Come rain or shine, most avid cyclists are keen to get out on their bikes to enjoy a ride. However, when it comes to electric bikes, you may be pondering whether or not they are safe to ride in the rain. 

In essence, yes you can!

An electric bike’s compartments, including its motor, battery pack, display and connection points are all cleverly designed with closed units to accommodate wet weather and the usual splashes of water that you’d expect while riding in the rain. 

The key distinction here is that most electric bikes are designed to be water resistant, not waterproof, so it’s a sensible idea to avoid heavily flooded roads, streams, and deep puddles that could submerge your bike’s electrical components.

Think of it similar to how you treat your smartphone in the rain - heavy exposure to large volumes of water does have the potential to cause damage to your E-bike and affect its performance.

As different electric bikes might have different limitations and wade depths, you may need to refer to your owner’s manual or check with your manufacturer for the IP rating of your bike first. If you live in an area that experiences frequent wet weather, you’ll want to make water-resistance the top factor in your purchase decision. 

How can I avoid water damage and increase my electric bike’s longevity?

As a precaution, you should always put your judgement of the weather to good use and avoid cycling with your electronic bike in excessive rain. To prevent contamination and corrosion, applying dielectric grease to the electrical contact points of your eBike can greatly support its functions while riding in wetter conditions.

You’ll also want to remember to wipe down your bike with a clean towel after a particularly rainy cycling session. Regardless of how heavy the rain is, it’s also recommended to always dry off the base and electrical contact points of your eBike’s battery to be on the safer side. 

Can I clean my electric bike with water?

Of course, but you’ll need to ensure that you’re using a light cleaning method, such as washing with an outdoor hose, a sponge, or a high-quality bike cleaner. Avoid rinsing your electric  bike with a high-pressure air of water jet, as the heavy force may be enough to drive out factory grease in the bearings or even cause damage to the frame.

While the frame of your bike can be cleaned with water, it’s recommended to clean disc brakes with an appropriate disc brake cleaner. For a smooth cleaning experience, always remove the battery ahead of cleaning your bike - this will allow for maximum safety as well as the chance to thoroughly clean down the frame underneath.

Image from Unsplash.