Can You Use an Electric Bike in the Rain?

You can use an e-bike in the rain, provided you take the necessary precautions while riding. The battery and motor are sealed, but that doesn’t mean rainwater won’t affect your bike or its fenders at all. Even riding through a shallow puddle can cause damage. Some parts cannot handle total immersion since they can corrode when they come in contact with rainwater.

According to the International Electrotechnical Commission, e-bikes with a rating lower than IP55 should not be ridden in rainy conditions. You can ride your bike in a light shower, but riding it in torrential rain is not a good idea. If you get frequent rains, invest in a bike with an IP rating of 66 or more (more on this later).

The Dos and Don’ts of Riding an E-Bike in the Rain

If you have no choice but to ride your ebike in wet weather, here are some dos and don’t you should keep in mind while on a wet road:

Don’t Ride in Deep Water

Many ebikes are water-resistant, but to an extent – most can withstand moisture but should be dried as soon as possible. So if cyclists see a deep puddle in the middle of the road or encounter floodwater on their way during a downpour, they should try to avoid it. If there is no way around it, turn off all electrical components of the bike before taking it through the puddle manually.

Don’t Forget Cycling Glasses

If it is raining cats and dogs outside, or you are caught in a rainshower, you won’t be able to see much. Keep a pair of cycling glasses with you, so your vision doesn’t get waterlogged. The glasses will also keep mud and grit from your eyes. Choose a pair that has tinted yellow glass that can provide contrast in low visibility and improve your vision.

Don’t Turn on the Power

During heavy storms, you may have to walk your ebike through deep puddles more often than you realize, especially if you are riding on a rough road. Unfortunately, you cannot know if rainwater seeps into the bike’s electrical components, such as the motor and battery casing. Just to be safe, turn on the power only when the bike is completely dry. Otherwise, it may short-circuit, and your headlight may be the first thing to go. Yes, this may mean you will have to rely on your own legs rather than pedal-assist, or you may have to wheel your electric bicycle back home.

Don’t Store it in Wet Conditions

After completing a rainy ride, make sure you store your bike in a dry place and don’t leave it anywhere where it may be submerged. If that happens, water will get into the bike and ruin it. While the components will dry out in time, it may be too late by then, even if you use a clean rag to dry your bike quickly.

Don’t Charge the Battery If the Bike is Wet

The battery is sealed inside your bike’s frame and has a charging jack attached. But even though it is covered, charging your bike before it is dry is not a good idea. You may short-circuit it, and a new one doesn’t come cheap.

Do Practice Caution

Whether you are riding on gravel or smooth pavement, you are at high risk of getting into an accident when biking during rainfall. The visibility is significantly low, and road conditions are poor during this time, so you can easily miss obstacles. Here are some precautions you should take to prevent injuries and accidents:

Take Time to Brake

The friction between the tyre and wet road will be reduced during heavy storms, and you can also slip on wet leaves. So use rim brakes early when it is wet, and you find yourself in a hazardous situation. This way, your bike won’t skid if you go 15 mph or higher, and you can stop yourself from flying over the handlebars.

Don’t Angle

Try not to lean when you are going around a corner or when you are riding up a slope. During heavy rain, your aim should be to keep your tires in contact with the road as much as possible without providing additional power.

Avoid Potholes and Metal Tracks

These can make your riding experience treacherous when they get wet, so avoid them if you are riding in wet conditions. Also, keep an eye out for wet leaves, mud and anything else that can make you skid out of control.

Check the Tyre Pressure

During rainy weather, keep tire pressure low to medium to ensure it has as much traction as possible on the wet road and adjust it as per the load you are carrying. Keep a pump in your backpack just to be safe.

Pack Safety Gear

Whether you are riding in cold weather or wet weather, keep extra items in your bag to remain safe on the wet road. This includes waterproof shoes and extra bright clothing. Plus, wear a bright helmet to increase your visibility if it rains heavily.

Do Clean And Lube Your Bike

If you frequently ride during the wet time of year, make sure you clean, dry and wet lube your bike before storing it after every ebike ride. A little bit of TLC will ensure your ebike lasts for years. This won’t take much time and will be worth the effort. Wipe down the bike and check your bike chain.

Clean and lube it, so your gears don’t slip. Also, take a look at the battery contact points. Take the battery out, wipe it down if it has gotten grungy, and clean the contact points with a special cleaner.

Do Use Bike Fenders

Fenders shield your electric bike and its electrical components from splashes. Besides stagnant water from puddles, these can also protect you and your bike from flying gravel or debris.

Do Plan a Safe Route

Before heading out on your bike, check the weather and plan a safe route if it rains heavily. So, for instance, if you usually take rides on cracked with loose stone, avoid those and choose smoother trails. Besides keeping you safe, this simple rule will also protect your bike from loose debris that you may not be able to see in time.

Do Keep Your eBike Covered While Traveling

If you are taking your mountain dirt bike to a campsite or a fair distance to a biking trail, make sure it is covered, especially if it is going to rain. The last thing you need is a wet and malfunctioning bike when you reach your destination. Invest in a thick tarp or bike cover to protect it against the rain. Remove the battery and keep it with you just to be safe.

Determining your eBike’s Water Resistance

The International Protection code (IP code) determines the protection level of a vehicle based on its water, dust resistance and contact intrusion. So your electric bike’s IP rating will show how much it is protected against liquids and solids, which will come in handy if you plan on riding during a rainy day.

The first number of IP ratings shows the protection level against solids and the second one against liquids or moisture such as rainwater. So an ebike with a 66 IP rating shows that it has equal protection against solids and liquids. The number will tell how much water and rain your vehicle can handle.

You can find out the rating for your bike from the manufacturer or from the sales representative you deal with. Here is a useful resource you can use to determine the rating yourself. The bottom line is that high IP ratings mean better protection, so bikes with this rating can be ridden during rainstorms without sustaining damage, provided they are wiped down and lubed after each ride.

What You Should Do if your eBike is Submerged

Even if your ebike has a high IP rating, that doesn’t mean you should ride it straight into a deep puddle or try to cross floodwaters. If your bike gets into a lake, stream or deep water, it can short circuit leaving you high and dry (no pun intended). Take the following measures to prevent this from happening:

• Turn off the power to your bike and wait for it to dry after wiping it down.
• Disconnect the battery and place it in a warm, dry spot for at least 24 hours.
• Remove the casing over the controller (if detachable), so the electrical parts can dry off quickly.

If the damage is extensive and you think you will get electrocuted, take the bike to a service to get it fixed. Follow these tips to salvage an ebike submerged or out in the rain for hours without protection.

Final Thoughts

If you ride regularly, chances are that a little rain doesn’t make you change your plans. But remember, an electric bike is only as good as its upkeep. Follow the cleaning and maintenance tips and keep the dos and don’ts mentioned in our guide in mind to ensure your bike can give you years of fun.

If you are searching for new or used ebikes or electric dirt bikes, take a look at the extensive inventory at Westshore Marine & Leisure. We have a wide selection of brands that can meet your biking needs, and we also offer financing options so you can get your bike fast. We are located north of Winnipeg, Manitoba and are a family-owned business.

Westshore Marine & Leisure is constantly ranked as the best Polaris and Yamaha dealers in Manitoba, along with several other notable brands that are popular with adrenaline junkies. Get in touch with us for a consultation regarding your next ride.