Can electric scooters be used in the rain?

It’s common knowledge that electricity and water don’t mix. So you might be asking: ‘Can I ride my electric scooter if it’s raining?’ 

Weather conditions, including rain, are major considerations when building an e-scooter, so many precautions have been taken to protect the rider.

In this article we’ll answer all your questions including:

• Are electric scooters waterproof?

• What happens when you ride an electric scooter in the rain?

• When should I avoid riding my electric scooter in the rain?

• What should I do if my electric scooter gets wet?

• What is the best electric scooter for wet weather?

Are electric scooters waterproof?

While most electric scooters aren’t completely waterproof, that doesn’t mean they’re not water resistant. Every manufacturer is supposed to specify an IP rating for their product so their riders know if the item is protected against solid and liquid particles.

What is an IP rating?

An IP (Ingress Protection) rating is an international standard used to define how effectively sealed the electrical enclosures are from dust, water, and tools. An IP rating has two numbers, so the higher the number the more protected the product is. The first digit represents intrusion protection, and the second digit represents moisture protection (eg. IP33). 0 or X is the lowest rating, while anything 5 or above represents good protection.

What IP ratings do electric scooters have?

The IP rating of electric scooters completely depends on the model of scooter, but over 50% of e-scooters on the market have no IP rating at all, meaning you definitely wouldn’t ride them in the rain. The Raine One electric scooter has an IP55 rating, which means it has good protection against dust that might harm equipment, and is protected against low-pressure jets of water from any angle. This e-scooter is fine to ride in light to medium rain, but you probably wouldn’t want to ride it in a storm - more to keep yourself dry.

That being said, many electric scooter companies specifically tell riders to either be extra careful, or don’t ride at all in wet weather due to the more difficult conditions.

What happens when you ride an electric scooter in the rain?

Different electric scooters will act differently in the rain, and their behavior is largely dependent on the quality of your electric scooter. Electric scooters that have low IP ratings or no IP ratings should be stored away if it’s wet outside as they have little to no protection from water damage. 

Another thing to take into consideration is how well your e-scooter is able to perform in wet conditions. When you drive a car you intuitively change your driving style to suit the conditions. For example, you drive differently in the dark or when the road is wet, so the same thing should apply when you ride an electric scooter.

Make sure you ride to suit the changing weather conditions. When the conditions are wet and slippery, it’s safer to ride at a slower speed, take corners gently, and look out for any potholes or bumps in the road. If you do plan to ride your e-scooter in the rain, make sure you’re also wearing appropriate clothing to keep yourself dry. 

When should I avoid riding my electric scooter in the rain?

There are definitely times when you shouldn’t ride your electric scooter. Here are a few examples:

Low visibility 

While a light sprinkle is unlikely to do you any harm, it can be dangerous to ride an electric scooter during a torrential downpour. While a scooter with a good IP rating won’t be impacted, it doesn’t assist with visibility, so when it's raining heavily, it will be more difficult for riders to see ahead. Ultimately, riding in low visibility increases your chances of having an accident, even if your e-scooter is equipped with a sophisticated lighting system.

Heavy rain

When rain hits the ground it’s absorbed by the ground, but when a lot of rainwater hits at once, it’s possible for flash flooding from overflowing rivers and streams to occur. You should never ride your electric scooter in these conditions as this could permanently damage your e-scooter if it becomes fully submerged. Not to mention that your safety could also be severely compromised, and you might end up stuck far from your home.

Freezing rain

If the temperature is below freezing and it’s raining, then you definitely shouldn’t be riding your electric scooter. Riding in these conditions can cause the battery and motor to overwork, and can affect the longevity of both. Your tyres will also have less grip, which could put you at risk of falling off. 

What should I do if my electric scooter gets wet?

Even if your e-scooter is water resistant, water and moisture should be avoided, especially if you want your e-scooter to last for many years. Here are a few tips to keep your electric scooter in good condition if it gets wet.

Cover your electric scooter

Keep your electric scooter in a dry place and use a water resistant cover. This will safeguard your e-scooter from dampness and humid conditions. Choose a cover that is made from good quality materials, such as light and portable polyester. A good cover can accelerate the evaporation of moisture if it has been out in the rain to prevent long-term damage. 

Perform regular maintenance

It’s important to check your electric scooter for corrosion as this can drain your battery power and shorten its lifespan. To do this you’ll need some tools and basic DIY skills. You want to check for corrosion on wires, corrosion in the battery case, and corrosion on batteries. 

If you don’t have access to a workshop, then you’ll need to take your bike to a repair shop or a professional who knows a lot about electric scooters. 

What is the best electric scooter for wet weather?

The Raine One is an excellent electric scooter with an IP55 rating. It’s well protected from dust and moisture so you won’t have to worry about it getting wet. We don’t recommend riding it in dangerous weather for your own safety. If you do have limited visibility, the Raine One has LED night vision lights which will help guide you to your destination.