Riding your e-bike in the rain: All you need to know

Imagine being out in the woods with your e-bike and the weather looks like it is about rain. This doesn’t mean you are stuck and can’t go anywhere if it starts raining. E-bikes, just like conventional bikes, are water-resistant. Even though they are not completely waterproof, they can withstand rainy conditions to some degree. Therefore, riding your e-bike in the rain is not a problem.

Riding your e-bike in the rain is entirely okay. Electric bikes are capable of getting wet without any shortcomings, due to their water-resistance feature. Also, you will continue to feel complete safety and comfort riding in the rain as long as you take all the necessary precautions. As long as you can see in it, you can ride in it.

An e-bike comes with components strong enough to make it endure biting wind or slippery roads. However, it is better to know how to handle your e-bike in rainy conditions or harsh weather. Thus, as an e-bike owner, it’s necessary to understand a few tips on how to ride your e-bike in the rain.

Rain or harsh weather is not going to stop you. Most especially if you prepare yourself and your e-bike for the harsh weather or rainy conditions. Keep reading to learn more about how to handle your e-bike in raining conditions. We will also provide a tip that will make sure your bike is always protected even in rainy conditions.

Related article: Tips for Electric Bike Beginner

Tips for riding your e-bike in the rain

It is necessary to understand every detail to avoid getting cold, wet or worse, damaging your bike. These tips will make sure that your experience in the rain is as comfortable and safe as possible.

They include:

Waterproof Yourself and Your Stuff

The toughest part of riding your electric bike in the cold or wet weather is taking the first pedal stroke. Once you start riding, it becomes easier. However, it is also necessary that you remain dry and warm while riding your e-bike. This is where waterproofing yourself and your bike comes in.

We will recommend that you wear a cycling hat while riding your electric bike in the rain. Cycling that fits under your helmet, and also has a brim to protect your eyes from getting in contact with the rain. Always have a wool hat with ear flaps on hand during rainy weather for wholesome riding experience.

Also, you will need gloves. Gloves are essential, and they are often better when you have an extra one in your backpack. Have an extra one, especially if you will be riding for a long time in harsh weather. Gloves give your palm a comfortable grip on the throttle. Look for quality water-resistant gloves capable of keeping your hands dry and warm.

It is crucial to balance your dressing with a rain-resistant coat or jacket. This is bound to make you sweaty and at the same time, keep you warm. You can try layering fleece, polyester, or wool fabrics for maximum comfort. If possible, waterproof shoes and rain pants should be worn to keep you as warm as possible.

Additionally, it is vital to keep your stuff dry while riding in the rain. For instance, say you are going out with your laptop and other electronic devices. Halfway to your destination, the rain starts to pour. You will need to keep your laptop and other electronics dry. This same goes for your electric bike. As you are aware, it comprises electronic components, which makes it an electric bike.

It is essential to cover up some components with a water-resistance material. It is also vital to keep your other electronic gadgets safe and dry. For most electric bike owners, the most appropriate choice is a seam-sealed waterproof bag. Most importantly, using waterproof nylon capable of covering the e-bike’s electrical components is a good idea.

However, to protect your other electronics, a shoulder bag, or a backpack is enough. It is ideal to have a few Ziploc bags at hand. An Android or iPhone will perfectly fit in a ziplock bag. Also, a small laptop will slot in perfectly in a sizeable rain-resistant backpack.

Another alternative method of protecting your gadgets is covering your backpacks or shoulder bag with rain-resistant nylon. A bag well wrapped with nylons is safe from getting wet. It is also important to remember to wipe your electric bike after riding in the rain. This helps to avoid water droplets from sliding into the e-bike’s electrical components.

Apply Fenders

E-bikes and other ordinary bikes are usually resistant to rain. The drivetrain is capable of surviving water splashes. Also, the batteries are exquisitely designed to work efficiently even in rainy weather. However, that does not mean that you should be too quick to get your electric bike wet. Also, these safety features do not give you the liberty to allow debris and water from the road splash on your e-bike.

How do you protect your bike from the debris? With a fender. A fender is capable of protecting your bike from mud and water. A fender can either be metal or plastic. A plastic fender is ideal during rainy conditions when compared to a metal fender.

A metal fender is prone to rusting over continuous wetting and exposure. However, a plastic fender will only require proper cleaning before it is ready to protect you from the rain again. If you know you’ll be riding in a region with rainy weather or you’re a regular e-bike commuter, you will need fenders.

Reduce Your E-bike’s Tyre Pressure

Adjusting your tyre pressure is another way to enjoy a comfortable ride in rainy conditions. While you are riding on new pavement, your tyres may feel awesome at 100 psi. However, on a rough road, the tyres may roll faster at 90 psi.

In wet or slippery conditions, you need to reduce your tyre pressure to 10psi lesser to improve traction. This method is easy. Reducing the tyre pressure will allow the tyre to come in contact with the road more than usual. This will provide your e-bike with a better grip on the road to avoid falling.

