Frequently Asked Questions

Electric bikes

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.

Can I carry on ebike just about anywhere ?

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.

How Do Electric Bikes Work ?

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

what are the benefits of electric bikes ?

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.

electric scooters

Are Electric Scooters Worth It?

Owning an electric scooter isn’t all about costs. There are plenty of benefits to go along with ownership. Here are the top ten benefits you’ll reap by purchasing an electric scooter.

10.Easy assembly. An electric scooter is easy to assemble. Most models can be assembled in as little as ten minutes – especially the foldable models. Just unfold, attach the handle grips, charge up the battery and go.

9.They’re fun. Don’t you want to feel like a kid again? Owning an eScooter is one way to relive the good ol’ days of riding in the open air, with the wind blowing through your hair. We all deserve a bit of fun now and then, right?

8.Easy to park. Most electric scooters are small and lightweight enough to fit in your office, in a school locker or in a grocery cart. But if you absolutely need to park your electric scooter, you have plenty of options. Bike racks are virtually everywhere, and many bike locks can be used to secure your scooter.

7.Saves you time. Because a scooter is small and easy to operate, you can more easily navigate through traffic congestion. You’ll get where you’re going quicker and, dare we say, better.

6.License requirements: Because of their limited speed, many cities do not require you to have a license. Before you ride, ensure that you become familiar with your local electric scooter regulations.

5.Easily portable. An electric scooter is usually lightweight enough to carry with you on the bus, train or subway. And some, like our Nienebot G30 max scooters, can be easily folded so that you can store them in compact spaces.

4.Environment friendly. Because they are electric, an electric scooter doesn’t emit CO2 into the atmosphere. The less CO2, the better

3.Cost of maintenance: Maintaining an electric scooter is less expensive than owning a motorcycle or car.

2.They’re electric. No seriously, this is a huge advantage. Electric scooters are cheaper to operate when compared to traditional fuel-based scooters and bikes. Instead of hopping in your car for short trips and quick errands, hop on your electric scooter.

1.They are affordable. An electric scooter certainly costs far less than a motorcycle or a car. You can have a high-end scooter for just a few hundred dollars. Some manufactures,have invested heavily in lowering manufacturing costs while raising quality.
Those savings are passed on to the you.

Let’s face it, an electric scooter is an exciting personal transportation vehicle that has captured the imaginations of urban commuters and campus cruisers the world over. And it’s easy to see why. They’re a fun, eco-friendly way to get around. Improvements in battery technology have made them more affordable and lighter than ever before.

Whether you’re using an eScooter as a last-mile solution or just to explore more of your world, there’s an electric scooter out there with your name on it.

Can electric scooters be used in the rain ?

It’s one of the fundamental truths we lived with for decades: water and electricity don’t mix. But with electric scooters, the temptation to
throw caution to the wind and ride out in the rain is too great to ignore. So, this article will answer the question: “Can electric scooters be
used in the rain?”

As is usual with these questions, the definitive answer is . . . maybe.

What Happens When You Ride an Electric Scooter in the Rain
When operating your electric scooter in the rain, here are two things to keep in mind. First, you have to understand how the water would be
affecting the electric components in your electric scooter.

While some low-grade electric scooters in the market may take a splash or two and handle some scattered raindrops, riding such scooters in
the rain will definitely be a gamble. Poorly manufactured electric equipment is best sheltered inside when it starts raining.

Another thing to understand is that the handling and performance in wet conditions is more difficult, just like with a bicycle or an automobile.
Wet surfaces can dramatically lower the traction of the electric scooter, making it harder to maneuver or stop. Electric scooters from
disreputable brands or unknown manufacturers might have poor handling ability in the rain and poor braking.

What about PAWElECTRIC Scooters ?

Performance in adverse weather conditions is one of the many areas where shoddy electric scooters do not come close to matching the standards and quality of PAWELECTRIC. Our electric scooters are water resistant (IPX4) and can be ridden in short intervals during a light rain.

All PAWELECTRIC scooters come with grooved rubber or inflatable tires. These tires offer a firm grip on most of the surfaces, wet or dry. No matter what surface you ride on, riders will have a good grip on the road for proper handling.

When Not to Ride Your Electric Scooter in the Rain

Low visibility

Briefly riding your PAWELECTRIC scooter in light rain causes no harm to you or your scooter. But if it’s raining heavily and your visibility is reduced, you probably shouldn’t go riding. Wait for the rains to subside before heading out. Avoid going out on electric scooters during
torrential rain.

Chance of high standing rainwater

“Water-resistant” is not the same as “waterproof.” So, don’t use your electric scooter in areas where there’s a chance of floods or high water. Extreme conditions such as flash floods, overflowing rivers or streams and deep puddles will render your electric scooter inoperable. Such conditions may also permanently damage your electric scooter. There’s also a chance that you may be left stranded far away from your home. Use caution. Do not take your electric scooter out for a spin if there is a chance of high standing water.

