Electric Scooter In the Rain

Let us give you some additional tips for riding an e-scooter in such weather. These below-mentioned points will help you for sure:

1. E-scooters need bright lights for light rain visibility. They should have non-slip decks and fenders to keep riders dry and safe from slipping. 
2. Remember that scooters with air-filled tires can handle rain better if you lower the tire pressure a bit for more grip. But, you should watch out for flats, especially in rainy conditions where sharp objects are harder to see.
3. Now, look for a braking system. They are crucial to have a nice ride in the rain. Better brakes help you stop safely, especially in emergencies. Nowadays, many brands have great brakes for tough conditions. They don’t lock up on slippery roads.
4. Adult e-scooters are fast but don’t protect the rider well. So, it’s important to drive carefully and defensively. Also, you should avoid riding in bad conditions that make it unsafe.
5. Water-resistant e-scooters are okay with small puddles. But, you should avoid riding in floods or deep water. It’s very dangerous and can damage scooters not made for water submersion.
6. Also, riding a heavy rain can harm the battery and motor, which leads to sudden shutdowns. So, try avoiding it.

All in all, you should always be cautious when riding in anything beyond light rain. Even water-resistant e-scooters can get damaged over time from moisture. Apart from that, wet roads can also affect stopping distance, even for experienced riders. If still you want to ride, check your scooter, wear a helmet, and prioritize safety for yourself and others.

If it seems risky, don’t go then or use a different way to get around.

5 Electric Scooter Maintenance Tips for Post-Rainy Rides

If you have to ride in the rain, do some basic maintenance afterward to keep your e-scooter well-maintained. Riders should spend some time cleaning and completely drying their scooter after each wet ride. Also, don’t ever fold your scooter right after riding in the rain because water could get into the electrical components.

So, should you ride e-scooters in the rainy weather? It’s safest to avoid heavy rain and be cautious for your safety and your scooter’s lifespan.

But, if you have to ride, these tips can help you both keep going.

The Final Thought

That’s it, riding an electric scooter in the rain is possible if you’re careful and well-prepared. When you know the risks, being proactive, and choose the right scooter (designed for wet weather), you’re all set to go. These are very important to have a safe and fun ride.

It is absolutely true that rain makes riding tricky with less traction and possible water damage. However, today’s e-scooters are designed to handle some wetness.

Please keep in mind that staying safe should always be the top priority. If the weather gets too hazardous or you don’t feel confident riding in the rain, think about other ways to get around until the weather clears up.

By being cautious and looking after an e-scooter, you can enjoy a reliable and eco-friendly ride, no matter what the weather is.