Top 10 tips for riding your ebike in the rain
It is one of the more common questions that ebike suppliers get. “Can I ride my ebike in the rain?” My answer is always, yes, but it is best to avoid heavy rain. That is because most ebikes are water resistant not waterproof. Like anything check the user manual or if this is not covered contact your supplier to find out exactly what components can handle rain and to what level.
To maximise your riding pleasure and to reduce any likelihood of water damage to your ebike, here are 10 tips to be aware of.
1. Install mudguards
If you use your ebike for the daily commute it is a good idea to have mudguards. These bad boys will protect your clothing from water and debris and help reduce water getting on your motor.
2. Dress for success
There is nothing worse than riding in your crisp white shirt or expensive dress pants which suddenly become drenched as the rain buckets down. A waterproof jacket or poncho is a must to keep as dry as possible.
3. Weatherproof your gear
Any bags or exposed equipment is best to be protected with waterproof bags. This can be stored in panniers or bags that store mobile phones or equipment to waterproof ebike displays.
4. Install headlights and taillights if not standard with ebike
This is again about road safety. When the weather turns bad inevitably the light is reduced which makes visibility difficult. The best way to overcome this is to have bring headlights and brake or taillights to make you as visible as possible. This can be taken to another level with LED lights in the rear of your helmet.
5. Ride to the conditions
Good brakes are essential when riding in the rain. Regardless if you have top of the line hydraulic brakes it is essential the ride to the conditions. This means braking early, reducing speed around corners and not riding too close to other bikes or cars.
6. Take corners with caution
The additional power of an electric bike means more fun but it can also mean a higher chance of an accident. When riding in the rain it is important to be more cautious around corners. Slow down more than normal and aim to keep as much of the tyre in contact with the ground to maximise your handling.
7. Be on the lookout for slick spots
These can be difficult to spot but after rain old and dirt can become slick when it hasn’t washed away. This can make riding more unpredictable and dangerous. Avoid puddles or standing water as well as painted lines on the road, which can be far more slippery than the road.
8. Be seen and be safe.
It is vital to be easy to spot. The best way to do this is to wear hi-vis clothing so you stand out against the dark skyline. Don’t stop at a jacket but also add reflectors inside the spokes and neon strips on the tyre walls.
9. Plan a safer route
One way you can to do this is to avoid road conditions, which are more treacherous. Things to avoid include more off-road conditions like loose gravel, dirt and poorly maintained roads. If possible use cycle ways where car traffic is not an issue.
10. Make sure you clean your bike after riding in the rain
To increase the lifespan of your ebike it is vital to clean it of any mud or debris and ensure it is dry after riding in the wet. Ebikes are a great way to save money on commuting but they do require maintenance. If you ride in the wet it is essential to dry important componentry like the battery, motor and display. This will help you to enjoy your ebike for many years to come, come rain or shine.
