So, if you are wondering if you can ride your scooter when the weather condition is not the most perfect, you should first know that no electric scooter is ever completely waterproof. In fact, even a nuclear submarine is not 100% waterproof.
Also, it should be noted that riding in wet conditions can be unsafe and should be avoided where possible. However, nowadays you can find many great options for electric scooters with a robust water-resistance rating. So, you no longer need to panic if you get caught out in the rain or accidentally ride through a puddle.
So how can you know if your scooter is equipped to handle wet conditions?
Most electric scooters will have an IP rating, which stands for Ingress Protection, an industry-standard that measures how resistant the device is to dust, water, and others.
How to read this IP?
The IP always includes two digits, which goes from 0 to 9, the higher the number the better the protection. The first digit displays dust or debris protection, and the second which we need to look at in this specific case, represents how resistant the device is to moisture/water.
Ok, now you know about the existence of this rating, but we are guessing that you are still not sure in which wet conditions you can apply this rule. Let us explain it in more detail:
- If the second number in the IP is 4, this will mean your scooter will be protected from mild splashes (light rain)
- If the second number is between 5- 6, you can be riding your scooter when most strong water jet conditions. (moderate rain, puddles)
- If the second number is 7-8 you will be able to ride the scooter in almost any wet conditions, this rating means it can be immersed in water for a short period. But this is strongly advised against doing under any circumstances.
As with any device built with electric parts, you should always avoid exposing your electric scooter to wet conditions. The IP rating is there to act as a safety net for your scooter and damage caused by water ingress is not covered under warranty.
Beyond this, another point to take into consideration when deciding to ride your electric scooter on a rainy day is your safety. You should also make sure you have certified protection gear , and your scooter is equipped with a bright light system that will let you have good front vision even with the rain.
In Scooter Hut we have a range of electric scooter with a great IP rating like InMotion S1, check more here.