Last Updated on February 4, 2022 by Markeyus Franks
You can use an electric scooter in the rain, but most companies don’t recommend it. It also depends on what type of scooter is purchased and how much rain is expected.
Whether you use them as a toy or for more serious transport, electric scooters are fun machines to ride on.
Like any electrical device though, you need to be careful when using them under wet conditions. Electrical and electronic devices don’t mix well with water and you can get shorts or corrosion occurring if water gets inside your scooter. Here are some things to think about, along with a few ways to help protect your scooter in bad weather.
What will happen if your electric scooter gets rained on?
The majority of electric scooters come with an IP54 water-resistance rating. This means that light rain won’t
harm most scooters on the market unless they are poorly made. You should wipe them off as soon
as possible to prevent corrosion and moisture seepage issues.
For more robustly made scooters you should be able to ride them in heavier rain, but make sure that you
avoid puddles or flowing water. Riding through these areas will cause water to splash onto parts of the
underside of the scooter where it may find its way into the interior. This will expose the electronic
components to moisture and cause electrical shorts and corrosion.
Riding any electrical scooter in torrential rain should be avoided at all costs. The risk of water entering the
interior goes up dramatically in these situations, along with other safety risks. Extreme rain will reduce the
traction of the scooter tires and increase the risk of an accident.
Extreme rain will also create visibility issues for you and everyone around you which increases the risk of an accident occurring.
Riding in foggy conditions should be avoided to prevent air with a high moisture content from invading the
interior of the scooter. Fog also introduces visibility problems that can put your safety and the safety of
others at risk.
You should be cautious in how you use the scooter when its surface is wet. A wet surface is a slick and
slippery surface that will provide a poor grip for your hands and feet. This can make it hard to stay mounted
on the scooter when riding over bumpy terrain. Whether riding in wet or dry conditions you should make
sure that you have footwear with a good grip and some basic safety gear, such as a helmet and heavy
clothing that will protect you if you have an accident.
You should also avoid leaving your scooter outside overnight. Morning dew and fog can cause issues with
the electrical components of the scooter, and encourage corrosion. Since the scooter is fairly compact it is
easy to store inside, and there’s no reason not to do so. Obviously, leaving it outside will also encourage
thieves to take ownership of your expensive scooter.
If your scooter is rated as “water-resistant” or “splash resistant” then bear in mind that this doesn’t mean that
it’s waterproof. This just means that it can stand up to light rains or other light moisture conditions. If your
scooter becomes immersed in water then water will still find its way inside due to imperfections in the way it
is sealed. You should also avoid washing it with a high-pressure washer for this reason.
Can you get shocked by riding your electric scooter in the rain?
It’s fairly unlikely that you would encounter a situation where the electricity stored in your scooter gives. you a shock, even if the scooter gets extremely wet. The batteries tend to be well-sealed and the electrical output of the scooter is only around 24 to 36 volts for most scooters. The switches for the scooter controls only carry enough current to control the scooter. They don’t carry the full charge used to power it.
How to waterproof your electric scooter.
Completely waterproofing a scooter is probably impractical, but there are things that you can do to improve its water resistance. These shouldn’t be a replacement for the basic common-sense approach of not taking your scooter out in extreme weather conditions though.
One quick option is to wrap the scooter in plastic sheeting, such as that used for sealing food containers.
This may be a good emergency measure if you need to take your scooter out in wet conditions and you are
not sure how it will handle them. Another quick emergency option is to coat the seams with water-resistant
petroleum jelly.
This might have an adverse reaction when used with some finishes though.
Another option is to use silicone sealant to seal up the seams where the covers that seal the electrical
components attach to the scooter.
You should clean the area you are sealing first and allow it to dry off
before applying the silicone. Avoid overdoing this, as the device will still need to be serviced.
Plastic electrical tape or duct tape can also be used on the cover seems to make them a bit more water-resistant. This is probably a better alternative than silicone in most cases, as it is easier to remove if needed.
The Meaning of IP Ratings
An IP rating is the rating given to products indicating the level of water it can withstand or resist.
- IP 54 – Limited protection. Scooter can endure light splashes from any direction.
- IP 55 – Limited protection. Scooter can endure some off-road terrain and puddles.
- IP56- Limited protection. Scooter can go off road, endure puddles and light rain, and moderate water ways.
- IP65- Scooters can be driven on all terrains, endure puddles and constant rain.
- IP66- Full protection. Scooter can be driven on all terrains, endure any puddle, heavy rain, and strong water ways.
- IP67- Full protection. Scooter can be driven on all terrains, endure heavy rain, and be immersed in water.
- Most scooters will come with a rating of IP 54 which can withstand some water, so going joy riding in the rain is not advisable.
Best waterproof scooters to buy
If you want a scooter with better than average water resistance then here are a few choices for you to
consider. These scooters are presented in three different price brackets to suit different budgets.
1. Segway Ninebot MAX Electric Scooter
The Segway Ninebot MAX has an IPX5 water resistance rating, which is well above the average. It also boasts a powerful 350-watt motor, a top speed of 18.6 mph, a maximum travel distance of up to 40 miles, and a
max load of 220 lbs. This is a great small scooter for shorter trips.
The price of the scooter is around $840.
2. Qiewa Q1 Hummer Electric Scooter
The Qiewa Q1 Hummer is rated at IP65 water resistance which makes it a great scooter for use in wetter conditions. It comes with an 800-watt motor, a maximum drive distance of 65 miles, and a maximum driving
speed of 37 MPH. Its battery is a 26Ah 5C 18650 lithium battery.
The price of the scooter is around $1,399.
3. Maxx Outstorm Electric Scooter
The Maxx Outstorm has a high degree of water resistance and a robust design. The Outstorm also features twin motors with a combined 3200 watts of power, a top speed of 56 mph, a travel distance of 67 miles, and it recharges to full in as little as 9 hours. The price of the scooter is around $1,998.
If you find yourself asking “Can you use an electric scooter in the rain?” then the answer is usually yes for light to medium rain, but you should be cautious of cheaper and more poorly made scooters. Most scooters are designed to handle rain and other weather issues to a reasonable degree, although some are far better at it than others. Taking some additional measures to protect your expensive scooter from waterlogging and moisture issues is smart though if you want it to last as long as possible. So put the suggestions mentioned here to use and you should get a lot of usage and enjoyment from your electric scooter.
FAQ
- Can you ride the M365 E Scooter in the rain? It is not advisable to ride the m365 scooter in the rain. This scooter can endure very light rain and minor puddles. If you have to ride in the rain make sure you purchase a cover for the electronic display.
- Can you ride a Swagtron Scooter in the rain? With an IPX4 rating you should not have any problems riding this scooter in light to moderate rain, but stay away from heavy rain and deep puddles.
- Can a Razor E scooter get wet? You can ride a razor E-scooter in light rain, but razor recommends avoiding wet environments. Heavy rain, very humid environments, and moisture can damage your e-scooter. If you ride your scooter more than often, make sure you bring a rain cover to protect it.
- Can You ride Segway Scooters in the rain? Segway scooters are water resistant (IPX4) therefore can be ridden in light to moderate rain. Also, Segways tires have a firm grip and typically do well on dry and wet surfaces.
