Make A Waterproof Electric Bike: Does It Work?

Are electric bikes waterproof? Well, bikes aren’t like cats so they can handle water. But how much abuse an e-bike can take in the rain may vary.

It’s not smart to go headfirst into the ocean to test how well the e-bike may fare. Electric bikes have come a long way so under normal conditions e-bikes perform well in the rain.

As an electric bike owner there some common questions that may arise. It’s important to answer those questions to keep your bike riding under optimal levels.

Do you know your bike’s IP rating or can the battery get wet during a wash? In this post, we provide some detailed insights to help keep your electric bike running smoothly.

Are Electric Bikes Waterproof?

E-bikes go through rigorous water simulations. Companies want to ensure electric bikes and their motors are water resistant.

Everything gets tested from the motor to the controller situated on the motor.

The motor, controller, battery, and display are some of the integral parts of an e-Bike, receiving IP ratings to measure their performance under solid or wet conditions. (IP) stands for Ingress Protection. There are two numbers that make up the IP rating.

The highest level is 6 and indicates how well sealed an item is against foreign bodies like dirt or sand.

The second number represents the protection against liquids. The highest level is 9.

It’s important to have a high IP rating as it decreases the amount of penetration your e-bike can receive from solids or liquids.

You want to have the highest possible level for the second number. The highest level for the second number that we could find on an electric bike is 7.

At this level, items have been tested and can be immersed for up to 30 minutes in water at depths between 15 cm and 1 meter.

Carefully read the details of any e-bike you’re going to buy. Most IP ratings might only be referencing the battery.

The rating isn’t specified for the rest of the bike. Therefore, it’s important to cover your screen display with plastic baggies.

Don’t forget the connections that go from your screen, throttle, and any of the weak points on the bike where moisture can collect.

For those who are installing aftermarket electric bike kits with non-water-resistant connectors, we recommend placing heat shrink tubing around the connectors.

If it isn’t done correctly and tubing is to large it can trap water inside the tubing encasing the connectors.

So, try finding tubing with a high shrinking ratio. To further increase a watertight seal if needed insert Goop to the ends of connecters.

Another alternative is Higo Connectors, there available in different pin configurations, colors and most importantly they are watertight.

Can You Leave an Electric Bike Outside?

Your electric bike can very easily handle the outside elements since they are typically water resistant and the hub motor is typically closed to avoid negatively impacting the bike in the rain.

However, electric bikes can rust while outside for extended periods of time and get impacted by winter or summer extreme weathers. Your best bet is to maintain your electric bike in a dry space and make an effort preserve the battery for long term use.

Even your pedal assist features can be affected from being kept outside, so give your electric bike the best treatment possible away from rain and wet conditions.

Is it OK to Ride an eBike in the Rain?

Yes, riding your electric bike in the rain shouldn’t cause much issues because of their natural water resistance and battery protection mechanisms.

However, if you leave your bike in the rain, you shouldn’t experience such issues. E-Bikes are safe in the rain but not for prolonged periods. Areas like the motor on an e-Bike may have an (IP) ingress protection rating of 65.

Which means it’s sealed against foreign bodies like dust or dirt, but it’s only protected against light jetting water. A bike in the rain can experience issues if its very strong rain and flood waters.

So, e-Bikes left out in rain do have the potential of soaking up rainwater and that rainwater can find its way into the motor. The motor can seize up and get rusted on the inside.

Not to mention the LCD screen on the e-Bike could get damage. So, it’s important to take proper precautions as specified in the previous section.

Just like any other bike another susceptible part is the chain. Leaving an e-Bike chain in the rain for prolonged periods can cause rust to build up.

A potential danger that comes with this rust can be the chain snapping while you’re riding the bike.

It sounds like a plot for a final destination movie, but the bike could possibly throw you off or worst catch you off guard and direct you into traffic.

The best thing you can do is keep the bike in doors. If you can’t keep it inside, buy an outdoor waterproof bike tarp.

When comes down to it an e-Bike can be a high-priced item, so you want to do everything in your power to protect your investment.

Can I clean my e-Bike with water?

Yes, you can clean your electric bike with water. It’s very important to clean your electric bike but be careful.

If you start sprinkling water all over the important parts you could permanently damage, your electric bike.

Check the e-bikes user manual to determine it’s (IP) rating. It will provide some understanding of the water pressure your bike can resist.

A low (IP) rating, we recommend using a bucket full of water instead of a hose. Remove or cover any important displays.

Just to be on the safe side, we’d also remove the battery. It’s IP rated and covered well to endure weather conditions, but you don’t want to take any chances with water.

There is an awesome video by Rob Rides EMTB, Rob provides some tip on how wash your e-bike properly. Watch it here

Are e-Bike batteries waterproof?

Yes, the motor and battery are protected against water. The (IP) ingress protection rating signifies how sufficiently sealed the battery is.

When you’re looking through an e-bike product description or user manual the IP rating should be specified.

Riding in the rain for a short period of time will not harm the battery. But it’s always important to take some precaution.

If you have access to a weather forecast and there is chance for rain. Take the bike inside in dry area.

We understand that can be tough for some riders. E-bikes often weigh 150 lbs or more. You can also remove an e-bike battery and cover up the display.

What is the Best Electric Bike for the money?

If you’re looking for an electric bike that will not give you issues when it comes to getting wet and built for waterproofing. Look no further than the ANCHEER Electric bike.

The ANCHEER Electric Bike is water resistant with its very careful IPX5 protection.

Also, anti-slip rubber wheels that built for shock absorption and better traction in very wet environment or roads.

This e-Bike is different than many of the ones in the market because it is extremely lightweight.

It has the ability to provide more portability due to its collapsible frame made for storage.

The ANCHEER makes a lot of sense for people who use Electric bikes for commuting on trains or cars.

Conclusion – Waterproof My Bike In The Rain

When comes to rain it’s clear you should always keep an electric bike inside. The chain can get rusty or parts susceptible to water collection can get damaged.

Always dry your bike down and follow proper maintenance. Besides putting your bike inside, cover it up with a tarp, or buy bike finders.

Finders can be a great alternative way to protect the bottom bracket and headset areas.

Washing your e-bike with water is a necessary part of upkeep. Read the user manual to see what the (IP) rating is for the battery, display, and other important areas.

Make sure that the display is covered or removed if you plan on washing your e-bike with water.

E-bikes are made to endure tough weather conditions but by providing proper support you can ensure their longevity for years.