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Can you ride an electric scooter in the rain?
Updated
Light rain, sometimes, if the maker gives the scooter a water rating and allows it in the manual. Puddles, downpours and hosing it off, no. Water resistant is not waterproof. Of our six picks, only the two Segways state an IP rating in the listing: IPX4 on the E2 Pro and IPX5 on the MAX G2. We did not see a rating on the other four.
What the ratings mean
| Rating | Plain meaning | On our list |
|---|---|---|
| IPX4 | Splashing water from any direction | Segway E2 Pro |
| IPX5 | Low-pressure water jets | Segway MAX G2 |
| IPX6 and IPX7 | Strong jets, or a short dunk | None of our picks |
| Not stated | Assume little or no protection | Gotrax GXL V2, Hiboy S2 Pro, S2 MAX, MAX Pro |
The X means no dust rating was given. A rating is measured on a new scooter with its seals intact. It does not cover riding through deep water, and it may not cover the charging port. Makers often exclude water damage from the warranty, so read the terms.
Riding in the wet
- Slow down and brake early. Small tires have less grip, and solid tires have even less.
- Cross paint stripes, metal plates and rail tracks upright, not leaning.
- Go around puddles. You cannot see the pothole under the water, and deep water reaches the motor and battery.
- Use your lights. CPSC says to use headlamps and other visibility gear so others can see you.
After a wet ride
- Wipe the scooter down, including the deck, display and charging port.
- Let it dry at room temperature before charging. Never plug in a wet port.
- Use only the charger that came with the scooter. CPSC warns that "universal" chargers can fit the port and still be the wrong match for the battery.
- Do not use a hose or pressure washer.
- If the scooter was ever under water, or acts oddly after rain, stop using it and contact the maker.
If you must ride in the rain often, the Segway MAX G2 with IPX5, air tires and drum brakes is the pick here. Caveat: it weighs 53.5 lb.
Battery safety: use only the charger that came with the scooter, stay home and awake while it charges, unplug it when full, and stop using a battery that is swollen, hot, leaking or smells odd. Follow your scooter's manual first. This is general information, not electrical advice.
Next: put your own battery and weight into the range calculator, or see the 6 commuter scooters on the short list.