Use Your Lights

While riding your e-bike in the rain, be aware that you’ll be sharing the roads with other vehicles. There are trucks, buses, vans, cars, scooters, and other cyclists like you trying to make it through in the rain. Just like you, each road user is dealing with riding and driving challenges that come with the rain. In all these hurdles, having lights and a good vision will be of help. You will be able to see and navigate in the rain.

In most places, the law binding e-bikes on roads require you to have front and back lights on your e-bike. Therefore, it is essential that you have reflection signs attached to your electric bike. Make sure to add reflective strips to your bike rack, fenders, handlebars, and helmet.

Look Out for Slippery Spots

During rainfall, gasoline and oil often rise to the surface of the road. This can make your regular asphalt a tad more unpredictable. Therefore, look out for slippery spots to avoid slipping and falling from your e-bike. Additionally, you should always try to avoid puddles or stagnant water. Most notably, the rainbow-like ones. Rainbow-like puddles are deemed to contain fuel and other slippery lubricants.

Always avoid road alignments – lines. Road alignments often become slippery in most raining conditions. Be aware that metal covers and grates are like ice, so always avoid them. Additionally, look out for debris. Sometimes, under rainy conditions, debris like fallen leaves can be as dangerous as lubricants on the road.

Always Slow Down and Apply Your Brakes Early

As much as riding in the rain can be fascinating, it is better to slow down as opposed to riding at faster speeds. This helps you to avoid accidents, which may be due to wet roads and poor visibility.

Even if riding harder and quicker actually keeps you warm, you’ll want to avoid going too fast with your e-bike. A wet road and bad visibility mean you won’t have much time to react to puddles and obstructions while in fast mode. This can result in accidents and probably damage your electric bike.

The need for slow speeds is more pronounced for an electric bike as opposed to an ordinary bicycle. E-bikes with power-on-demand and pedal-assist are capable of maintaining high average speeds in every weather condition. Hence, take a little extra time to ride your electric bike in harsh weather conditions.

Applying your brakes means you’re slowing down, but it does more work when you use it early. When you ride your electric bike in wet weather, it takes more time to stop while applying the brake. You will want to slow down gently to avoid tumbling.

The aim of adding a motor system to an e-bike is to give you – as the rider a new power source. Often, e-bikes allow riders to control the motor system power production and start time. This offers you a wide range of riding options; from pedal-assist, to full pedalling, and full motor assist. All of these options allow you to fine-tune every ride experience, providing fun and ecstasy.

The extra power from the motor system demands that every e-bike operates with an efficient brake system. Most of the e-bikes include disc brakes instead of rim brakes which are often found in regular bicycles. A disc brake usually performs much better than rim brakes in the rain. Therefore, with more caution on the use of the disc brake on e-bikes, you’re bound to experience a safe ride. Just keep in mind that you need to apply the brakes early while riding your e-bike in the rain.

While Approaching Corners, Do not Lean

E-bikes can be fun to ride, but avoid hitting the corners hard like a pro, especially in the rain. Do not lean into corners while riding in the rain. Instead, apply your brakes slowly as you approach a corner. Choose a line that gives you easy turning without having to lean. This will make sure that more of your tyres are firmly on the road, offering you complete stability and balance.

Protecting Your E-bike

Protecting your electric bike means that there are precautionary measures you have to follow. Just like any other bike, improper care and exposure can damage your e-bike sometimes permanently. However, the casual trip in the rain cannot damage your electric bike.

If it is compulsory for you to ride your e-bike in the rain, always cover the display, if your bike has one. Also, try to dry and clean your bike as soon as you reach shelter. Monthly maintenance and chain lubrication is the right way to take proper care of your electric bike.

Related article: How an Electric Bike Works?

Other Facts to Note for Ease of riding in the Rain

Though it is a great pleasure to ride or play in the rain. It might not be too great for long if your electric bike is not well prepared for the wet conditions. Below are other facts to note before getting your e-bike wet.

Always Avoid Excessive Rain

While riding in the rain, always avoid staying in it for too long, especially in a heavy downpour. Electric bikes are costly, and damaging it over a little ride in the rain is not ideal. It’s always better to wait or avoid the rain altogether if it is too heavy.

Use Precautionary Measures

Always apply dielectric grease to your e-bike’s electrical point of contact. This will ultimately prevent contamination and corrosion. This gives your e-bike an extra edge when it comes to sustaining its functions in wet conditions.

Always Dry the Battery after Riding in the Rain

Drying your e-bike battery is as essential as drying the electric bike itself. Even after a little ride in the rain, it is not ideal for your bike’s battery to stay wet. Take the battery out after every wet trip and clean it up with a dry towel.

Conclusion

Finally, as much as you will enjoy riding your electric bike in the rain, it is vital that you go slow and take proper precautions. There is no outright law stopping you from riding your electric bike in the rain. However, to keep your bike working for a long time, apply all the steps above for maximum results. Stay safe – even in the rain.