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Electric bikes are the picture of convenience for commuting and sustainability. This has made them increasingly popular among travelers and fitness enthusiasts.
But what do you do when it’s raining outside? Can you ride an electric bike in the rain without damaging it?
Since electric bikes run on electricity and water is a good conductor of electricity. It’s easy to think that riding electric bike in rain heightens the risk of electrocution.
But it simply isn’t true. The pros at GIN e-bikes explain why.
Can you ride an electric bike in rainy weather?
Yes. You can ride your e-bike in the rain. A typical electric bike operates at 48 to 52 volts, which makes riding in the rain and washing your vehicle perfectly safe. Add to that, most of the electric components in your e-bike, such as the motor and battery, are tightly sealed to prevent water from seeping inside.
Rest assured, riding in the rain won’t have catastrophic and dangerous results. Even if it’s wet outside, your bike won’t give up on you when you’re out tackling trails or sharing the road with other vehicles.
A safety reminder for the rainy season
Wet roads can cause hazardous riding conditions. The moisture causes oil, gasoline, and dirt on the road to come to the surface, making it more slippery and increasing your risk of a crash. If you factor in potholes, unexpected objects on the road, and limited visibility, there’s a bigger risk of losing control.
That’s why nearly one-third of motorcycle accidents happen during rainy weather.
To stay safe:
Avoid heavy braking as it can lock your wheels and cause you to skid.
Maintain balance when coming around a corner. Slow down gradually and adjust your weight. Keep as much of the tire on the road as possible.
Avoid going too fast so you can be aware of your surroundings. This will allow you to spot potential problems and react promptly in case of accidents.
Most importantly, know when to stay inside. If the weather is too unpredictable or there are signs of a heavy storm, don’t go outside. If water gets into your bike’s carburetor, it will contaminate its fuel chemistry and prevent gas from igniting so it can be more challenging to get your e-bike started. It can also short-circuit your vehicle’s electronics and cause them to malfunction.
10 tips for using e-bike in different weather
Here are some tips when using your e-bike in different weather:
1. Light it up
When you’re driving on a road or trail with limited visibility, keep the headlights and tail lights of your vehicle turned on at all times. As an extra layer of precaution, you can add reflective stickers or blinking lights on your handlebars.
These will tell others that you’re on the road while minimizing your risk.
2. Invest in fenders
Using the right gear based on the weather can do wonders for your riding experience. If you want to go riding when it’s raining, install fenders or mudguards for a more comfortable ride. They will keep water, gunk, and grime from splashing on your face and soaking your shoes and clothes. They will also protect your bike from getting dirty, which will keep its body from developing rust.
3. Focus on battery care
If you want to keep your e-bike at its best, give its battery some TLC. That means storing it at 50% to 75% capacity to prevent serious damage. You should also avoid riding in temperatures lower than -4°F. In addition, don’t charge it when there are power fluctuations.
4. Watch what you wear
Wear high-visibility clothing with bright colors or reflective stripes to alert other drivers and riders of your presence. This will lower the risk of crash-related injury by 37%!
While you’re at it, make sure your outfit is weather-appropriate. It should be breathable and comfortable, with features that protect you from the elements. Consider styles like long sleeves and Velcro cuffs. Make sure your attire isn’t too baggy or it will hold water and become heavy, which can make you uncomfortable and distract you from the road.
5. Wear the right helmet
You should always wear a helmet when you head out as they’re 85% to 88% effective in mitigating head and brain injuries. Opt for a model with a visor to protect your eyes and face from water, wind, dust, and other debris.
6. Keep your chain lubed
Keep your bike chain lubricated at all times not just during wet, muddy weather. Give it a quick wipe-down with a dry lubricant when the sun is out to reduce friction between its components.
If you’re riding in wet conditions or humid weather, switch to a wet lubricant. It repels water, protects the bike from wear and corrosion, and allows it to continue working smoothly.
7. Store your bike indoors
Once you’re done using your e-bike, store it indoors in your shed or garage. Make sure that it’s clean and dry. If you have to park your bike outdoors in the rain, remove the battery and use a waterproof cover to protect it from the elements.
Moist and humid environments that create condensation can make your bike degrade and corrode more quickly.
8. Tweak your tire pressure
Your electric bike works best if the tire pressure corresponds to road conditions. For example, if you plan to use it in the rain, reduce the pressure by 10%. This helps the tire conform to the road’s surface. More of the tire will come in contact with the road to prevent hydroplaning. Meanwhile, this slight modification increases traction, grip, and braking effectiveness.
9. Clean the bike after every ride
Whether you’ve gone through rain or snow, it’s important to clean your e-bike after every ride to keep it functioning at its best. Most of the time, a quick wipe is enough to get rid of moisture and prevent damage to its electrical components. However, if you’ve been driving through extra dirty roads, you need to wash all the dirt and debris off with a gentle spray. Use a brush to get rid of mud from hard-to-reach areas such as between the tires.
10. Don’t submerge your bike in water
Your e-bike can stand its ground against light to moderate rainfall and dust. But it isn’t invincible. Avoid immersing or submerging it in water that’s too deep (creeks and streams) or riding it through a downpour. Doing so can force water through the seals and damage your motor and battery, making your vehicle unsafe to use.
If you have no choice but to pass through floods, turn off the power before exposing it to water. Don’t switch it back on until your vehicle and its battery have dried. Otherwise, it could get damaged.
If your battery gets wet during one of your escapades, remove it from your bike and dry it with a clean dry rag. Once dry, you can put it back in.
Your e-bike can weather the rain but use precautionary measures
Can you ride an electric bike in the rain? E-bikes operate at low voltages and have sealed components so you don’t necessarily have to stay inside when it’s raining. However, keep in mind that it’s water-resistant, not waterproof, so keep our tips in mind to be safe.
If you want to learn more about electric bikes, explore the rest of our blog for more helpful articles like this.