Many people wonder whether their electric scooters are waterproof, leading them to find different ways to protect their e-scooters from water exposure by applying waterproofing spray, conformal coating, and a silicone solution.
But the question is, will these things work? If so, then how do you make your electric scooter waterproof?
To make your electric scooter waterproof:
- Apply dielectric grease to the components to keep moisture and air out.
- Use Teflon tape to wrap all the vulnerable parts except the LED indicators.
- Consider using waterproof battery bags and components coated with waterproofing spray for extra protection.
Are Water Resistance And Waterproof the Same?
Most of the best electric scooters have good water resistance ratings but are not fully waterproof. Waterproof and water resistant are two terms often used interchangeably, with some significant differences.
Water resistance means resisting water penetration to a certain level but not fully waterproof. However, waterproof means complete protection against water penetration, no matter how long the electric scooter is submerged or exposed to water.
In simple terms, A waterproof electric scooter does not let any water in and will withstand the weather. In contrast, a water-resistant electric scooter is not fully waterproof and has limited protection against water.
How To Know Your Electric Scooter Waterproof Rating?
The IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) developed an ingress protection rating, the IP rating. An international standard rating for electric scooters determines which grade an enclosure’s resistance to the intrusion of dust or liquids.
IP ratings define how well electric scooter components are protected from external objects such as dust and liquid. They also show the worst riding conditions that the scooter can withstand before it is affected by external elements.
IP ratings are mentioned in two-digit numbers, such as IP 54 or IP 66. The first digit in the rating indicates the degree of protection from solids such as dust particles. The second digit indicates the degree of protection against liquids such as water or external chemicals.
IP rating above three already shows that the e-scooter is water-resistant. A rating of 4 is decent enough to ride the scooter in light rain, whereas 5 and above is effectively waterproof but not entirely.
| IP Rating | Electric Scooter Riding Conditions |
| None | Possibly some water resistance, but not guaranteed; not advisable for wet conditions |
| IPX4 | Wet ground, mist/fog; light, infrequent rain |
| IPX5 | Light, constant rain, puddles |
| IPX6 | Heavy rain, light immersion |
| IP54 | Wet ground, mist/fogLight, infrequent rain |
| IP55 | Occasional off-roading; puddles, light, constant rain |
| IP65 | Puddles, light, constant rain |
| IP66 | Heavy rain, light immersion |
| IP67 | Heavy, constant rain, some immersion |
Remember that all electric scooters are not fully waterproof, so prolonged damp, humid conditions will likely affect their performance, especially in the battery compartment.
Avoid leaving your electric scooter in such conditions. Park or store it in a dry and dark place. Have a microfiber cloth to wipe down your scooter after riding it in rain or wet roads.
How To Make Your Electric Scooter Waterproof?
To waterproof your electric scooter, apply a Teflon coating or tape after you secure the battery in a lithium explosion-proof bag and fire blanket. Ensure that you leave the ends of the top and bottom of the battery for proper ventilation. Apply some Teflon tap around the blanket and body of the battery for extra protection against any liquid.
Ensure the wirings are stuck out the right end, and place the waterproof bag inside the scooter’s body. After that, connect the battery and cover it with a sheet of plastic film.
Spray Teflon coating over the battery cover after you put screws and fix them in place. You could also put sandpaper or scotch tape for an aesthetic look and extra waterproofing.
Open the wheels to access the motors. Spray Teflon over motor internals such as electronics, wires, and magnets. Replace bearings with the 2RS variant (dual seal), apply some grease, assemble, and wipe excess grease.
We use Teflon spray because it can hold for a very long time or at least until you don’t disassemble your scooter.
There are different ways to waterproof your electric scooter. Still, before you make any DIY modifications to your e-scooter, you must understand that the manufacturer has already provided protection against water and dust.
Be sure to check the manual for the manufacturer’s guidelines regarding waterproofing. Your scooter’s higher IP rating indicates how much dust and water penetration it handles. However, IP ratings only indicate the level of protection carried out under specific test conditions.
