Picture this. It’s a sunny Saturday afternoon, the perfect weather to explore the city with your new electric bike and take it for a spin. Then as soon as you’re far from home, dark clouds cover the sky, and raindrops start pouring. Instantly, you’re filled with worry. How can you get back? Should you wait for the rain to stop or ride back home? Is your e-bike waterproof?
Luckily, the answer is yes. Riding your e-bike in light rain is completely fine, and you won’t damage anything. But just like everything else, there’s a limit to it.
In this blog post, we’ll walk you through the waterproof measures of your e-bike, factors that affect its waterproof performance, and helpful tips to protect your long range moped electric bike from water damage.
Waterproofing Measures Taken by Manufacturers
When designing your e-bike, the manufacturer considered special measures to ensure your e-bike can withstand wet conditions such as rain. Here are the main ones:
- 1. Sealed Connectors and Wiring
Your electric bike has a complex wire system and connectors that work by carrying the electric current from the battery to the electric motor system. Since this is a crucial function, the manufacturer of your e-bike waterproofed the wiring by sealing it and the connectors to keep any moisture out. This means that the connectors and wiring won’t get wet and short-circuit even if you ride your bike in the rain.
- 2. Protective Housing for the Controller and Battery
Another consideration that the manufacturer took was designing a protective housing for the controller and battery and creating a waterproof electric bike.
The battery is also designed in the centre of the bike or the rear rack that’s high enough to protect it from a puddle. And even if you accidentally ride through a puddle, the protective casing will prevent water from reaching your battery and controller.
- 3. Water-Resistant Display Panels
Since your display panel is at the top of your all-terrain electric bike, it’s easily exposed to moisture and rain. That’s why it’s designed to be waterproof and withstand more water than other parts of your e-bike, which means that even in heavy rain, you can still track your speed, remaining battery power and trip distance.
- 4. Ip Ratings and Their Significance
IP stands for Ingress Protection. It is a rating that indicates to you the level of protection your fat tire electric bike has against water and solid materials.
An IP rating has two numbers that represent the following: the level of your e-bikes protection against solids. The other level of your electric bike’s protection against liquids.
The higher the IP rating, the more waterproof your bike is.
Factors That Impact the Waterproof Performance of Electric Bikes
Several factors can determine how waterproof your electric bike is. If you’re shopping for an e-bike, here’s what you should look out for:
Motor Power: A high-power motor from Himiway can give you great traction while remaining stable. However, it can be hard for you to control if you’re new to bike riding. If you’re a beginner, ride at a slower pace until you master controlling your powerful e-bike.
Quality of Your E-Bike’s Material: If your e-bike is made with high-quality materials, such as durable plastics or corrosion-resistant metals, it can withstand more water than other e-bikes.
Tire Traction: When choosing a fat tire electric bike, look for tires with a deep tread pattern. This means that they can quickly disperse water and give you better traction.
If you’re looking for an all terrain motor bike, a great option is Himiway’s Zebra All-Terrain e-bike which can skid through small puddles and remains steady even on slippery roads. Besides, it can go up to 80 miles on a full charge, carry goods up to 400 lbs, and has a strong motor of 250 W. Shop today and get a free rear rack, fender, and bicycle repair tool for your all-terrain e-bike.
Which E-bike Components Are Most Susceptible to Water Damage?
Your battery is undoubtedly the most expensive part of your e-bike, and since it’s susceptible to water damage, it’s no wonder it’s well-sealed to protect it.
The parts of your e-bike that are more exposed to water are your LCD display screen, your motor, and your controller. Luckily, these key parts can effectively function in light rain, but exposing them to continuous heavy rain or even leaving your e-bike in the rain.
Tips for Maintaining and Protecting Electric Bikes From Water Damage
Here are some tips to help you protect your e-bike from water damage.
1. Dry Your Electric Bike:
After riding your e-bike in light rain or skidding on a wet road, use a soft cloth to dry it. Wipe down the frame, the electrical connectors, the display panel and even the battery casing. This will prevent any moisture from lingering on your e-bike and damaging it.
2. Avoid deep Puddles:
Even if you’re caught in the rain with your fat tire electric bike, try to ride on drier parts of the road and fight the thrill of riding through deep puddles. Submerging your e-bike in water is one of the fastest ways of destroying it. If you have no other option but to pass through a deep puddle, turn off your e-bike and don’t turn it back on until you’re certain it has completely dried.
3. Invest in Fenders or Mudguards:
A fender is a cruicial electric bike accessory that protects your bike from dirt that might stain it, while a mudguard prevents mud from splattering on your bike and on you.
4. Never Leave Your Electric Bike in the Rain:
If you don’t have enough storage in your house to safely keep your e-bike, keep it under a shed and invest in a waterproof cover.
Conclusion
As I conclude this blog, I want you to remember that although your e-bike is water-resistant, it’s not completely waterproof. So take extra precautions by only riding it in light rain and avoiding exposing it to too much water. Doing this will help keep your electric bike functional and safe from water damage for years.
