If you love riding an electric bike, you might be wondering whether or not it would still be feasible on a rainy day. Don’t fret: high-quality ebikes are designed with water resistance in mind.
Remember, electric bikes aren’t 100% watertight and could become damaged during heavy storms or intense rainfall.
Safety First
If you want to enjoy riding an ebike during rainstorms, there are certain safety precautions you must take in order to stay safe. Be mindful when riding in wet conditions as they may be more slippery. Slow down and be cautious on wet roads since these can become much more hazardous.
Make sure to wear appropriate rain gear, such as waterproof jacket, rain pants and helmet, to stay safe when riding in the rain. These will protect you from becoming sodden during your journey.
Avoid riding on wet metal, ice, leaves and other slippery surfaces to maintain control. Braking may not be as strong in wet weather; therefore it’s advisable to start slowing down well in advance of any emergency stopping situations.
As another precaution when riding your ebike in the rain, use protective gear for your electronics – particularly your LCD screen which is particularly vulnerable to moisture exposure. A transparent plastic cover may help safeguard it from rainy conditions.
Wear the Right Gear
While most may view riding an ebike in the rain as terrifying, it’s actually quite safe. Just make sure you wear appropriate equipment and take precautionary steps.
As soon as you step onto your bike, the first step should be wearing an adequate helmet that is both insulated and water resistant to protect from colder climates or features a brim that keeps water off of your eyes and face. In addition, gloves that keep hands warm and dry may come in handy; especially when riding for an extended duration.
If you don’t possess a full-face helmet, goggles that are waterproof are recommended as an effective means of seeing more clearly in wet weather or night riding conditions. They’ll help make night rides safer!
As much as possible, try to avoid puddles and standing water, as these are dangerously slippery. In addition, be wary of road alignments or painted lines on roads as these can also become treacherous when exposed to rainwater.
Allow More Time to Stop
Electric bikes may make riding more enjoyable than its non-powered predecessors; however, it’s essential that riders keep in mind they are still operating a vehicle and use brakes appropriately.
Avoid riding on wet surfaces if possible; otherwise, consider investing in either a raincoat specifically tailored for cycling, or using one of the numerous rainproof racks on the market.
Keep a keen eye out for pedestrians and road users in front of you on your ebike to stay safe, both physically and psychologically. Not only will it keep you out of trouble but will also give you greater confidence as you head out on your adventure! It’s not unusual for a well-prepared e-bicyclist to see traffic lights or cars on the other side of the street – be sure to look both ways before setting off!
Avoid Slick Spots
Slipping and falling off are among the main risks when riding an ebike in the rain, due to gasoline and oil seeping onto roads due to heavy downpours, making regular asphalt more unpredictable than usual.
Be on the lookout for potential hazards during your ride, such as rainbow-colored puddles or those treated with slippery substances such as gas or oil lubricants.
Avoiding slippery spots will prevent you from losing control and falling down the road. In particular, pay attention to any lane markers or white lines which might become slippery during wet conditions.
Ride at low speeds on wet roads to prevent accidents from occurring; take extra time when approaching corners to give yourself and other drivers plenty of time to respond if the surface turns slippery.
Chris is a passionate learner and writer. When he’s not working on his blog or learning something new, he’s a full-time systems administrator and father of two beautiful girls. Chris loves spending time with his family, reading, writing, and playing hockey.