Can I ride my eBike in the rain? That might be one of your first questions when contemplating on switching to a healthy ride as your primary source of transportation. After all, you’ll be riding to and from uni or work. And even the sunniest regions get several inches of rainfall each year. The short answer is yes, you can ride an eBike in the rain, but that yes does come with a couple of caveats.
While there is an electric bike out there designed for every type of terrain and weather, not all eCycles are created equal. Some can handle a lot more inclement weather conditions than others. Before you grab your gear and hit the streets, here are a few things you should know about eBikes.
eBikes and IP Ratings
An eBike is a combination of an electric device and a standard bicycle. While all bikes are designed to be weather-resistant, prolonged water exposure isn’t a good thing. Even the best bikes can rust if stored improperly.
eBikes are a little different from standard bikes since they may also be IP rated, just like a smartphone or other wearable device. Where your smartwatch with a high IP rating might survive a pool session, your electric bike’s IP rating might be a little lower. After all, you can’t exactly take a ride on the bottom of a lake.
You should always look for well documented IP ratings on all promotional and marketing materials when looking for your next eBike. Don’t assume. If it’s not prominiently listed, then the eBike likely hasn’t been properly tested and certified. Look for the rating on the product box, Amazon/web description, spec list, etc. And even the most so-called “waterproofed” electric bike might not be suitable for major weather events, like a tropical storm. Your eBike likely isn’t designed for Biblical levels of water and wind.
(Also: there’s no such thing as a fully “waterproof” eBike, as of yet.).
Riding in the Rain
While your bike can survive a ton of exposure, your riding strategies can change depending on the weather. In a car, you turn on the defrost, lights and windshield wipers, but a bike doesn’t have those features. Instead, you need to use the right gear to handle the extra precautions needed during rain.
Visibility is one of the biggest problems when riding in the rain, so dress in high-viz clothing and look for add-ons like a waterproof helmet to help you see as far ahead as possible. To help vehicles see you, consider adding a few lights to your bike.
Don’t just dress to be seen, but also for the cold. A wet, rainy ride can turn cold pretty quickly, leaving you to shiver your way to work. Dress in a waterproof outer layer and in thick enough clothing to protect against sudden temperature drops.
Don’t speed! That might seem like a silly warning to offer someone on the back of a bike, but electric bikes can easily reach 20mph. And that speed isn’t necessarily sensible to maintain in all weather. When you can’t see very far ahead and there are visual obstructions on the road surface (yes, that means puddles), you should probably slow down. Not only will you have less time to react to problems, but your brakes may not work as well on wet streets.
Dry Storage Between Trips
Your eBike deserves the same level of care as any other electric device. When your phone gets wet, you take a moment to dry it off. Extend your electric bike the same courtesy, and it can take you through mile after mile of rainy weather, as long as the seals stay solid. If your bike does wind up submerged, turn off all electronic components immediately, and let everything dry out before attempting to turn it back on.
If possible, store your eBike in an enclosed area, such as a garage or shed and use a waterproof covering if it’s exposed to the elements. Portable, foldable models can be carried upstairs and right into your apartment. With care, you can enjoy your PAWELETRIC Bike for years to come, rain or shine.
Powered bikes are generally about the same size as pedal-powered bicycles. This makes them almost embarrassingly easy to carry around and to store anyplace you have room for them. Many of them are in the same weight range as bikes too. Even the heavier models can be walked through a lobby or into a bike rack, where they can be secured with a regular bike lock. And many eBikes – commuter or otherwise – have made it a point to deliver added portability by making the bike foldable. So something like our MANKE MK 081 eBike can be folded and sit next to you on the bus or in class.
In the simplest terms, an electric bike is just like a traditional bicycle but equipped with an electric motor that either helps while the rider pedals or handles all the throttling duties.
It consists of a rechargeable battery, motor, controller, drivetrain and, in some cases, pedalling sensor. The battery powers the motor, which in turn applies kinetic energy to the drivetrain. The drivetrain then applies torque and manual power to the wheels of the bike.
Depending on the design, the eBike might give you multiple ways to ride. With our ZODIN CHOPPER FHX 005 or ZODIN FHX 003 fat-tire eBikes, for instance, you can go power-only, pedal-only, or a combination of power-assisted pedal-to-go.
Most electric bicycles imitate the look and feel of traditional bikes. But some eBikes, like our MANKE MK 114 ebike, have neither drivetrain nor pedals. Instead, they rely solely on electric power. In many respects, they feel more like an electric scooter with seat than a bicycle.
For some people, eBikes popularity has become a big threat, as no one will be keen to invest in standard bikes. But there is nothing to fear about electric bikes, as they are not designed to take away a human-powered way of life, but to make it more convenient
Makes Pedalling Easier
There are many types of eBikes. Some are more like an electric scooter – all power with no pedals. But others are built just like a regular bike, complete with drivetrain and pedals. If you’re trying to stay active and get more exercise, these pedaled electric bikes are perfect, especially if they offer a power-assisted pedal option.
Our Electric Bike line offers the ability to choose between all-pedal, all-power or a combination of both. Hop on and pedal all you want. If you need an extra boost to conquer a steep hill or you need to take a break, switch to power-assisted mode or throttle-only and let your electric bike help push you through to the finish line.
If you’re an older rider, recovering from injury, or simply returning to exercising after an extended brake, an eBike is a great solution to ease into the active life you want. Want to know more about using an electric bike for fitness? Check out our article, “More Than Fun: Boosting Your Fitness with an eBike .”
Environmentally Friendly
Compared to cars and motorcycles, eBikes consume very small amounts of energy and use absolutely no oil or gas. This makes them an eco-friendly option for those who are concerned about their environmental impact. Electric bikes help reduce waste and do not emit carbon and other gases that are harmful to the environment. So, if you care for your environment or surroundings, then investing in an electric bike is a sound way to go.
Effortless Commuting
All eRideables offer great benefits to the riders, especially when it comes to fast commuting. But no more so than with electric bikes, which have the benefit of feeling like a traditional bike – which most people can say they’ve ridden at least once.
Riding an eBike not only helps you avoid heavy traffic but also other jam-packed places. The electric motor makes riding convenient and less tiring. With the assistance of motor pedaling you can ride at a higher speed for a long distance. Undoubtedly, when you use eBike, you can reach to your work or any place quickly. So don’t be in a rush, and enjoy your ride!
Easy on the Wallet
In the end, an electric bike can save you tons of money. There might be a slightly higher-than-normal purchase cost compared to traditional bicycles, but even that’s not a sure thing. Beyond the initial purchase, eBikes are also relatively inexpensive to maintain, especially compared to automobiles and motorcycles. Plus, you save money on gas!
Easy to Ride, Easy to Park
Use your electric bike instead of a car for short-run trips and quick errands. Lock it on a bike rack instead of paying for street or garage parking. Long-time cyclists can all agree: parking a bike is far easier and cheaper than parking a car.
Final Verdict: Are Electric Bikes Worth It?
All eRideables offer value in some way. That includes eScooters, eSkateboards and, yes, eBikes. If they didn’t, the market probably wouldn’t be growing so fast. The question to ask yourself isn’t if electric bikes are worth it; but rather, are electric bikes worth it to you?
An important part of finding the best e-bike that offers the greatest value is to determine what you value most. Do you want something that will save you money or time? Something that will ease the burden of commuting? Something that will help you get out, stay active and explore more of the world around you?
These values change from person to person. They’ll even change from year to year. But rest assured, an eBike will add plenty value to your life.