Can Electric Motorcycles Get Wet?


The biggest concern attached to electric motorcycles is the weather. It is a common fact that electricity and water do not mix well, which raises suspicions about whether the electric motorcycle can be driven around in the rain. Or more precisely, can electric motorcycles get wet?

Since electric motorcycles are water-resistant and come with an IP rating, they can get wet. You can ride or park them in the rain safely. All the electric components are covered with protective coatings to prevent water from entering. Just be mindful that long-term exposure to rain may result in the bike catching rust.

Even though electric motorcycles won’t get damaged in the rain, there are certain precautionary measures that are necessary. The amount of water that an electric bike can withstand depends on factors such as the IP rating.

Read on to find out the role of IP rating and the tips to consider when using electric motorcycles out in the rain. 

Are All Electric Motorcycles Waterproof?

Electric motorcycle manufacturers clearly state on their packaging and their terms and conditions that their motorcycles are not waterproof, they are water-resistant. No, don’t panic. 

This certainly doesn’t mean you can’t get your motorcycle near water. However, it does mean that you can’t ride your motorcycle underwater. But who even needs to do that, right?

Making yourself aware of your motorcycle’s IP rating is extremely important as it will help you determine how wet your bike can get without getting damaged. Moreover, it will boost your confidence and make your ride enjoyable in extreme weather conditions as well. 

The Role Of IP Rating 

IP is defined as the International Protection Code, and it tends to play a vital role in determining the level of sealing effectiveness of electric motorcycles against moisture and foreign materials. It is, in fact, the IP rating that classifies the degree of protection your motorcycle has against water and dust. 

Usually, an IP rating of any electrical enclosure is presented as IP XY, where X is the degree of protection against solid materials, whereas Y is the degree of protection against liquids. Since electric motorcycles aren’t really affected by dust, we won’t be getting into that. As for the protection against liquids, the table below is self-explanatory. 

IP RatingProtection Against Liquid
0Not protected
1Protected against vertically dripping water
2Protected against dripping water when tilted up to 15 degrees
3Protected against spraying water
4Protected against splashing water
5Protected against jetting water
6Protected against powerfully jetting water
7Protected against temporary immersion in water
8Protected against continuous immersion in water

Your electric motorcycle’s IP rating will be stated clearly on either its frame or its manual. A majority of electric motorcycles tend to fall under the IP Rating of IP X4, which means that they’re protected against splashes from all angles. In case you’re worried, an IP X4 rating is more than enough to tackle extreme rainy conditions.  

Do’s And Don’ts Of Using Your Electric Motorcycle In The Rain

It is clear by now that electric motorcycles can be used in the rain. However, things aren’t really that black and white as you need to be careful about certain things. That said, we listed some of the best tips for using your electric motorcycle in the rain. 

Increase The Electric Motorcycle’s Water Resistivity

Even though your electric motorcycle might not suffer from water damage and is safe to drive around in the rain and through puddles, it would still serve as an extra precaution against water damage to add a few accessories that increase your bike’s water resistance. 

One such accessory is the fender which can minimize splashing. Splashing can damage the motor that is either on the front or the back wheels, and a fender will prevent this. 

Similarly, lights and reflectors on your bike and your helmet will also help you navigate and drive around better on a rainy day. Not only this, but it will also allow other traffic goers to know your position even during the worst of hailstorms. 

Check The Rubber Port Seals Before You Leave

Electric motorcycles usually come with batteries to supply power and screens to display the speed. These screens and batteries are safeguarded with rubber port seals so that they can’t be damaged by water and other elements. 

If you wish to take your motorcycle out on a rainy day, you need to ensure that all the rubber port seals are properly sealed and are not loose. 

Brake Early

An electric motorcycle has a high momentum, and consequently, an increased stopping distance. Even on sunny days, you should try and brake earlier than you would on a regular motorcycle to avoid collisions. When it comes to rainy days, the ground becomes extremely slippery and there is a lot less friction. 

Therefore, you need to keep an even more distance between yourself and other vehicles and brake even earlier than you would on a normal day out with your electric motorcycle. 

Don’t Submerge Your Electrical Bike In Water

It can never be a good idea to submerge an object that contains some electrical parts into the water. Even though most electric motorcycles are designed in a way to keep the water away from the electric motor and other vital parts, it is possible that water will seep into these parts when you submerge the electric motorcycle in water.

In worse cases, this can also cause the electric motor to short-circuit. 

Dry As Soon As Possible

After riding in the rain, it is essential to dry down your electric motorcycle and wipe the water off of it. Yes, this doesn’t just include wiping off water from the body of the bike but also around the electrical components and wiring as well. 

You shouldn’t just leave your bike to air dry after using it. Instead, water should be manually wiped down and dried with a cloth or towel. 

Not only does this prevent water from entering the electric components, but it also increases the longevity of the motorcycle. 

FAQs

Do Electric Motorcycles Shock In The Rain?

No, electric motorcycles are designed to keep the water out of the electric parts. Therefore, it is highly unlikely that an electric motorcycle will shock you in the rain.

Can I Wash My Electric Motorcycle?

It is recommended that you only wash your electric motorcycle using a damp cloth or brush instead of hosing it down with water. Spraying a direct stream of water on the bike can lead to water seeping into the electric parts.

Can I Charge My Electric Motorcycle In The Rain?

Even though driving around on an electric motorcycle in the rain is safe, charging it is not. The charger is not covered in a water-resistant casing and can spark if used in the rain.

Final Words

Electric motorcycles can very well get wet and still work fine. Every electric motorcycle has a different IP rating which determines how much water is safe for it. Still, there are a few safety tips you should follow when getting your electric motorcycle wet to ensure you and your bike are protected.

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