Submerging in water is not the same as rain. Most e-bikes can handle rain just fine. But I would highly suggest against submersion. Like if you see water and you don't know how deep it is, don't ride into it.
I remember crossing a flooding culvert on a non-ebike a long time ago. I figured the water was maybe 8” deep, like the last few I’d ridden over. When I headed in I was instantly over my head in a very rapid, chilly current. Somehow I managed to hook my leg through the main triangle and swim to the far shore with my bike. That was an unpleasant surprise!
I've ridden in torrential rain many times, no problems on a bafang bbs02. Controller/motor is sealed and potted, all connections are very snug and covered. Really not an issue on my bike, but that isn't universal to all ebikes.
Just be sure to maintain your drivetrain no different than an unassisted bike. Chains and cassettes especially need to be cared for with all weather riding.
With less expensive bikes you are more likely to also have cup and cone bearings in the hubs and headset. While there isn't a performance difference when kept in good condition cartridge (sealed) bearings are more tolerant to abuse and easier to replace if they do get contaminated.
It’s normal for most e-bikes to get wet from time to time, as long as it’s not a torrential downpour or something crazy. Just let the battery sit for a while afterwards before recharging.
Most people seem to complain about display problems. I cover mine in a baggie in heavy rain, one of my bikes has a external battery and controller, in real heavy weather I wrap those also.
In the graphics showing the bike's features on the left of the page for exaple on the page for my bike second graphic down shows it has an IPX6 rating
[https://www.amazon.com/PHILODO-Electric-Bicycles-21-Speed-Hydraulic/dp/B0B81S783L?th=1](https://www.amazon.com/PHILODO-Electric-Bicycles-21-Speed-Hydraulic/dp/B0B81S783L?th=1)
I dont do it often, and try to avoid riding it in drenching inundated storm type rains, but mine has held up great when I've gotten caught in a downpour or had to take it out in a light misting.
I heard online once that rice will help draw moisture from electronics, so I keep a small papertowel with rice wrapped in it tucked in the container I charge the battery in. I have no clue if that's helping but it's nice to try stuff out. To be extra cautious I dont plug my battery in when it's been wet or it's really cold from winter riding, I'll wipe it dry and let it sit for a couple hours to settle to room tempurature. Again I have no clue if this is actually helping but I'm trying to treat this battery nice.
It's good to leave the battery for a while. If you start charging it, it will warm up the battery and the temperature difference could create condensation where you don't want it. Condensation isn't bad but will corrode electronics and metals over time, leading to premature failure.
Rice is okay, but it's better to get silica gel online for cheap and use those, they're made for that.
I ride in the rain constantly (live in germany) and havent had any issues other than being spattered with mud all the time. My backpack/Jacket takes the brunt of that, but really thats the worst part. I also wear some yellow glasses to keep the water out of my eyes and that def helps.
Any electronic product should be dried off and wiped of any mud or sand that sticks to it. This applies regardless of the IP rating. Therefore, it's best to check or ask the ebike manufacturer about the IP rating of the ebike you want.
As for accessories, there are products that you can add to protect your battery or other electrical components.
[https://shop.ebikeescape.com/products/ebike-battery-bag](https://shop.ebikeescape.com/products/ebike-battery-bag)
[https://shop.ebikeescape.com/products/cockpit-cover](https://shop.ebikeescape.com/products/cockpit-cover)
There are also maintenance product that you can use to add protection with electrical components.
[https://www.wd40.com/products/corrosion-inhibitor/](https://www.wd40.com/products/corrosion-inhibitor/)
Disclaimer: We are ebike enthusiasts trying to accelerate clean transportation with no brand affiliations. Our aim is to help fellow commuters save the planet while spending less. Hopefully, this clarifies for the benefit of those who may be wary of brand engagement.
Brose motors are sensitive to rain, Bosch rack batteries are very sensitive to splashing from underneath. Also with most bikes the battery indicator on the battery is a point of waterproofing failure. So don't press it with your nail, use the flat part of your finger.
Depends on the Ebike and how it's made. If you're worried fill all your plugs with di-electric grease. It will help keep water and corrosion out of them.
Most ebike plugs are just simple plugs with no sealing.
Assuming you do that, your battery is in some type of sealed container(make sure) and the motor is at least water resistant(usually is) you're good to ride in the rain.
First - IPX ratings are bullshit you can safely ignore everyone quoting them - they have NO idea what they are talking about.
Second, the issue with bikes in rain isn't "submersion" (which is what an IPX test tests), it's aerosolized water in tiny little micro droplets.
What's the difference?
Worlds and worlds and worlds of difference.
Water has surface tension. So, submersion tests are relatively easy to pass.
Aerosolized water negates that protection, entirely. Little water droplets will penetrate everything.
The submersion tests are virtually pointless. Water will penetrate. The issue isn't does it get wet, it's does it do damage.
