The Best Waterproof Electric Scooters to ride in Rain

Electric scooters have become a reliable and affordable mode of transportation within cities. Some scooter enthusiasts frequently encounter rainy seasons in their area and often look for waterproof scooters that can handle these conditions effectively. But can you ride an electric scooter in the rain? Absolutely yes! However, it depends on the scooter’s performance and other factors, which we’ll explore in detail in this article.

Well, there’s no such thing as being completely waterproof, especially for electric devices like scooters. Think about it: if something were fully waterproof, it should be able to tolerate all water without getting wet, right? but that’s not possible. However, some scooters are water-resistant, which can provide a secure and comfortable ride during rainy seasons. These scooters often come with a rating called IP (Ingress Protection) ratings, which indicate how much water exposure an electric scooter can withstand.

What does IP Ratings Mean?

IP stands for Ingress Protection which consists of two digits: the first indicating protection against solid objects like dust and debris, while the second denotes resistance to liquids such as water. For example, an electric scooter with an IP54 rating would mean that it offers moderate protection against dust (5) and limited protection against water splashes (4). The higher the numerical value assigned to each digit, the greater the degree of protection.

While these values are matters a lot but electric scooter companies often use them primarily for advertising purposes. The actual ability of a scooter to tolerate dirt and water depends on real-world experiences. As I mentioned earlier, there’s no such thing as a completely waterproof. I’ll cover some of the best scooters known for their ability to handle wet conditions.

What to Consider When Choosing an Electric Scooter for Rain?

When searching for an electric scooter suitable for rainy conditions, there are several key factors to consider. Firstly, it should have high IP ratings. Look for a minimum of IP54 water resistance rating, which can tolerate dust and minor water splashes easily. Secondly, the scooter should feature large tires capable of providing traction on wet surfaces without getting slip.

Additionally, it should have a rear mudguard to shield the rider from dirt and water splashes. The grips should be smooth, and the deck should be strong, providing a stable and secure stance and control in wet conditions.

NIU – KQi3 Pro

If you’re looking for a budget-friendly electric scooter suitable for rainy conditions, the NIU KQI3 would be an excellent choice. Despite its affordability, this scooter boasts a powerful performance and comes with an IP54 water-resistant rating. In my opinion, real-time performance speaks louder than advertised claims, and this scooter lives up to its rating. The handlebars are notably wider, approximately 20% wider than those found on other electric scooters in the same price range, which typically feature narrower handlebars. With their wavy texture grips, they offer a comfortable feel and provide complete grip and control to the hands, minimizing the risk of slipping.

The triple braking system, comprising front and rear disc brakes along with a rear electric brake, provides the scooter with ample stopping power without causing you to lean forward. While the electric brake may engage later, the front and rear disc brakes offer the necessary power for abrupt stops. Additionally, the halo-shaped headlight and rear brake lights enhance visibility during dark times, while the addition of reflectors further enhances safety while riding.

A standout feature of this scooter, and one that I personally appreciate, is the rear mudguard. Its exceptional design and construction make it particularly well-suited for rainy seasons, especially considering its budget-friendly price. The mudguard is built to handle dirt and water puddles with ease and effectiveness. Furthermore, the overall build quality of the scooter is robust, contributing to its durability. The rock-solid stem provides stability and control, even on uneven surfaces. Additionally, the scooter is equipped with 9.5-inch rubber pneumatic tires known for their excellent shock absorption qualities, despite the absence of a dedicated suspension system.

After much consideration, I chose this scooter as my budget-friendly pick because, despite the popularity of models like the Segway Ninebot Max and NIU KQI3 Max, it offers similar ride quality and features at a lower price point. The only notable difference is in range, but this compromise is acceptable. The stem is positioned high enough from the ground, ensuring that even taller riders can comfortably stand on the deck. With a weight limit of 220 pounds, it accommodates a wide range of users, making it a versatile option for various riders.

The scooter is compact and can be easily folded for convenient transportation. However, due to its weight of approximately 45 lbs, carrying it for extended periods may not be feasible for everyone. Regarding its range, while the advertised range is 31 miles per hour, the actual range we observed was 18 miles in extreme mode, with a top speed of 20 mph. Achieving the advertised range is possible, but typically in E-mode, where the top speed is limited to 10 mph.

