Unfortunately, the weather isn't always good for our e-bike rides. Whether you're commuting or riding your electric mountain bike through the countryside, you'll be riding in the rain at some point. So here are our top tips for riding an e-bike in the rain. You'll learn to stay safe and relatively comfortable on your next soggy ride.

Can You Ride an Electric Bike in the Rain?

Let's start by answering the most critical question: Can you ride an e-bike in the rain? Yes, absolutely. E-bike manufacturers build their bikes with an IP (ingress protection) rating, which determines their resistance to water and dirt particles. Therefore, you can ride an e-bike in the rain and splash through puddles without worry. 

Our Tips for Riding an E-Bike in the Rain

1. Ride with caution.

Riding your e-bike in wet conditions is a little more hazardous than in dry conditions. The water makes surfaces slippery, meaning you have to adapt your riding to stay safe and avoid crashes. It is best to avoid accelerating and braking hard in the wet and to maintain your balance when cornering. All these things will prevent you from sliding out, whether on the road or on wet mountain bike trails.

2. Make yourself more visible.

Riding in the rain typically means you're less visible to road users because the light conditions are much lower. Therefore, try to wear brightly colored clothing and fit lights on your bike. Bright LED lights work best and attract the attention of those around you.

3. Don't submerge your e-bike.

Some cheaper electric bikes have a lower IP rating, but most are good enough to ride in wet conditions. But it would be best to be realistic about how waterproof they are. Don't completely submerge your bike when riding through deep water. If you come to an unavoidable river crossing, switch off your bike's power before getting it wet. Also, ensuring your motor and battery are completely dry before switching the power back on is vital.

4. Learn to wash your electric bike properly.

You should always wash your e-bike after riding in wet and muddy conditions. Even if you've just ridden on a wet road, not washing your bike can cause wear and tear. At the very least, you should wipe down your bike to remove any water.

However, there's no substitute for properly cleaning your bike after a ride in wet conditions. Here's how to do it:

Secure your e-bike.

It would be unfortunate if your e-bike toppled over and sustained damage during the cleaning process. Therefore, make sure your bike is securely propped up against a wall or, even better, mounted on a bike stand.  

Turn off the power.

Before washing your bike, you must turn off the power. This is because water and electricity don't mix, and you don't want to injure yourself. You may also want to cover your e-bike's controller with a cloth or plastic bag for protection.

Rinse and scrub your e-bike.

Pressure washers are bad for any bike unless used with care. High-pressure water can wash grease from bearings and get into electrical components. Therefore, use low-pressure water from a standard hose or stand well back to avoid forcing water into these vulnerable areas.

Use a quality bike-cleaning spray and a range of brushes to thoroughly clean your e-bike's frame and components. You can buy special cleaning kits with everything you need to do a proper job.

Clean your drivetrain.

Use a degreaser and a stiff brush to scrub your e-bike's drivetrain. Cleaning an e-bike is one of the most important parts, as the drivetrain picks up lots of dirt that wears out the chain and gears. We recommend using a chain cleaning device that clamps around the chain. The degreaser and brushes make your chain look as good as new as it passes through it.

Note: When using a degreaser, be sure to avoid getting any on your brake pads or discs. This will contaminate them, badly affecting your stopping power. 

Dry your e-bike.

Wipe it down with a clean, dry cloth once you are happy that your e-bike is clean. Remove as much water as possible from the frame and components. Some people go as far as using compressed air to blast every drop of water from their e-bike. 

At this point, you may want to remove the battery to make sure no water has gotten onto the contacts. If so, simply wipe them dry with a clean cloth, taking care not to damage them.

Lubricate the chain.

After you've washed your electric bike, it's essential to lubricate the chain. A good coating of chain lube slows down the wear and tear of your drivetrain components. If you know you'll be riding in wet conditions, use "wet lube," which will stay on the chain longer and protect it. 

5. Fit Mudguards

Fitting mudguards on the front and rear wheels makes riding in the rain more pleasant. It stops spray and mud from flicking up into your face and down your back, which is extremely unpleasant. 

6. Lower your tire pressure.

Lowering your tire pressure slightly increases your tire's contact patch with the ground. This increases grip, reducing the risk of the tire skidding or washing out unexpectedly.

7. Dress for the occasion

Other than wearing bright colors, your clothing choice will significantly affect your comfort. We recommend layering, which lets you fine-tune your comfort depending on the weather and temperature. 

Start with a technical base layer made from synthetic materials or merino wool. Then, on colder days, slip on a comfortable mid-layer and a waterproof outer layer. Make sure your outer layer has a high waterproofing and breathability rating for maximum comfort.

Final Thoughts on Our Tips for Riding an E-Bike in the Rain 

Riding an e-bike in the rain comes down to personal comfort, safety, and taking care of your bike. None of these things are challenging to do; it just takes a little more time and planning before you set off on your ride.