Riding your electric scooter in the summertime is a truly liberating experience, the wind in your hair, the sun on your face… You get the picture. Despite the positive unique experience riders get in perfect weather conditions, poor weather conditions are inevitable. Whether it be snow, sleet, or rain, you’re likely going to run into some kind of poor weather condition when riding your electric scooter, and when you do you might wonder “Is my electric scooter waterproof?”.
To answer your question, it’s highly unlikely that your electric scooter will be 100% waterproof. There are a lot of devices that are highly rated for water resistance like the newest iPhones or GoPro, but even those aren’t entirely impermeable to water. The same can be said for electric scooters, while yours might be highly rated against rain or the elements it’s unlikely that it’s completely waterproof. But does this mean you can still ride your scooter in the rain or elements? Let’s dive into this article to find out!
Understanding IP Ratings: The Key to Water Resistance:
First and foremost, to understand the water resistance of electric scooters, we need to talk about IP ratings. IP, or Ingress Protection ratings, are a standard that defines the level of protection an electronic device has against elements like dust and water. To see what your electric scooter's IP rating is simply check out the product specifications on the user's manual that came with your scooter or navigate to the website you bought it from and look under “Product Details”.
We recommend that all electric scooter riders know their scooter IP rating, whether they plan to ride it in the rain or not, knowing what your scooter is safe against will help you prolong the lifespan of your scooter. For more info on your electric scooter's IP rating be sure to check out our informative article on the topic here.
Deciphering IPX Codes:
Each IP rating has two numbers: the first indicates protection against solid objects (like dust), and the second against liquids (water). For instance, an IPX4 rating means the scooter is splash-resistant from all directions, while IPX7 signifies it can be submerged in water up to 1 meter deep for a short duration. Obviously, we don’t recommend submerging your scooter in any kind of liquid, no matter its depth, but accidents happen and having an IPX rating of 7 or higher could save you from some costly repairs or having to replace your scooter altogether.
Check out this chart to see what each of the IP ratings protects against and what this means for your electric scooter:
| IP Rating | Protection Against Liquids | Protection Against Solids |
|---|---|---|
| IPX0 | No protection | No protection |
| IPX1 | Withstands dripping water | Protective against large objects, not debris |
| IPX2 | Withstands a few water drops | Protective against finger-sized objects |
| IPX3 | Withstands light mist | Protective against sharp objects or wires |
| IPX4 | Withstands light raindrops | Protective against large bugs, screws, or wires |
| IPX5 | Withstands light to medium rain and mist | Protective against dust and debris in moderate quantities |
| IPX6 | Withstands medium to heavy rain and mist | Full protection against large quantities of dust and debris |
| IPX7 | Submergible up to 1 metre underwater without damage | Full protection against large quantities of dust and debris |
| IPX8 | Submergible up to 2 metres underwater without damage | Full protection against large quantities of dust and debris |
Please note that the IPX rating of your scooter changes every time you ride. Factors like flex, vibration, temperature, and external events affect this rating. Moisture and water will eventually enter your scooter, especially if you consistently ride in wet conditions. The purpose of this blog is to explain the IPX rating system, but please be aware of the risks associated with riding in wet conditions. These include financial and safety risks, so please ride cautiously.*
Waterproof vs. Water-Resistant: What's the Difference?
It's crucial to distinguish between 'waterproof' and 'water-resistant' when discussing electric scooters. A waterproof device can withstand being submerged in water to a certain depth, while a water-resistant one can only endure splashes or brief exposure to water. For the most part, electric scooters are NOT Waterproof, but they are Water Resistant.
Can You Ride E-Scooters in the Rain?
A common question among e-scooter enthusiasts is whether it's safe to ride in the rain. While the IP rating gives an idea of how much water your scooter can handle, riding in wet conditions brings its own set of challenges.
If your electric scooter has an IP rating of 5 or above you should be fine to ride in the rain, of course, the higher the rating the better, so if you look out your window and see some dark rain clouds brewing it might be best to just take an uber.
If your scooter is IP-rated at 5 or 6 then you can likely ride in light rain conditions without worry. If your scooter is rated IP 7 or 8 then you can probably handle some heavier downfall without causing harm to your scooter. It’s important to remember that the IP rating on your scooter deteriorates over time, if your scooter is old or if you ride it constantly then your scooter will be less protected from the elements than when you first got it.
Choosing the Right Scooter for Wet Conditions:
If you live in an area with frequent rain, selecting an electric scooter with a suitable IP rating is vital. Look for models that offer higher water resistance without compromising on safety and performance. We’ve put together a list of the 5 best electric scooters in Canada for defence against the rain:
| Electric Scooter | IP Rating | Top Speed | Top Range | Price (CAD) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Segway Max G2 | IPX7 | 35 KM/HR | 70KM | $1,399.99 | |
|
IPX7 | 40 KM/HR | 94KM | $1,499.00 | |
| Apollo City | IP66 | 51 KM/HR | 69KM | $2,099.00 | |
| Blutron One S | IP57 | 32 KM/HR | 40KM | $699.99 | |
| Ninebot Max G30P | IPX5 | 30 KM/HR | 65KM | $1,049.99 |
Maintenance and Care:
Even with a high IP rating, proper maintenance is key to keeping your electric scooter in top shape, especially if you frequently ride in wet conditions. Regular checks and cleaning can prevent long-term damage caused by water and moisture. It's also important to dry your scooter thoroughly after riding in the rain and to check all electrical connections and components for signs of water ingress.
Putting Safety First:
Safety should always be your top priority, especially when riding in wet conditions. Wet surfaces can be slippery, reducing your scooter's traction and braking efficiency. Always wear appropriate gear, reduce your speed, and give yourself extra time to stop. Be extra cautious around puddles, as they can hide potholes or other hazards.
While many electric scooters offer varying degrees of water resistance, it's rare to find completely waterproof models. Understanding the IP rating of your scooter can help you gauge how it will perform in wet conditions. Remember, safety and maintenance are paramount, especially when navigating through those rainy days.
Stay dry and ride safely, and don't let a little water dampen your electric scooter adventures!
At T-Dot Wheels we do not encourage unsafe riding practices or actions that may damage your scooter. Despite your IPX rating, electric scooters do not mix with water or moisture so it's in your best interest to only ride when it's dry out and to avoid over-exposing your scooter to liquids.*