Whether you ride an E-bike as a way to get around the city or you are an electric mountain bike rider, there are sure to be times when you would like to ride your E-bike in wet conditions. As an E-bike commuter, you’ll need to ride to work – rain or shine. And if you’re more into riding your E-bike on trails, you may encounter mud, puddles, or a stray summer shower. So what do you do? We’ve got answers for you.
Yes! E-bikes can get wet. The electric components of an E-bike are highly water-resistant, so you don’t have to stay inside when it’s wet outside. Riding in the rain, through puddles, and washing your E-bike are all perfectly safe.
DON’T ride on closed trails. If you’re planning to ride your E-MTB during wet weather, make sure you check the status of the trails you want to ride on. Some trails may close for a certain period of time after rain or during certain times of year due to freeze/thaw cycles. If you don’t know if a trail is open or not, call or visit your local bike shop. They will be able to help you out! If your tires are making tracks in the dirt, riding may cause damage to the trails. Opt for a ride on gravel, pavement, or bike paths instead!
DO ride with more caution. Whether you’re riding on the road or on the trail, riding in wet conditions can be more hazardous. Make sure to wear visible clothing and use lights if riding on roads. Avoid heavy braking or accelerating on slippery surfaces (mud, wet paint on the road, roots, train tracks, etc). When cornering, maintain balance to avoid sliding out. Learn more E-bike riding tips.
DON’T ride through deep water that could submerge your motor and battery. Is that creek crossing looking more like a river? Riding through water that deep would be dangerous on any bike, but on an E-bike you’ll want to turn off the power before walking or riding your bike through deep water. If your motor or battery has been submerged in water (even briefly), make sure it is completely dry before turning the power back on.
DO wash your bike after a ride in wet and/or muddy conditions. Even riding on wet pavement can cause more wear and tear on your bike, it’s best to wipe down or gently spray off and dry your bike after each ride in the rain. If you’ve ridden your bike on a gravel road or dirt trail in the rain, you’ll want to give it a thorough clean. Learn how to wash your E-bike.
DO prepare your bike for riding in the rain. If you’re planning on doing a fair amount of wet rides, it may be helpful to make a few changes to your setup to make it more safe and comfortable. First off, you’ll want to make sure your bike has fenders. Bike fenders for road and mountain biking are helpful because they keep water or mud from splashing into your face or on your backside. If you’re riding with others, fenders help prevent splashing on those riding behind you. Also, lower your tire pressure. A lower tire pressure than you’d run in dry conditions will help give you more traction on slippery surfaces. Learn more tips on how to prep your bike for riding in the rain.
