One fact that every human being can agree upon is that electricity and water are a dangerous combination. The chances that your wet electric scooter would electrocute you to death or any severe injury are almost next to none. However, getting your electric scooter wet might lead to the end of your beloved vehicle.
Most electric scooters can bear a certain amount of water. But how wet you can get is an entirely different story. The tolerance to water varies from unit to unit. However, the IP rating of your e-scooter will inform you how wet your scooter can get before you have to repair it or (in worst-case scenarios) replace your scooter.
IP Rating
The first thing you need to know is the IP rating. IP ratings contain two numbers; the one relevant to us is the second one. Depending on the number, your electric scooter can sustain:
- X: No data available
- 0: No protection against water
- 1: Dripping water
- 2: Vertical dripping water
- 3: Vertical water spray
- 4: Water splashes
- 5: Low water pressure
- 6: High water pressure
- 6K: Very high water pressure
- 7: Submersion in water for 30 minutes in a meter of water
- 8: Continuous immersion in water for 3 meter
- 9K: Extreme water pressure and high temperatures
Scooter Protection
Chances are you might get stuck riding your electric scooter in the rain, irrespective of how cautious you are. Here are helpful tips that can help you protect your electric scooter during different weather conditions.
Avoid using Electric Scooters in the rain.
It goes without saying that this is rule number one for any electrical device. Not only can riding your electric scooter in the rain damage the vehicle itself, but if you slip or the scooter gets out of control. It can be dangerous for the rider, vehicle, and the people around you.
If you are riding on your scooter and rain starts pouring, then you should immediately find shelter. Either wait for the rain to stop or if you are in a hurry, park and secure your electric scooter. Use public transport like a bus or train to reach your destination.
Never fold the scooter if wet.
If you happen to get your scooter wet somehow, maybe you left it in the rain outside or sprayed some water on it by accident. Be sure to wipe it dry with a towel and let it sit in the open so that any residual water dries up as well.
Make sure that under no circumstance do you fold your electric scooter while it is wet because it increases the odds of water reaching and damaging crucial pieces of machinery such as the motor, battery throttle, or screen. Water-damaged components are rarely fixed and must be replaced almost every time which increases the expense.
Cover your scooter
If you intend on taking your scooter to places that don’t have appropriate sheds or places to park your electric scooter, then you should consider investing in an electric scooter cover, preferably a polyester one. The cover will effectively protect your scooter from dust and rain.
Tape all gaps and holes in the scooter
Using tape is an easy and cost-effective way to protect your e-scooter from unwanted debris and water. Tape-covered holes reduce the chances of any unwanted foreign objects entering and damaging the crucial components found inside your electric scooter.
Cover the LCD screen and buttons
Protecting the screen and buttons found on the handlebars is crucial if you plan on using your electric scooter for longer than a rainy trip. Using adhesive tape or plastic covers can help waterproof the buttons and screen. It also protects them from other damaging elements found in the environment.
The throttles found on most scooters are water-resistance. However, if your electric scooter doesn’t have this feature (especially if it has a low IP rating), then it is advised that you replace your throttle with a water-resistant one.
Can electric scooters be completely waterproof?
Unfortunately, there are no models of electric scooters from any manufacturers out in the market that is completely waterproof. Irrespective of brand or model, almost every electric scooter would be damaged, regardless of whether it is an entry-level scooter or a premium one, if and when it experiences extreme conditions.
Taking your electric scooter out, especially in the winter, is reckless because winter conditions are somewhat unpredictable. Frost or rain, even if they don’t damage your scooter, can pose a threat to you and the people in your surroundings.
Do warranties cover water damage?
Warranties do not cover water damage under any circumstances because the insurance company has no idea whether or not you stayed within the limits of your electric scooter’s water tolerance. No company in any industry covers water damage, for that matter.
Can you clean your water scooter using water?
How much water you can use to clean your electric scooter is decided by your electric scooter’s IP rating (explained above). Whether you can only use a damp cloth or you can use a high-pressure hose depends on the IP number.
No matter what your IP rating is, extreme caution must be taken even if your electric scooter can endure submersion, particularly if there is exposed wire.
If you have decided to clean your scooter with a hose (if the rating allows it), then remember to dry your electric scooter with a towel and let it sit before folding and storing it.
Even if your electric scooter can tolerate being washed with a high-powered hose, it is advised to use a damp cloth instead of a hose.
Conclusion:
To sum it all up, no electric scooter is completely waterproof; their degree of waterproofness varies from model to model. Having proper information about the IP rating of your scooter and following the aforementioned steps to protect your scooter will save you from hassles and costly repairs and allow your vehicle to live its complete lifetime repair free.
Another reminder that even if your electric scooter carries an IP rating of 9K, it will not function its best under extreme conditions and can get damaged as well, so avoid using it under such conditions as much as possible.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Can electric scooters go out in the rain?
You can’t ride electric scooters in the rain because electric scooters are water resistant, not waterproof. Riding during rain may damage sensitive and expensive parts of your electric scooter, like the motor, battery, or screen.
- Which IPX rating is best for electric scooters?
Most electric scooters have an IPX4 rating which helps to withstand light rain and water splashes easily.
- Is it possible to make an electric scooter waterproof?
You need to tape up the deck and the charging port of your electric scooter to make it more waterproof. Duct tape is an excellent cost-effective, practical, and fastest way to waterproof your scooter.
Arnold A. Jones: Your go-to source for electric scooters, hoverboards, and skateboards! Riding enthusiast and expert sharing tips, trends, and insights for riders of all levels. Stay in the know with Arnold’s expertise.
Leave a Reply