Are e-bikes waterproof? If you’re an e-bike owner, you absolutely need to know whether you can use your bike in wet conditions. Here you will find everything you need to know to ride an electric bike in the rain without damaging “your precious”.
E-bikes vs. Water: Make or Break?
Even if some brands claim it, to date, there is no 100% waterproof electric bike. However, there are many electric bikes that are water-resistant. Waterproof, water-resistant, what is the difference? The duration of exposure to water.
A waterproof e-bike means that it is 100% impossible for water to enter the components. When you see an electric bike, you quickly understand that it is very complicated: there are cables that pass through several holes, there are suspensions, and there are sometimes vents on the motors… (You know it, especially if you have decided to build your electric bike yourself.) In short, making an electric bike truly waterproof is a real technical feat, but it doesn’t exist yet today.
On the other hand, we talk a lot about “water resistance” in the world of electric bikes. Water resistant means that everything is done to prevent water from entering, but it is not impossible for a little water to enter despite these precautions. A water-resistant electric bike can therefore perfectly handle rainwater or splashes, but it cannot be submerged because it is not waterproof. The nuance is there.
In summary, you can use your e-bike in the rain, and it may get wet during your ride, but you shouldn’t leave it outside in heavy rain or try to pass through streams with the bike entirely submerged (as some people do on mountain bikes, for example 😅).
In Which Cases Water Can Damage an E-Bike?
The sensitive parts of an electric bicycle are the battery and the motor. Once damaged, you can be sure that your electric bike will have significant efficiency problems.
If there is one thing to avoid, it is crossing streams and any immersion of your bike in water, even if you have an electric mountain bike. Water poses a significant risk of infiltrating and permanently damaging the “vital organs” of your electric bike.
Is It Possible to Ride in the Rain With an Electric Bike?
Like most electronic devices nowadays, the electric bike is water-resistant. So you can ride in the rain as long as you don’t stay there for hours in a downpour or try to completely immerse your bike in water (including when you’re cleaning it).
Many of today’s electrical appliances boast being water-resistant; it’s a real marketing argument. I recently purchased a Boom 3 smart speaker from Ultimate Ears because it can be submerged in water. I use it attached to my electric bike when I go for a ride alone in the middle of the fields! It’s my little personal habit on Sunday mornings, even when it’s rainy 😀.
Portable Bluetooth wireless speaker with 360-degree spatialized sound. Maximum sound level: 90 dBC (includes deep bass). Waterproof and Floatable (can withstand submersion in water for 30 minutes). Utilizes advanced battery technology.
Battery Life: 15 hours
What Should You Do to Ride in the Rain Without Worry?
Here are some tips and precautions for riding in the rain with confidence:
- Check the IP rating of your bike
- Ensure that the battery is well protected.
- Avoid immersing your bike.
- Be cautious when cleaning your bike with water (especially when using a high-pressure water jet, for example…).
- Bonus: Don’t let your bike sleep under the rain without protection.
The IP Protection Ratings of Electric Bikes
IP44, IP54, IP65, IP67… What do the IP protection ratings mean?
| IP standard | Meaning |
|---|---|
| IP44 | The bike is splash resistant |
| IP54 | The bike is splash proof and dust protected |
| IP65 | The bike is resistant to splashing water |
| IP67 | The bike is waterproof |
If you want more tips to increase the lifespan of your bike, I recommend our guide on electric bike maintenance.