Picture this - you use your electric scooter as a daily driver for your commute. But you wake up for work one day and look outside to see it's pouring. This leads you to ask one of the most common questions riders have: can electric scooters be used in the rain?
This is a hotly debated topic, and you'll find varying answers online. That's because the answer isn't so simple. All sorts of factors affect whether or not you can safely ride electric scooters in the rain. That's why today we're going to put this topic to rest. We'll cover everything you need to know, including scooter types, weather conditions, and safety concerns.
Don't call up that Uber just yet - let's take a look at the main concerns you should take note of when it comes to riding an electric scooter in the rain.
Before we can tell you definitively "yes - you can ride your electric scooter in the rain" or "no - avoid wet conditions", we need to discuss why this topic is so hotly debated. There are many variables at play. First and foremost, electric scooters are not always waterproof. To avoid damage to your scooter, you need to understand if the internal components are protected.
Secondly, we need to define "rain" - are you dealing with a full-blown downpour or just some light rain? And will you be riding on the pavement or on a dirt road through the park? Let's discuss.
Not all electric scooters are created equal. The type of electric scooter you own will play the biggest role in whether you can safely venture out into wet conditions or not. We'll talk about IP ratings more in-depth shortly, but this is something you need to take into account.
You also need to consider other aspects of your scooter that could be compromised in wet conditions, such as your tires or lighting. Here at CycleBoard, we're passionate about safety and stability. Even if your scooter has a waterproof IP rating, you may want to keep it in the garage if your visibility is limited or your tires are slick.
Of course, another huge variable is the actual conditions outside. Rain is subjective - are you dealing with a light drizzle or a hurricane?
Use your best judgment. If a light drizzle is all that stands in your way, you are likely safe to venture out. But, even if your scooter can handle some water, do you really want to ride in miserable conditions? You may be better off calling up an Uber when mother nature shows her fury with an outright downpour of heavy rain - or worse, freezing rain!
Now you know the different variables at play here. So, we're finally ready to help you determine whether or not you can ride your electric scooter in the rain. It mostly comes down to how well equipped your scooter is for wet weather. But even if you're riding water-resistant electric scooters, you have to weigh the conditions, too. Let's start with a quick explanation of IP Ratings.
IP - also known as ingress protection - speaks to the degree to which your electric scooter's internal parts are protected from things like dust and water. While you may not have considered this rating when shopping for your electric scooter, it is incredibly important.
The last thing you want to do is ride your scooter through dusty or rainy conditions and damage the important internal parts. So, you should do your due diligence into how protected your electric scooter Here are the different IP ratings you may come across on your device:
Now that you know the different IP Ratings, it's just a matter of looking up your specific electric scooter. Most quality waterproof electric scooters feature an IP 65 rating to protect from low-pressure water jets from any direction. This would imply that yes - you can ride your electric scooter in the rain. A nice bonus is that it also means cleaning your scooter is easy - it can withstand blasts from a hose!
But, even lower IP ratings like IP 56, IP 55, and IP 54 may still be ridden in wet conditions. You just have to carefully assess the conditions themselves. Your scooter will be perfectly safe in light rain. You can even cruise through a few shallow puddles without much worry. However, you should avoid riding through super heavy rain and deep puddles.
Are you struggling to find an IP Rating for your scooter? Most electric scooters have one, but not all. If this information isn't made readily available by your scooter manufacturers, it's a red flag. Your scooter likely has no protection from water, and should not be taken out in even light rain. You not only risk damaging the electric scooter itself by riding in the rain. You also run the risk of dealing with an electric shock.
Ok, so your electric scooter is technically rated for rain - does this mean you're safe to head out in a storm? Not necessarily. You also have to consider visibility. If you are struggling to see more than a few feet in front of you, riding your electric scooter is still considered dangerous, and we'd advise against it.
These conditions not only create the risk of you crashing into something or someone. They also create the risk of cars not seeing you on the scooter. Visibility is an important factor that you have to take into account. Ideally, your electric scooter has lights on it. These lights should be bright enough to be seen in the rain.
You also need to think about how stable you'll be on the board of your electric scooter in the rain. If you went with the best electric scooter possible, this probably won't be a concern.
Take the CycleBoard Rover, for example. This electric scooter features an oversized deck that grants you all the standing room you need. But more importantly, it's equipped with a non-slip grip tape surface for superior foot traction. This will keep you from slipping off at high rates of speed - which, as you can imagine, is very dangerous.
When we talk about the traction of your electric scooter, we also have to discuss the traction your wheels provide. Some waterproof electric scooters don't come with all-terrain wheels. In the right (or perhaps, wrong) conditions, this could lead to hydroplaning your scooter and losing control.
Ideally, you would only head out on your electric scooter in the rain if it's equipped with large, all-terrain pneumatic tires. These not only provide a softer ride. They provide a superior grip and traction on mixed terrain and wet surfaces.
We've talked all about the different factors you need to consider before taking your electric scooter out in the rain. We want to wrap things up and leave you with a few closing thoughts.
If you have a waterproof electric scooter - or at least one with the proper IP rating - and it satisfies the other criteria we've laid out, then yes - you can ride your electric scooter in the rain.
If you're running late for work and the electric scooter is your only option, you can safely do so. Just exercise extreme caution while riding. Wear highly visible clothing, wear the proper safety equipment (helmet), and ride defensively. No fast accelerations, no quick turns.
But, if you have an alternative mode of transportation, and the conditions are more than just light rain, we encourage you to avoid riding your electric scooter. Why venture out in freezing rain if you don't have to? Take the bus, call a friend/Uber, or drive your car. It's simply not worth the risk if you aren't feeling confident in your ability to traverse the conditions.
Can electric scooters be used in the rain? You now know that if you have the right electric scooter, and conditions aren't too severe, then yes - you can. In closing, though, it is up to you to use your best judgment. The more experience you gain in riding your electric scooter, the better understanding you'll have of when it's a good idea to leave the scooter parked in the garage.
Are you looking for an electric scooter that is up to the challenge on those wet days? Look no further than the all-terrain electric scooters by CycleBoard. Our entire catalog features an IP 65 rating. This means they're fully protected from dust along with low-pressure water jets from any direction. They also feature heavy-duty, all-terrain tires that perform well on wet pavement or bumpy dirt paths. No matter where your journey takes you, these electric scooters are up to the challenge.
With a CycleBoard, you can ride in confidence. We're passionate about safety and stability and have engineered our electric scooter lineup accordingly. And with Affirm, you can get your electric scooter today and pay later on - as low as $119 a month! Head over to the site and see for yourself what makes our water-resistant electric scooters so special.