Even premium electric scooters with a high IP rating are not fully waterproof and can be vulnerable to riding in heavy rain. Let’s discuss in more depth how you can waterproof your electric scooter.
Tips For Waterproofing Your Electric Scooter
Apply A Silicon Sleant to Vulnerable Parts
Applying silicon silicone spray sealants creates extra waterproof protection around vulnerable areas of your electric scooter.
Before applying sealant, ensure the scooter is powered off and disconnect from any power source. Check your electric scooter for gaps, loose connections, or exposed wiring.
To apply the silicone sealant to your electric scooter, follow these steps.
- Carefully apply the silicone spray solution to vulnerable areas such as the battery, compartment, cockpit control, and battery charging port.
- Be sure to apply spray to any small openings to prevent even the most minor water droplets from entering.
- To check if a small hole is non-functional, raise your electric scooter wheels off the ground, then press the throttle to check if air is coming in or out of the hole.
- Wait for a few hours to dry the sealant before riding your scooter.
Apply Slecont Based Coating Silicone-Based Conformal Coating
You can also use different types of coating designed to protect your electric scooter’s printed circuit board (PCB) and other electronic components.
Use a thin protective coating film called conformal because it takes the shape of components you wrap around. It is specially designed for waterproof electronics against moisture, dust, and other contaminants. This coating also protects against thermal shock, static, and vibration.
Silicone Resin coatings have high-level moisture protection across a wide temperature range. They are commonly used in high-humidity environments.
To apply the conformal coating to your electric scooter, follow these steps:
- Check if your e-scooter is powered off and disconnected from any power sources.
- Clean the surfaces of the PCB and its components using a mild cleaner or isopropyl alcohol. The motive is to remove contaminants such as dirt, dust, or oils that could prevent the conformal coating from making a secure bond.
- Choose a well-ventilated area to stop breathing in potentially harmful fumes in your lungs.
- Shake the coating bottle to ensure the contents are properly mixed before applying.
- Slowly apply a thin, even layer of silicone sealant without pouring excessive drips.
- Avoid coating connectors, switches, or other components in direct contact with electricity.
- After coating, leave the scooter in a clean and dust-free environment for two to three hours until it is completely dried.
- Once the coating is completely dry, check for any spots that are missing for recoating.
- Now, reassemble your scooter and make sure all connections are secure and proper insulation is maintained.
Note: You should only apply a conformal coating if you have good knowledge of electronics and are familiar with your electric scooter layout. It’s always recommended to check the scooter manual before doing any modifications. You can also seek advice and help from a qualified electrical technician.
Apply Dielectric Grease to Connectors
Another option is to apply dielectric grease to the metal parts of any exposed electrical connections. It helps to protect the metal from contamination and corrosion.
Dielectric grease does not conduct electricity, which prevents short circuits from liquids. Dielectric grease is available in the fluid form of electrical insulation squeezed from a tube. This grease is mainly used in electrical systems to stop moisture from entering.
Use O-Rings Around Non-Sealed Screw Holes
Water can easily penetrate and go into any unsealed holes left for screws, cables, or wires. These holes are made for unsealed screws and for screws into which cable and wire are inserted.
This will protect the internals and ensure they don’t enter the water, which prevents short circuits and corrosion. Use water-resistant O-rings that are the correct size so that they can precisely fit in the grooves.
Now that you have fitted the O rings, you need to maintain them. Use a soft microfiber cloth with a mild detergent to keep the O-rings and covering areas clean.
You can also apply a layer of silicon-based lubricant to maintain a snug fit. Regularly check for wear or deterioration, and if found, replace it with a new one.
Apply Grease On The Motor Wheel Axle
You can grease the motor wheel axle using thick grease so no moisture goes inside the motor. Add this process to your maintenance checklist. It is so simple, but most riders completely ignore it. Tighten the motor screws and grease the motor’s wheel axles completely every 1000 km to ensure smooth riding.
Most electric scooters need to be maintained according to the manufacturer’s guidelines. Otherwise, they are excluded from the guarantee.