Can Electric Scooters Be Used in the Rain?

If you are searching for the best 3 wheel scooter for kids you probably have a lot of questions without an answer. One of the most common concerns is if an electric scooter can be used safely in the rain. Most manufacturers recommend not riding the electric scooters in wet weather due to their electric system and battery. Also, it might be difficult to handle one so it could become a dangerous trip.

Why it might be a problem

For people who just got their first electric scooter, one of the biggest worries is whether or not their electric scooter can be ridden safely in the rain. It only makes sense to ask yourself this since this micro-mobility vehicle has numerous electric systems and runs on batteries.

Many scooter beginners are afraid of getting electrocuted as they are in permanent contact with the electric scooter’s metallic parts. They have their hands on the handlebars and their feet on a metallic deck so adding rain to these conditions might lead to a disastrous result. 

Although it makes sense when you think about the laws of physics, the chances of getting electrocuted when riding an e-scooter are quite low. Nevertheless, there are some things you should be aware of before you take your electric scooter for a ride in wet weather.

What you should take into account

Even though every scooter manufacturers will say that riding it while it’s raining is completely safe, they don’t really encourage it, especially if it’s pouring outside. Driving through big puddles or in flooded areas can seriously damage the scooter’s electric system and it might cause the battery’s breakdown. 

The scooter’s electrical parts including its battery should never be completely immersed in water.

What producers recommend

Actually, most scooter producers advise avoiding wet, or moist weather conditions as much as possible. The biggest problem with moisture is it can negatively affect both the e-scooter’s internal and external important parts. If moisture gets to the internal components or battery, it can cause electrical damage or the metallic parts could start to rust. 

How it might affect the scooter

Having any kind of damaged parts might affect other important systems such as the brake or propulsion system. The moisture’s negative effects can be spotted on the scooter’s shell. If you own a cheaper model that might have low quality chrome or other metals that corrode easily, you will start to see some rusting spots.

If you have a low-grade electric scooter, it might survive a puddle or two and some scattered raindrops. However, if it’s more than this, riding your e-scooter while it’s raining will turn into a gamble. 

If you buy a premium electric scooter from a respectable brand, it should be alright if you ride it through light rain for a short amount of time. When looking for an e-scooter, ask about the IP-rating as most producers use it as an advertising tool.

Water-resistant, not waterproof

Don’t make the mistake of thinking water-resistant is the same as waterproof. No matter how bad the producers want to leave the impression of a waterproof electric scooter, there is no such thing. It would be too expensive to produce a scooter that would resist every weather condition. 

Extreme weather such as overflowing rivers or flash floods will make your electric scooter unusable. There is a high chance conditions this rough will permanently damage your scooter. 

Trying to ride an electric scooter in extreme conditions will leave you with a broken scooter far away from home. Be cautious and don’t take the electric scooter for a spin if there is a possibility of high-standing water.

How to take care of the scooter

In order to avoid your scooter getting damaged, make sure to cover it if you are storing it outside. More experienced scooter riders recommend using a waterproof canvas that you can easily fold and take with you wherever you are traveling with your scooter. 

Before buying it, check the online reviews and specifications and go for one that can accelerate the evaporation process. You might spend some money, but you will be able to protect your scooter from rain and moisture.

If the rain started before you got home and your scooter is still wet, remove the battery and make sure it is completely dry before your next ride. Also, wipe the scooter with a clean cloth so it doesn’t rust. Take some time and lubricate the bearing as it is possible the rain washed away some of the lubrication. 

Rain makes everything more difficult

If you plan on getting an electric scooter for your children, consider the weather conditions in the area where you live. If it rains a lot, it might not be the best choice. If you decide it’s a good decision, there are a lot of electric scooters that are precisely designed for young riders. 

When buying the e-scooter, take into account the child’s age, weight, and his/her experience level. Fortunately, many kids’ scooters are designed to be operated at very low speeds so they are safer to ride and easier to handle. Some of them have 3 wheels for a better balance. 

But no matter how well designed a scooter is there are still some risks involved when driving any type of vehicle on public roads. If your child has no experience with an electric scooter, it is better to supervise him/her from a bike or another e-scooter during his/her first trips.

Reduced visibility

For some of the most expensive scooters, riding them in light rain will cause no harm to its internal or external parts. But if it’s raining hard, and your visibility is reduced, you probably should stay inside. Wait for the rain to stop before going out. 

Not only you will have a hard time trying to see the road and various obstacles, but you will be difficult to observe for other drivers. In spite of being equipped with a headlight and taillight, scooters are difficult to observe during rough weather conditions. And most scooters are painted in dark colors which makes them even harder to see. 

If you have some technical skills, you could add some LEDs or other supplementary lights to your scooter to make it more visible. Also, you may carry with you some reflective elements such as hand or leg bands which are generally used by cyclists.

The electric scooter will handle differently

One thing you have to understand is any vehicle’s handling and performance changes in wet conditions and every aspect of driving becomes harder. Wet roads will lower the traction of any vehicle and it will be tougher to maneuver or stop. 

Because of their small wheels, electric scooters might slide around a lot during rain. Avoid driving them on smooth and wet pavements as it will increase the risk of falling and getting injured. Also, some scooter producers didn’t really think about rain so their scooters have poor braking performance when the brake discs get wet.

Look out for rainbows on the road

Although it sounds strange, this a real thing. Even after it stops raining, a rainbow pattern might form on the road. This rainbow is actually a mix of oil (usually motor oil from cars) and rain water and it makes the road very slippery. Whenever you see this pattern, avoid it or go slowly through that area to avoid slipping on the road.

Riding in freezing rain

Scooter manufacturers advise not to drive the electric scooter if temperatures are below freezing or it’s raining. You should follow this piece of advice since driving the e-scooter in the rain or below freezing temperatures will make its battery and electric engine to overwork.

These tough conditions influence negatively the life span of the battery and the electric engine. If you come home and your electric scooter is significantly cold, wait a few hours for it to warm up before charging it.

How e-scooters are improved

Electric scooter producers are racing for a top position on today’s expanding market so they are trying everything to satisfy their clients. Since they plan on selling their products worldwide, they started to consider various climates and weather conditions.  

To make the scooter safer to ride in the rain or on wet streets, some manufacturers equipped the wheels with grooved rubber or switched to inflatable tires. These new tires give a firm grip on the surface regardless of its condition. With these new features, riders can safely ride their scooters in various conditions.