Is an electric scooter waterproof ?
Can an electric scooter withstand rain ? A question often asked. This article explores this question and offers crucial perspectives on the water resistance of electric scooters and what that means.
An electric scooter is never completely waterproof. Driving in heavy rain and driving through deep puddles is always discouraged.
Water-resistant or waterproof
To understand the water resistance of electric scooters, it is essential to distinguish between two terms that are often misunderstood: water resistance and waterproof. Water-resistant gadgets, including electric kick scooters, are designed to provide a physical barrier against liquid ingress.
Conversely, waterproof means a higher level of protection against water. However, there is no universally accepted standard for labeling a product as waterproof. The fact is that a truly fully waterproof electric scooter does not exist. Even e-steps with the most superior water protection can only be classified as water-resistant.
Distinction between water resistance and waterproofing
Understanding IP ratings
The Ingress Protection (IP) classification system was implemented to evaluate the degree of dust and water protection of electronic products, including electric steps. The first digit in the IP rating (0-6) indicates protection against solids such as dust and debris, while the second digit (0-9 or K) indicates the degree of protection against water ingress, with higher numbers signifying more robust protection.
Below is a table with the meaning of the second digit.
| IP waarde | Beschermd tegen |
|---|---|
| 0 | Geen bescherming |
| 1 | Beschermd tegen verticaal vallende waterdruppels |
| 2 | Bestand tegen waterdruppels die onder een maximale hoek van 15° vallen |
| 3 | Beschermd tegen water dat maximaal onder een hoek van 60° valt |
| 4 | Bestand tegen spatwater uit een willekeurige richting |
| 5 | Beschermd tegen waterstralen met lage druk uit willekeurige richting |
| 6 | Bestand tegen sterke waterstralen uit willekeurige richting |
| 7 | Beschermd tegen tijdelijke onderdompeling in water; maximaal 30 minuten |
| 8 | Bestand tegen langdurige onderdompeling in water, onder druk |
IP ratings and their relevance to electric steps
In electric scooters, the three main points of protection against intrusion are:
- the dashboard or display
- the motor (located in the front or rear wheel or both)
- the bottom plate (base plate), in which the battery, motherboard and motor controller are located
The vast majority of electric steps on the market today offer some degree of waterproofing, usually with an IP rating of at least IPx4. This rating suggests resistance to light water splashes, suitable for riding in light rain or through occasional puddles. However, it is important to note that even the e-steps with the highest IP rating are not technically waterproof. They can still suffer damage with prolonged exposure to water or extremely low temperatures.
Conclusion and solution
No e-step is truly completely waterproof, though most models can withstand light rain and small puddles.
Of course, if you use the e-step on a daily basis, it is inevitable that you will end up in a heavy mood once in a while.
Still, you can help prevent water damage thanks to some tools.
- You can protect the display with a silicone protective cover, available for purchase from Mobile Future
- There is little you can do to the engine itself, avoid driving through deep puddles
- We can check the bottom plate for you and make it extra waterproof
If you have any questions feel free to stop by.
