If you have asked yourself such a question as, can you ride electric scooters in the rain, most likely, you are now standing in front of your monitor or smartphone screen with a cup of coffee while the elements are raging outside your window. Although, among you, there will probably be vigilant citizens who ask themselves this question in advance. But I’m still betting on the former.
Well, this question torments many, even experienced riders. And there is enough controversy around this topic, although there are quite obvious factors in favor of “yes” or “no”. In this article, I want to address 3 main points related to the topic at hand, namely, understanding the value of IP rating before risk assessment and making assumptions about when you definitely can and definitely shouldn’t ride an electric scooter in the rain. Depending on the model of your vehicle, the individual situation you’re in, and the actual degree of the calamity you’ve labeled “rain,” a decision will be made one way or another. Let’s go.
Are electric scooters waterproof?
There are models of electric scooters that are clearly labeled “waterproof”. But some simply have an IP rating, which explains just how water resistant the electric scooter is to certain weather conditions, which I’ll talk about in more detail in a moment. If neither the first nor the second is specified for your two-wheeled friend, you will probably have to accept that it is not designed for riding in the rain.
Degree of water protection
So, if everything is clear with the indication “waterproof” or complete absence of marking, we must understand the IP rating in detail. IP stands for Ingress Protection, and the numbers after the abbreviation represent resistance to hard objects and water.
Here is a table for clarity:
| Number | Resistance to Hard Objects (first) | Water Resistance (second) |
|---|---|---|
| 4 | Protection against hard objects larger than 1 mm | Protection against splashing water from all sides |
| 5 | Limited protection against dust | Protection against low-pressure water jets from any direction |
| 6 | Complete protection against dust | Protected against high-pressure water jets from any direction |
| 7 | – | Protected against short-term immersion in water |
| 8 | – | Capable of withstanding prolonged immersion in water |
So, the combination of these ratings determines the weather resistance of your electric scooter, and just by looking at the numbers, you can clearly answer whether or not you can ride your particular vehicle in the rain.
As you can see, if we’re talking about a full-blown downpour, you’ll need a rating of at least IP67.
Can you ride an electric scooter in the rain?
The fundamental question of whether you can ride an electric scooter in the rain requires research. It can’t be limited to a simple yes or no. So, what factors should you consider before embarking on a wet weather trip?
It all comes down to the fact that in addition to your own protection in the form of rubber boots and a deeply hooded raincoat, and the ability, as mentioned earlier, of your scooter to basically be in wet conditions, you need to keep safety in mind. Some of the basic requirements I can think of include:
- an anti-slip deck so you don’t fall off it when it gets slippery;
- sturdiness and grip of the wheels: the larger they are, the more reliable your movement on wet asphalt (we are not talking about country roads that turn into a swamp);
- fenders to keep mud and water from getting under your clothes and on the deck;
- and lighting. This is one of the most important things to consider, as visibility drops dramatically during heavy rain, and a regular flashlight on a helmet or scooter simply won’t be seen by other drivers. Make sure your flashlight is shining brightly enough, drive at a limited speed, and avoid dangerous areas. As we know, it’s better to be five minutes late.
Is it dangerous to ride in the rain?
When you’ve considered all these factors together, aren’t afraid to get wet, and are confident in the integrity of your electric scooter after your ride, feel free to put on your raincoat. I can be confident about riding an electric scooter in the rain.
But remember, yes, it is dangerous. Keep your common sense.
In what weather should you definitely not ride an electric scooter?
While electric scooters are versatile companions, some weather conditions require caution and restraint, and you should generally avoid riding an electric scooter even if you have followed all the rules. There are examples of situations where an electric scooter should be kept sheltered. I include heavy rain or thunderstorms, freezing rain or snow (icing), limited visibility due to fog or haze, high winds, and extreme heat.
Never ignore warnings about adverse weather conditions; remember that safety should always be the top priority when riding an electric scooter.
