It’s no secret that riding your ebike is excellent exercise, but when it comes to riding an electric bike in the rain, there are a few things every rider should be aware of. Whether it’s in regard to the type of clothing you wear or how you setup your electric bike, staying safe while riding in the rain is of the utmost importance.
In this article, we’ll take a look at safety tips you should consider if you decide to ride an ebike in the rain.
Can electric bikes get wet ?
Yes, electric bikes can get wet. Although most e-bikes are water-resistant, which means riding or parking them in rain is perfectly fine. However, there are some types of electric bikes that are not meant to get wet and should be avoided in wet conditions.
Can you ride an ebike in the rain?
Yes, riding an ebike in the rain is perfectly fine. However make sure your ebike has been tested for riding in the rain (not all manufacturers/models are). You should also avoid riding in puddles or standing water, as this can damage the electronics on your ebike.
Electric bikes are highly effective regardless of the weather they are used in. Not only are many water-resistant, they should also provide you with a complete sense of safety, security, and relative comfort during your ride from start to finish.
1. USE EBIKE FENDERS
Fenders help keep your clothing dry. While electric bikes are largely water-resistant - the drivetrain or motor can endure heavy splashes and the battery will not fail by getting it wet - you may want to consider adding fenders to your ebike.
Not only will this help protect you from debris on the road, but it will also keep your bike, battery, and other components protected as well.
2. WEAR WEATHERPROOF CLOTHING
One of the most challenging components of riding in the rain is how quickly your clothing becomes wet. Because of this, it’s a good idea that you wear clothing that will keep you warm and as dry as possible.
A light rain coat or jacket with water resistance is a must-have for any ride in the rain, as are glasses of some sort to help with your vision. Avoid wearing cotton in wet conditions. Check out synthetics or wool garments for better, safer performance in the wet.
Additionally, you might also want to consider wearing gloves to keep your hands and warm and dry.
3. WEATHERPROOF YOUR GEAR
As previously mentioned, when you ride in the rain, water will eventually get everything wet. Because of this, be sure to also weatherproof your gear, much like you do yourself.
Whether you keep a notebook, MP3 player, or GPS with you on your ride, be sure that you have the proper gear to keep everything dry. For most ebike riders, sealed and waterproof dry bags are the best way to achieve this.
4. USE HEADLIGHTS AND TAILLIGHTS
As with any ride that is taken during times of low visibility, using head and tail lights become even more critical in the rain. If you ride your electric bike, you're likely to be sharing roads with several different types of vehicles, some of which will make it hard to see cyclists on the road.
Before heading out for your ride, be sure to consider using blinking head and tail lights either on your helmet or handlebars to make you as visible as possible to others on the road.
5. BRAKE EARLY
Much like driving a car, wet weather conditions can make coming to a complete stop for bikes slightly more difficult.
Though many electric bikes include disk brakes instead of the rim brakes that are often found on traditional bicycles, and function better in the rain because of it, it’s still important to remember to brake earlier than you usually would when riding your e-bike in the rain.
Also, depending on if your tires have high pressure, braking early is incredibly important to avoid hydroplaning.
6. BE CAUTIOUS OF CORNERS
Electric bikes are arguably more fun to ride than traditional bikes, as the additional power they provide can radically enhance the riding experience. However, when riding an ebike in the rain, you will want to be cautious of how much power you are using, especially when turning corners.
When approaching a corner in the rain, slow down more than you would in normal conditions and try to prevent yourself from leaning around the corner too much. This will help keep as much tire on the ground as possible.
7. LOOK FOR SLICK SPOTS
After the first rain, the ground can become slick due to all the oil and dirt that haven’t washed away. Because of this, your ride can become unpredictable, with plenty of slick spots you might not see right away.
When riding in the rain, try to avoid puddles or standing water, but also keep an eye out for puddles that appear colorful, as these likely have gas or lubricant substances in them, making them even slicker. Additionally, avoid painted lines on the road (i.e., lane markers), as they can also become particularly slippery when it rains. Similarly, railroad tracks can become quite slippery when wet. Cross railroad tracks at a 90 degree angle whenever possible.
8. MAKE YOURSELF VISIBLE
As earlier mentioned, road visibility on rainy days for everyone on the road gets a little more complicated. Consequently, if you choose to ride an electric bike, be sure that you are taking the proper steps to ensure that you are as visible.
If possible, it will be a good idea to wear neon or luminescent clothing with reflectors. Additionally, be sure to also follow all traffic laws and be more cautious than you typically are to avoid an accident, injury, or mishap.
9. PLAN A SAFE ROUTE
Before stepping out on your ride, try to plan out a route that is as safe as possible. For example, if you typically go for rides on the road with gravel, loose stones, and cracks in the pavement, try your best to avoid these areas when riding in the rain.
Not only will this decision help keep you safe, but it can also protect your bike from debris and other road elements that you may not be able to see due to low visibility in wet conditions.
10. CLEAN YOUR ELECTRIC BIKE AFTER YOU RIDE
Lastly, after each rainy ride, make sure you take a few additional minutes after the ride to wash off any debris and dry your electric bike.
While e-bikes are an incredibly economical and efficient type of transportation, it still requires maintenance. Taking the time to wash and dry your e-bike, including the battery, after a dirty ride can have considerable benefits to its well-being over the years.
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