Again, PAWELECTRIC scooters are water-resistant — also termed as splash-resistant — not waterproof. Never fully submerge your electric scooter in water. That will void the warranty and might damage electric components beyond repair.

In freezing rain

If the temperatures are below freezing and it is raining, it strongly recommended NOT to ride your electric scooter. Operating your electric scooter in the rain below freezing temperatures causes your battery and motor to overwork. This adversely affects the longevity of the battery and the electric motor. If your electric scooter does happen to get cold, wait until the battery gets warm before trying to recharge or power up.

If you’re buying a premium electric scooter from a reliable brand, you should be fine if you get caught out in a light rain for a brief amount of time. Always check the IP-rating of your electric scooter before buying. They should be well advertised. Avoid risky behavior. Don’t ride your e-scooter in freezing temperatures, during heavy downpours, or through water puddles.

Can Electric Scooters Be Used in United Kingdom ?

In the UK, electric scooters are legal to be bought and sold in stores. However, if you want to ride your electric scooter out on the street or on pavements, then you are in for a surprise. Throughout the UK, electric scooters are banned from all public areas, roads, parks, and pavements. Even in cycle lanes, you cannot ride your electric scooter. The only place where you can ride them is in your house or on privately owned land.

How about some european countries ?

With electric scooters becoming more and more popular and convenient in comparison to petrol vehicles, many countries are modernizing their existing rules and regulations. Some European countries have taken a modern approach to electric scooters. Out of France are recent reports that the country will prohibit electric scooters from sidewalks, moving their traffic to the streets. Switzerland classifies electric scooters as motorized bicycles, and the Swiss do not allow e-scooters on sidewalks, but bike lanes and streets are all okay. In Germany, standing scooters are prohibited from public spaces because they do not yet fall into any approved vehicle category. Also, there are some efforts to make an approved vehicle category for PLEVs in the EU.

electric skateboards

Can Skateboards Get Wet ?

Yes!

Let’s start off on the right foot — or the left foot, if you’re left-handed. It’s good to set the record straight. Skateboards can get wet. When and how they get wet can determine whether they are damaged by water. For example, riding a skateboard in the rain is not the same as submerging it in water, which is again different than leaving it out in the rain.

The Deck or Board

The deck of the skateboard is usually made of wood. When it comes in contact with water wood can become soft and deform. Even after it dries out, the board’s performance may not be as good as it was before getting wet. You may realize that the skateboard does not have a crisp pop to it any longer.

The Bearings and Bolts

When skateboards get wet, their bearings can lose their lubrication and the bolts can rust. When lubrication fails, the skateboard will slow down, and the bearings will start to weaken from the inside out. The skateboard will not move as fast or as smoothly as you have come to expect. As water gets below the surface, it takes a long time for it to dry. This makes the bolts rust. Rusty bolts can lead to breakage, although the breakage will be a slow process, not a sudden one. Other parts of the skateboard to consider for the impact of water:

Grip tape works well to give your feet traction on the board, even when wet. But grip tape can lose adhesion over time with repeated wetting and drying. If that happens, the tape will start to peel off the deck.
Skateboard trucks can withstand water for some time, but if they get wet too frequently, they will soon start to rust.
Made of synthetic hard rubber, skateboard wheels have absolutely no problem with getting wet.

After Wetting, What Next?

If your skateboard gets wet, there are some measures you can take to reduce the consequences that result. The most important thing to do is to take the skateboard away from the source of water and dry it. Some of the necessary things to do are:

Remove the hardware in order to disconnect the deck from the trucks. You can then use a towel or a rag to dry the board, the hardware, the trucks and the grip tape.
Remove the wheels, then dry the inner and outer parts of the bearings. Spray some lubricant on the bearings. Doing this will ensure that the bearings are protected from rusting.
Put the deck in the sun for as long as you can to get it dry. If you have a bad weather, keep it inside a garage so it can air dry. To confirm if the skateboard is dry or not, tap on it and listen to the sound it makes. If you get a sound like the sound it makes when dry, then the skateboard is dry. Once this is achieved, reassemble the board and move on to enjoy skateboarding.
Start and Enjoy Skating
As much as possible, try to avoid getting your skateboard wet. Water is bad for the bearings, board, trucks and bolts. Plus, you might have to deal with hydroplaning, which could affect your ability to control the skateboard. So, try not to skate in the rain or through puddles. But if your skateboard does get wet at all, follow the steps above and you should be good to go.

But . . . what about your electric skateboard?

Can Electric Skateboards Get Wet?

Electric skateboards are a slightly different story. They have the same considerations as their non-powered counterparts: a deck, wheels, bearings, and bolts. But they also have a battery, motor and electronic components to consider.