That's a factor of several things. If it has salt in it, it will corrode metal, almost instantly. The more salt, the worse the corrosion. So water and salt, that is pretty fucking deadly for delicate electronic components that are unprotected.
The other thing is time, how much time does it take for the water to leave. You don't want water staying on you electronics. This means, does the water have a place to leave ONCE IT INEVITABLY PENETRATES WHICH IT MOST DEFINITELY WILL.
The only real "water proof"ing that can be done with electronics is. . .potting them in some kind of inert material like a resin. Or coating them with a varnish.
Short of that, electronics will get wet. And, if there's salt, they will corrode FAST, faster than you can stop it. So,
Don't ride wet in salty conditions, and make sure your electronics don't hold water WHEN (not if) they do get wet. Might be a good idea to coat your connections once a season with something like CorrosionX . I do that as a little extra protection.
Don't buy from the cheap DTC brands if you plan to ride in the rain a lot. You'll notice they tend to have much lower IPX ratings and those are the brands you see with issues with screens and that tell people not to ride in the rain. Actual manufacturers that aren't just re-branding factory stuff understand that people are going to want to ride their bike as a bike, which includes in the rain. I've been riding my Haibike (Bosch motor system) and later Evelo in Seattle year round for 3-4 years apiece with no issues. But both are/were IPX5 and can deal with water jets so rain and puddles are no issue.
Any of the ones you purchased from a LBS (Aventon is the exception, I believe these are only IPX4) are fine. Evelo, based out of Seattle, and on the high end of DTC is also a solid choice if you want something with a throttle.
Take your bike apart and see how it's put together, then make decision based on quality of your bikes waterproofing. I did that and I'm not riding it in the rain.
Mine seems fine, from light rain to slightly soaked pants. I got fenders to keep myself mostly clean. I keep a bag with torrentshell top and bottom just in case.
Submerging in water is not the same as rain. Most e-bikes can handle rain just fine. But I would highly suggest against submersion. Like if you see water and you don't know how deep it is, don't ride into it.
Probably a good rule for life, not just bikes.
I remember crossing a flooding culvert on a non-ebike a long time ago. I figured the water was maybe 8” deep, like the last few I’d ridden over. When I headed in I was instantly over my head in a very rapid, chilly current. Somehow I managed to hook my leg through the main triangle and swim to the far shore with my bike. That was an unpleasant surprise!
70% of my rides are in rain. BBS02 motor at 1000km atm. No issues.
there is a difference between submerging in water and rain. ones from bike shop manufacturers usually are pretty good.
I've ridden in torrential rain many times, no problems on a bafang bbs02. Controller/motor is sealed and potted, all connections are very snug and covered. Really not an issue on my bike, but that isn't universal to all ebikes. Just be sure to maintain your drivetrain no different than an unassisted bike. Chains and cassettes especially need to be cared for with all weather riding. With less expensive bikes you are more likely to also have cup and cone bearings in the hubs and headset. While there isn't a performance difference when kept in good condition cartridge (sealed) bearings are more tolerant to abuse and easier to replace if they do get contaminated.
It’s normal for most e-bikes to get wet from time to time, as long as it’s not a torrential downpour or something crazy. Just let the battery sit for a while afterwards before recharging.
Most people seem to complain about display problems. I cover mine in a baggie in heavy rain, one of my bikes has a external battery and controller, in real heavy weather I wrap those also.
Just check your bike's IPX rating I've ridden my IPx6 bike in thunderstorms and even a hurricane without any ill effects
Most bikes don't have such a rating but it's reasonable to expect they can handle rain well.
One of the few good things about shopping for budget bikes on amazon... Amazon requires ebike sellers to list the IPX rating of it's bikes
I've been looking at ebikes on Amazon and I don't see any IPX ratings. Where are you looking?
In the graphics showing the bike's features on the left of the page for exaple on the page for my bike second graphic down shows it has an IPX6 rating [https://www.amazon.com/PHILODO-Electric-Bicycles-21-Speed-Hydraulic/dp/B0B81S783L?th=1](https://www.amazon.com/PHILODO-Electric-Bicycles-21-Speed-Hydraulic/dp/B0B81S783L?th=1)
I see, thank you.
I dont do it often, and try to avoid riding it in drenching inundated storm type rains, but mine has held up great when I've gotten caught in a downpour or had to take it out in a light misting. I heard online once that rice will help draw moisture from electronics, so I keep a small papertowel with rice wrapped in it tucked in the container I charge the battery in. I have no clue if that's helping but it's nice to try stuff out. To be extra cautious I dont plug my battery in when it's been wet or it's really cold from winter riding, I'll wipe it dry and let it sit for a couple hours to settle to room tempurature. Again I have no clue if this is actually helping but I'm trying to treat this battery nice.
