Can electric bikes get wet?
I'm sure we've all been there: you're pedaling along on your electric bike, enjoying a beautiful day and feeling good about being environmentally responsible. And then you get caught in a sudden downpour. What now? Do your electronics get wet? If so, what should you do after riding through water? Here are some tips to help keep your e-bike safe and working properly no matter what the weather is like outside.
The short answer is yes, electric bikes can get wet.
The short answer is yes, electric bikes can get wet. But it isn’t recommended that you ride your e-bike in the rain. If you do ride in wet weather and are concerned with the electrical system getting wet, consider riding a traditional bike instead.
Electric bikes have excellent weather protection compared to other types of bicycles. The batteries and motors inside an electric bike are sealed from any water damage or moisture exposure because they are not exposed to the elements like a traditional combustion engine vehicle would be. However, even though there is no need for extra care when using an electric bicycle on rainy days, we recommend taking precautions in order to protect your investment!
Remember: if possible keep it dry!
Most newer electric bikes are designed to resist the elements, including rain (and even snow).
Most electric bikes are designed to resist the elements, including rain (and even snow). If you already have an electric bike and want to know if it can withstand wet weather, look for certain features that indicate waterproofing. You'll find them in the battery compartment and on other parts of the frame.
If your bike isn't waterproof yet, don't worry! There are many waterproof covers available for purchase through Amazon or your local bike shop. By simply attaching one of these covers over your entire bike while riding in wet conditions, you should be able to keep both yourself and your beloved ride safe from moisture damage.
The key is to avoid getting the actual battery pack wet.
The key is to avoid getting the actual battery pack wet: it’s a sealed unit, so water can’t get inside it. But if the bike gets wet and the battery pack is exposed to water on its outside, it may short out. That would be bad news for your e-bike and costly if you have to replace it—so make sure not to leave your e-bike out in the rain or keep it under a leaky roof!
If you do get caught in a downpour with your electric bike, try to dry off as much of the frame as possible before riding home. If you do plan on riding through rain or snow regularly, consider getting an extra battery and keeping one charged up for those rainy days!
A few modern electric bikes like the Specialized Turbo Vado SL have a fully integrated and sealed system that includes internal wiring and enclosed motor.
The Specialized Turbo Vado SL has a fully integrated and sealed system that includes internal wiring and enclosed motor.
The battery is fully encased in a waterproof housing, protecting it from rain, snow and submersion in water up to 1 m deep for up to 30 minutes.
The bike's design allows the motor to be used in all weather conditions (except when riding through salt water).
If you do find yourself getting caught in the rain or heading through a flooded area, look for signs of wear or damage immediately afterwards to make sure everything is still working correctly.
If you do find yourself getting caught in the rain or heading through a flooded area, look for signs of wear or damage immediately afterwards to make sure everything is still working correctly. You can also check with your local bike shop to see if they have any suggestions for cleaning up after getting wet.
If your battery has sustained damage, stop using it immediately and contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to get it repaired or replaced. If there are no signs of visible damage and the motor seems to be running fine, dry off as much water as possible before riding again.
If you get caught in the rain with your e-bike, dry it off and check it over as soon as possible.
If you get caught in the rain with your e-bike, dry it off and check it over as soon as possible.
The most important thing to avoid is getting the battery pack wet. The best way to do this is using a silicone case for the battery that you can buy separately or use an old sock and rubber band (not recommended) if you don't have one available.
Once you've gotten all of that handled, make sure to inspect your bike for any signs of damage or wear after riding in wet conditions. If you're not sure what these could be, take it to a bike shop and have someone take a look at it for you!
Conclusion
So if you get caught in the rain with your electric bike, don’t worry. Just make sure to dry it off and check it over as soon as possible to make sure everything is still working correctly.