An electric skateboard might advertise a certain level of water resistance, but that doesn’t mean it’s waterproof. Even boards that have high IP ratings run the risk of damaged electrical and drive systems after repeated or prolonged exposure to wet conditions. If board malfunctions occur, there’s a higher-than-normal chance of serious injury. After riding in wet conditions, electric skateboards should always be wiped down and dried out.

In the end, trust your instincts. Some people have ridden in the rain and their boards were just fine. Others have ended up with a wrecked board.

Can electric skateboards go on bike lane ?

Skateboards have a strong ability to perform well in bike lanes. Bike lanes provide a smoother ride than sidewalks, which can be riddled with obstructions, including pedestrians.

While riding an electric skateboard in a bike lane might seem like common sense, it might not be legal. So, always check with your local government agencies. And don’t forget to always wear protective gear, including knee and elbow pads and a certified helmet.

Even if your city has restrictions against riding an electric skateboard in the bike lane, there are still plenty ways you can enjoy your electric skateboard.

Can electric skateboards go uphill ?

Technology is ever-changing. And nowhere is that more evident than with consumer electronics. Several years ago, no one would have thought an electric skateboard could – or would – exist. But today, it is not only a thought, it’s a reality.

An electric skateboard is basically skateboard with a battery and electric motor. People are looking for new, efficient ways to get around. Either to explore their neighborhood, commute to-and-from school or work, or show off to their friends. And the electric skateboard has become one of the more attractive options available.

Like the electric bike, an e-board looks nearly identical to its non-powered counterpart. You’re riding an electric skateboard and it doesn’t look like it’s some newfangled oddity. It just looks like you’re riding a skateboard.

That’s all well and good if you’re just riding on even, level pavement. What about those hilly sidewalks or campuses? With a traditional skateboard, you can just kick harder to conquer those steep inclines. What about an electric skateboard? Can they also go uphill?

In short, yes, electric skateboards can go uphill.

The Underlying Factors

In theory, electric skateboards can go uphill. The reality of it might be quite different, depending on a few factors. How steep is the incline? How powerful is the e-board’s motor? How much does the rider weigh?

The Incline (or Gradient)

The most important factor for you to consider when you travel up a hill is the hill’s incline, or gradient. The incline of a road or sidewalk is measured in either degrees or percentage. Without boring you with geometry, 10% grade equals about 5.7 degrees.

Even budget electric skateboards can at least be able to climb a 5% incline. For the average rider, you’ll want to find an electric skateboard that can at least climb 10-15% inclines. That shouldn’t be too hard.

The Motor Power

The higher the motor power, the better chance your electric skateboard will be able to tackle those steep hills. As you would expect, electric skateboards are built in a wide variety of power levels, measured in watts. Most low-end e-boards feature at least a 100-watt motor. You’ll need to stick with flat, even sidewalks with those boards!

Premium electric skateboards can have motors powered anywhere between 350-500 watts, but the average rider will be more than fine with a motor ranging from 150 watts to 350 watts.

The Battery Capacity

The electric skateboard needs a lot of power, as we have stated earlier. This means that it needs a high battery capacity. When going up a steep (about 20% gradient) the battery will drain quicker. Therefore, it is crucial for you to conserve your battery capacity with different riding techniques, so that you can have enough capacity to go uphill.

The Torque

To go uphill, the torque of the electric skateboard must be properly calibrated to handle the board. Manufactures spend a lot of time balancing the ratios between power, speed and torque. Nearly every component of the electric skateboard can affect the amount torque transferred to the wheels. This can, in turn, affect the climbing ability of an electric skateboard.

For instance, larger wheels might help the e-board go faster. But that lowers the amount of torque applied to the wheels, making an uphill climb a bit harder for the board.

Rider Weight

Just as with electric bikes, the weight of a rider is crucial when going uphill with electric skateboards. The higher your weight, the more power you will need to go uphill. A rider with a weight of 70 kg can go uphill easily using a normal electric skateboard. For riders that weigh more than 80 kg, the premium motor type will perform better.

Riding Downhill

What goes up, must come down. And you will certainly need to come down a hill at some point in your adventures. It’s easy to lose track of speed when going downhill, so you should definitely be more careful.

If you know you’ll be riding in hilly areas, make sure you find an electric skateboard with some sort of braking mechanism. That can be either be through regenerative braking, dynamic brakes, through a remote, or an anti-lock, electromagnetic disc brake system (MagBrake).

Riding Uphill with an Electric Skateboard

Well, now you know that electric skateboards can go uphill. You also know the factors that go into determining how well your e-board will go uphill. Now that you understand these mitigating factors, you should have no problem determining whether your current electric skateboard can go uphill — or buying the perfect board that does.

Now all you need to do is grab your electric skateboard, point it uphill, and ride beyond!