Riding an E-Bike in the Rain

Don’t panic.  Yes in most circumstances riding in the rain is perfectly OK.  Batteries and display units are sealed to be protected from light exposure to rain & water.  

Don’t submerge your E-Bike battery/motor in water

• Any riding through flooded roads/areas should be avoided
• On off road trails be more cautious when crossing streams or rivers
• Don’t store your bike in an area prone to flooding or move your bike if you receive any warnings about potential flooding

If you can not avoid submerging your battery, turn it off before making your way through the water.  Do not turn it back on until you are satisfied that any water that might have entered into it has had time to evaporate otherwise it may short circuit.  If this water fails to evaporate quickly damage from rust may be irreversible.

Keep yourself dry & warm

Your temperature will quickly drop on an E-Bike if you are wet as the airflow will chill you down rapidly.  This is particularly important in cold temperatures! Stay dry by managing rain. Use a waterproof or a water resistant jacket.   If you are not wearing one make sure your are at least carrying one.

The best way to keep your chest and core warm is to use layers. We recommend 3 layers in cold temperatures. Layers trap air and warm this air up keeping you toasty.   Once riding, you can adjust your temperature by adding or removing a layer.  E-Bike riders are less likely to need to remove layers so choose your layers wisely.  For more on this topic read Bike in Comfort – Use Layers

• A base layer that wicks away moisture and keeps you warm. A merino/thermal base layer, usually a singlet/tank or tee.  Merino will always be warmer
• A long sleeve mid layer with thermal properties to retain heat.  This layer could be a thermal jacket. On an E-Bike this layer can be heavier or have greater insulation
• An outer layer with wind stopper fabric to block cold air such as a thermal jacket or a waterproof jacket or vest to protect your upper body/chest area.  Again E-Bike riders can choose warmer outer layers rather than just a shell.  Please read The Best E-Bike Jacket Options

Cover your display & battery when on the car

If you are travelling through bad weather for any amount of time with your E-Bike on a bike rack on the back of your vehicle, make sure it is adequately protected.  Cover your battery or take if off the bike if it is removable.  Your display unit should also be protected.  The rain force hitting your bike when it is travelling on a car is multiplied so any electrical gear is susceptible to having water driven into it.

Making the effort to ride in all seasons and through most weather is a great commitment to your health and wellbeing. Most times you will arrive at your destination with a smile and happily beating heart because riding just does that, it makes us feel better.

Tips for riding an E-Bike in the rain

• make sure your tyres are pumped up correctly for good grip and keep as much tyre as you can in contact with the road surface  
• some parts of the road can be slippery when wet – white lines, railway tracks, edges of potholes…
• braking will take slightly longer so maybe go easy on your speed
• choose good quality gear that will keep you warm and dry, and choose stuff that will help you to be seen in the rain