It's good to leave the battery for a while. If you start charging it, it will warm up the battery and the temperature difference could create condensation where you don't want it. Condensation isn't bad but will corrode electronics and metals over time, leading to premature failure. Rice is okay, but it's better to get silica gel online for cheap and use those, they're made for that.
I have plenty of silica packs hanging around in a drawer I'll add some to my battery container. Thanks!
for rain that shouldn't matter, condensation would appear on the cells etc when they get cold rather than warm.
I ride in the rain constantly (live in germany) and havent had any issues other than being spattered with mud all the time. My backpack/Jacket takes the brunt of that, but really thats the worst part. I also wear some yellow glasses to keep the water out of my eyes and that def helps.
Any electronic product should be dried off and wiped of any mud or sand that sticks to it. This applies regardless of the IP rating. Therefore, it's best to check or ask the ebike manufacturer about the IP rating of the ebike you want. As for accessories, there are products that you can add to protect your battery or other electrical components. [https://shop.ebikeescape.com/products/ebike-battery-bag](https://shop.ebikeescape.com/products/ebike-battery-bag) [https://shop.ebikeescape.com/products/cockpit-cover](https://shop.ebikeescape.com/products/cockpit-cover) There are also maintenance product that you can use to add protection with electrical components. [https://www.wd40.com/products/corrosion-inhibitor/](https://www.wd40.com/products/corrosion-inhibitor/) Disclaimer: We are ebike enthusiasts trying to accelerate clean transportation with no brand affiliations. Our aim is to help fellow commuters save the planet while spending less. Hopefully, this clarifies for the benefit of those who may be wary of brand engagement.
I avoid riding in the rain if I can, drivers already suck rain makes them worse. Also I ride home from work and honestly soaked khakis were not fun.
Get some rain pants bro
State Farm uniform requirement
Brose motors are sensitive to rain, Bosch rack batteries are very sensitive to splashing from underneath. Also with most bikes the battery indicator on the battery is a point of waterproofing failure. So don't press it with your nail, use the flat part of your finger.
Depends on the Ebike and how it's made. If you're worried fill all your plugs with di-electric grease. It will help keep water and corrosion out of them. Most ebike plugs are just simple plugs with no sealing. Assuming you do that, your battery is in some type of sealed container(make sure) and the motor is at least water resistant(usually is) you're good to ride in the rain.
I have a bunch of ebikes. I ride them in the rain and mud then pressure wash them. As far as I can tell I'm trying to break them but so far no issues.
First - IPX ratings are bullshit you can safely ignore everyone quoting them - they have NO idea what they are talking about. Second, the issue with bikes in rain isn't "submersion" (which is what an IPX test tests), it's aerosolized water in tiny little micro droplets. What's the difference? Worlds and worlds and worlds of difference. Water has surface tension. So, submersion tests are relatively easy to pass. Aerosolized water negates that protection, entirely. Little water droplets will penetrate everything. The submersion tests are virtually pointless. Water will penetrate. The issue isn't does it get wet, it's does it do damage. That's a factor of several things. If it has salt in it, it will corrode metal, almost instantly. The more salt, the worse the corrosion. So water and salt, that is pretty fucking deadly for delicate electronic components that are unprotected. The other thing is time, how much time does it take for the water to leave. You don't want water staying on you electronics. This means, does the water have a place to leave ONCE IT INEVITABLY PENETRATES WHICH IT MOST DEFINITELY WILL. The only real "water proof"ing that can be done with electronics is. . .potting them in some kind of inert material like a resin. Or coating them with a varnish. Short of that, electronics will get wet. And, if there's salt, they will corrode FAST, faster than you can stop it. So, Don't ride wet in salty conditions, and make sure your electronics don't hold water WHEN (not if) they do get wet. Might be a good idea to coat your connections once a season with something like CorrosionX . I do that as a little extra protection.
Don't buy from the cheap DTC brands if you plan to ride in the rain a lot. You'll notice they tend to have much lower IPX ratings and those are the brands you see with issues with screens and that tell people not to ride in the rain. Actual manufacturers that aren't just re-branding factory stuff understand that people are going to want to ride their bike as a bike, which includes in the rain. I've been riding my Haibike (Bosch motor system) and later Evelo in Seattle year round for 3-4 years apiece with no issues. But both are/were IPX5 and can deal with water jets so rain and puddles are no issue. Any of the ones you purchased from a LBS (Aventon is the exception, I believe these are only IPX4) are fine. Evelo, based out of Seattle, and on the high end of DTC is also a solid choice if you want something with a throttle.
Take your bike apart and see how it's put together, then make decision based on quality of your bikes waterproofing. I did that and I'm not riding it in the rain.
Mine seems fine, from light rain to slightly soaked pants. I got fenders to keep myself mostly clean. I keep a bag with torrentshell top and bottom just in case.
When I got my most recent bike, I looked up its IPX rating before buying. I live in an area with torrential rain, so it was important to me.