However, one drawback is that the scooter requires a kick to start the motor, which may not be preferable for those who prefer zero-kick start scooters. Additionally, the deck provides minimal ground clearance, measuring just 3 inches. Nevertheless, the scooter offers a smoother and comfortable ride overall, making it my budget-friendly pick for now. I’ll continue to search for the best options and provide my valuable opinions accordingly.

Emove Cruiser S

It is one of the best electric scooters on the market, known for its long range and excellent performance in rainy conditions. It boasts an IPX6 water-resistant rating, with a waterproof display. The scooter is durable and powerful, featuring a 1000W rear motor that provides ample power for various riding needs.

The scooter’s water handling ability is excellent, largely due to its sine wave controllers, which offer exceptional handling and control while keeping the rider stable. This isn’t just a marketing claim; sine wave controllers truly provide significantly more stability compared to square wave controllers.

The handlebars, 25 inches wider, provide an extended reach for your arms, enhancing stability and control over the scooter. The thumb throttle is an upgrade from the previous version, replacing the awkwardly positioned finger throttle, as per my research.

The 10-inch pneumatic tires feature self-healing capabilities, attributed to their lack of inner tubes, allowing them to repair themselves. Voro Motors states on their website that previous models had a 50% tire replacement rate, whereas this model boasts only a 1% replacement rate out of 3000 units. These large tires, coupled with a dual suspension system, deliver exceptional traction and stability on various surfaces, preventing slipping and effectively absorbing bumps for a smoother ride.

The rear mudguard may not match the quality of those found in Segway and Niu models, but it still effectively handles dirt and water puddles. The large deck provides ample space for adjusting your feet comfortably. However, the ground clearance falls short, measuring almost 4.5 inches from the ground. You may need to consider adding grip tapes to the deck, especially since it comes with an option for a seat attachment and a pre-made hole for it. However, opting for the seat may compromise stability, particularly in wet conditions, making it challenging to ride in the rain.

The brakes, like the rest of the scooter, are excellent, with 140mm hydraulic dual brakes capable of bringing the scooter to a safe stop. The Cruiser is definitely worth the investment, particularly for rainy rides, offering a long-range commute of almost 60 miles according to a third-party tool. Furthermore, the ride quality is noticeably smoother and more stable, making it an ideal choice for those seeking reliability and performance in various weather conditions.

Apollo City Pro

The Apollo City Pro is  the best choice for riding in the rain, thanks to its impressive IP66 water-resistant rating. This scooter handles exceptionally well in wet conditions. Equipped with large 10-inch pneumatic tires and a triple suspension system, it offers superior grip to the  without any slip. The 500W dual motor provides a peak power of 2000W and sufficient strength to handle water on the road.

The scooter features dual braking systems: a drum brake and a regenerative brake, both of which work excellently to ensure a safe stop without locking or jamming the wheels.  The scooter stop from 15 mph in just 2.3 meteres. While the scooter accelerates rapidly, reaching 15 mph in only 2.3 seconds, I advise you to accelerate gently, as rapid acceleration in such conditions can prove to be dangerous.

The handlebars are approximately 5% wider than the previous version, providing significantly enhanced control over the scooter. The stem, like the rest of the scooter, is exceptionally sturdy, exhibiting no wobbling during our hill climbing test. Another factor enabling safe rides on wet surfaces is the app integration. Available on both Android and iOS, the app allows users to manage speed modes and control the cruise control feature. This flexibility allows you to adjust the speed according to surface conditions, ensuring a smoother and safer ride.

The rear mud guard is designed to shield the rider from water splashes and dirt effectively. With a deck height of 5 inches above the ground, the scooter offers decent ground clearance, ensuring stability and security even in rainy conditions with 2 or 3 inches of water. However, the deck is ideally sized for size 8 shoes, which might feel narrow for those wearing larger sizes. In such cases, you may need to adjust your foot position slightly for optimal stability. Nonetheless, the deck provides a stable grip and stance while riding.

When riding a scooter in the rain, it’s essential to reduce your speed to maintain control and increase braking distance on wet roads. Wearing protective gear such as waterproof pants and jackets is crucial for safety. I’ve included the scooter in my hill climbing list because of its exceptionally strong build quality, enabling it to handle inclines very effectively. Similarly, this was the reason for including the scooter in this article as well. With its powerful performance and ability to provide greater stability and control while riding, the Apollo City Pro could be an excellent choice for those seeking to ride in the rain while maintaining an intermediate budget.

