Best Waterproof Electric Scooters, IP Ratings, And List Of Scooters With Highest IP Rating

I. Introduction

Many electric scooter riders may want to have fun and ride in the rain. However, you must be aware of the capability of your electric scooter, and the risk involved before venturing out in the rain. The IP rating of your electric scooter can also play a role here.

This article takes you through different topics, viz, what is an IP rating, what is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant electric scooters, can I ride my electric scooter in rain, safety habits required when you ride your electric scooter in rain, best waterproof and water-resistant electric scooters available in the USA, list of electric scooters with high IP ratings, and frequently asked questions.

II. What is an IP rating?

IP (ingress protection) rating is an established standard and it indicates the protection the equipment has against the intrusion of dust and water.

Many types of equipment, including your electric scooter, has electrical and electronic units/components (battery, electronic controls, wires, switches, etc.) and these electrical and electronic units can deteriorate and malfunction when dust or water enters the equipment.

IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission) has established the IP ratings, which grades the equipment based on its resistance against the intrusion or ingress of dust or liquids. These ratings are widely adopted throughout the industry and the IP rating educates a buyer about the product he/she is buying.

The IP rating is designated by IP followed by two numerals. The first numeral indicates the protection against solid objects or particles and is rated on a scale of 7, with ‘0’ indicating “no protection” to ‘6’ indicating “no ingress of dust“.

The second numeral indicates the equipment’s (electric scooter in our case) protection against liquids (including water) and is rated on a scale of ten, with ‘0’ indicating “no protection” to ‘9’ indicating “high-pressure hot water from different angles“.

If you find an ‘X‘ in place of the first or second numeral, like IPX4, it indicates that the said electric scooter is tested only for its resistance against water and not dust.

Note: For more details please visit the IEC website https://www.iec.ch/ip-ratings#:~ and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/IP_Code.

What the IP rating means to the electric scooter riders

When you do an internet search of electric scooters, you will know that IP54 is the normal rating for many electric scooters. Let us see what IP54 means to a rider (let us forget dust, and concentrate only on protection against water). IP54 means “Protection against splashing of water. Low-pressure water splashing on the electric scooter from any direction” and as per the test it can withstand “low-pressure water spray from any direction for 10 minutes”.

However, the caution given by the manufacturers of IP54 certified electric scooters is “Do not ride in the snow, in the rain, or on roads that are wet, muddy, icy, or that are slippery for any reason. Do not ride over obstacles (sand, loose gravel, or sticks). Doing so could result in a loss of balance or traction and could cause a fall.” This only indicates that the manufacturers want to play it very safe.

I have come across one electric scooter, Hollyburn P5/SS, which has an impressive IP66 rating and the manufacturer’s website says “the P5 is fully weather protected to the standard of IP66 and it is ready for use under all conditions of the weather, including rain and snow”. The second numeral of IP66 means “Protection against powerful water jet. 3 minutes of up to 12.5 mm of pressurized water from any direction on the electric scooter shall not be harmful”. This manufacturer appears to know the capability of his product. Still, you have to study the warranty clause before venturing in the rain and snow. I did not come across a copy of the warranty or user manual on their website.

Two electric scooters with the same IP rating may have different “cautions” by the manufacturer regarding riding in the wet conditions.

The bottom line is, whatever the IP rating says, it may be wise for you to follow the advice given in the owner’s manual and warranty clause. This is despite your thinking that light rain may not harm your electric scooter.

III. What is the difference between waterproof and water-resistant electric scooters?

You may be accidentally caught in the rain while riding an electric scooter or you have decided to ride your electric scooter in the rain for fun. In both cases, the rain can be very light, light, medium, heavy, or very heavy, and you may have ridden your electric scooter for a very short time, or for a long time.

If your electric scooter is water-resistant, it may be capable of protecting your scooter and if you are accidentally caught up in the light rain, you must seek for shelter. However, the general advice is “do not go in the rain, snow, puddles, muddy roads, and wet roadsâ€.

On the other hand, if your electric scooter is waterproof, it may be able to withstand snow, medium/heavy rain, and water puddles. However, it is still not be advisable to be in the rain for a long time unless the owner’s manual and warranty clause specifically allow it.

In either case, if you prolong riding in the rain for a long time, the water may affect the electrical parts of the electric scooter.

The terms “waterproof” and “water-resistant” are layman’s phrases and do not define the correct capability of your electric scooter against the intrusion of water into the electronic components. The proper indication is the “IP rating“. Even an electric scooter with the best IP rating will not sustain if you keep it immersed in water.

The best way is to understand the guidelines of your owner’s manual and warranty clause and follow them.

Normally, riders of electric scooters (well, most of them), are worried about what happens if they are caught up in the rain accidentally or can they take out their electric scooter in the rain for a short ride.

IV. Can I ride my electric scooter in the rain?

There can be two situations- (i) you started riding your electric scooter on a day with good weather and caught up in the rain accidentally and (ii) you venture out on your electric scooter in the rain.

The first situation may not be completely in your hand and you are forced to ride in the rain for a short duration until you find a safe shelter or for a duration until you are home. You have to do one of the two alternatives, immaterial if your electric scooter carries an IP number or not.

The second situation is completely in your hand, and here you need to take your decision by understanding the IP rating of your electric scooter, the advice in your owner’s manual, warranty clause, and your personal safety.

Most of the manufacturers, even with IP54 or higher rating, advice you to “do not ride in rain or snow“.

Electric scooters with IP54 or higher rating should be able to withstand wet roads and light rain, however, it may be wise to avoid the rain as the first option. Because, when you ride an electric scooter in rain, it is not the IP rating that is solely under consideration, your safety on a wet road or your safety from other vehicles on the road (due to poor visibility in rain) is equally under consideration.

If you study the material available on the internet, it tells that people ride electric scooters in rain, not bothered much about IP ratings. There may not be many reported cases of electric scooters seriously affected by water. However, it is always good to be careful to avoid risk.

V. Safety habits required when you ride your electric scooter in the rain

The first and very important safety habit is to avoid intentional riding of your electric scooter in the rain. When you ride your electric scooter in a wet road, IP rating is not the sole consideration, your safety on the slippery roads and the safety from other vehicles on the road are equally or even more important.

If you must ride your electric scooter in the rain due to an emergency or accidentally got caught in the rain, please take the following safety precautions.

• Be aware of the IP rating of your electric scooter, advice of your owner’s manual, and the warranty clause regarding riding under wet conditions.
• Always wear your safety gear including a good quality helmet during the ride.
• Ensure your electric scooter tires are in good condition and are properly inflated (if air tires).
• Ensure your electric scooter brakes are in good condition and are working properly.
• When you ride on a wet road, you need a long braking distance so it will be wise to go slow.
• Be visible to other vehicle drivers on the road. The visibility is poor on a rainy road so put on all your lights and be safe from other vehicles.
• Avoid water puddles and mud.
• When you reach home, do not charge your electric scooter battery immediately. Wipe your electric scooter with a dry cloth and park it under shade in a dry place and allow it to become completely dry before charging.

VI. Best waterproof and water-resistant electric scooters available in the USA

VII. List of electric scooters with high IP ratings

VIII. Frequently asked questions.

IX. Conclusion

Most of the younger generation today have ridden their toy two-wheel scooters in their childhood days, in sun, rain, and dust. Those toy scooters were without any electrical or electronic equipment, so they could withstand the rain.

However, modern electric scooters are equipped with hi-tech batteries and electronic components, hence we have to control our intuition and urge to ride in the rain. Most electric scooters available on the market cannot withstand more than a light shower and that too for a very brief period.