Mantis V2

Another top choice for riding in the rain is the Mantis V2. If you’re seeking a more powerful option for such conditions, this scooter delivers. With an IPX5 rating and robust dual watt motors, the V2 is exceptionally powerful and durable. In addition to its water-resistant rating, the inclusion of a second rear fender acts as a tire hugger, shielding the rider from water and dirt.

The scooter maintains stability and comfort even at higher cruising speeds. In my review of the Mantis V2, I noted that the previous model had issues with the stem at high speeds, but the Mantis V2 stem holds firm, providing a stable stance throughout the ride. The large 10-inch pneumatic tires offer excellent grip on the ground, and the improved suspension system makes it an even better choice for off-road commuting.

The dual braking system, consisting of hydraulic disc brakes and regenerative brakes, delivers ample stopping power to the scooter. I personally prefer hydraulic brakes in a scooter, especially when investing in a higher budget. The Zoom brakes, paired with the regenerative brake, provide the scooter with maximum stopping power, enabling it to halt from 15 mph in just 2.2 meters.

While this performance may vary in rainy conditions, the stability offered by these brakes makes riding worry-free in the rain. The scooter offers eco and turbo modes, which can be adjusted from the controls to suit different terrain conditions. With two battery variants available, 24.5Ah and 18.5Ah, the larger battery variant provides a range of 41 miles per charge.

The deck sits approximately 5.6 inches above the ground and is now securely glued, eliminating concerns of flapping while riding. This enhancement provides the rider with increased stability and grip. With dimensions of 20 inches in length and 8.3 inches in width, the deck offers ample space for comfortable foot adjustment.

Another feature contributing to stability and control on wet surfaces is the sin wave controllers. While they may not offer as aggressive acceleration as square wave controllers, they provide greater control. The headlight has undergone significant improvements, offering better visibility in the dark. Additionally, the grips are now more comfortable and provide better grip compared to the previous version, which had foamier and slipperier grips.

With an IPX5 rating and dual fenders on the rear wheel, powerful motors providing a peak power of 3000 watts, and enhanced control and stability thanks to sine wave controllers and ergonomic grips, this scooter is an excellent choice for riding in the rain.

Safety Precautions Before Riding in Rain

Before riding an electric scooter in the rain, it’s crucial to prioritize safety. Below are some essential tips to consider:

Always check the weather forecast to assess potential risks. If heavy rain, thunderstorms, or strong winds are expected, it’s advisable to postpone your ride to avoid hazardous conditions.

When gearing up for a rainy ride, opt for waterproof or water-resistant clothing, including a jacket, pants, and gloves and don’t forget to wear a helmet to safeguard your head in case of accidents.

Inspect the electric scooter before riding. Check for any signs of damage or wear, particularly focusing on crucial components such as tires, brakes, lights, and electrical systems.

Reduce your speed to compensate for reduced traction on wet surfaces, and approach turns and corners more slowly to maintain control. Avoid abrupt movements or sharp turns, as they can raise the risk of skidding or losing control.

Finally, maintain a safe distance between yourself and other vehicles or pedestrians on the road. Because it takes longer to stop or react in wet weather, it’s important to leave more space between you and other vehicles to avoid accidents.

Maintenance Tips after Riding in Rain

After riding your scooter in rainy conditions. Begin by thoroughly drying the scooter with a cloth or towel. Next, inspect the scooter for any signs of water damage, such as rust or corrosion, particularly focusing on brakes, tires, lights, and electrical components.

Lubricate moving parts like brake levers and folding mechanisms to prevent rust, and check and adjust tire pressure as needed. Test the brakes to ensure they function correctly, and dry and store the battery in a cool, dry place away from moisture.

Protect electrical components with silicone spray and clean and lubricate bearings to maintain smooth operation. Finally, store the scooter in a dry, sheltered location and incorporate regular maintenance into your routine to prevent issues caused by moisture and extend the scooter’s lifespan.

Common Misconception

Some individuals may worry about getting a shock from the scooter in the rain due to its electric nature. However, electric components are typically covered with rubber and other insulators, One thing about the electric scooters is that the important parts like the battery, motor, and electrical connections are sealed tightly. This means they’re enclosed in strong coverings, making it hard for water to get inside.

This sealing keeps the scooter’s insides dry and safe from water, which helps it work well for a long time. So, even if it’s raining outside, these scooters can keep going without any problems. We have selected scooters after thorough testing and research, ensuring they possess all the necessary features mentioned above for riding in the rain.