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The Truth About Waterproof Electric Scooters & IP Ratings
Electric scooters are a cool and convenient way to travel. But what happens if it starts raining or there are puddles on your journey?
Will your electric scooter be able to complete the ride? Here is a quick guide to IP ratings and the truth about waterproof electric scooters.
Here’s what’s covered,
What is IP rating for e scooter? Quick, Easy Answer
What do different IP ratings mean?IP54 or IPX4
IP55 or IPX5
IP56 or IPX6
What are IP ratings for e-scooters? Quick, Easy Answer
An IP rating is an Ingress Protection rating. This is a system developed by the International Electrochemical Commission (IEC) to standardise the grading of electric products based on their ability to withstand the ingress of liquids or dust.
This is what an IP Rating includes,
- First digit (D) - an electric scooter’s protection/resistance from debris
- Second digit (W) -an electric scooter’s protection/resistance from water.
If you see the letter X, it means no data relating to that area has been collected. See here for more deets.
Example: You may have read things such as IP56 in the product description of an electric scooter. In this case, the number 5 represents debris resistance, and the number 6 represents water resistance.
The higher the number or IP Rating is, the higher the resistance to the ingress of soil and water. The IP rating is also the official water resistance rating.
What do different IP ratings mean? Which electric scooters have IP ratings?
The list below summarises what IP ratings mean and explains the IP ratings of top-rated scooters available at Storm Rides.
It is organised from low water resistance to high water resistance (the best IP rating).
| IP Rating | Electric scooters with this IP rating |
|
IP54 or IPX4 Some degree of water resistance. Can ride on,
However, it is not recommended to use it regularly in wet conditions. Limited protection from dust. |
|
|
IP55 or IPX5 Medium water resistance. Can handle riding in steady, light rain and puddles. However, be conscious that there is no guarantee that it won’t harm the electronics.Limited protection from dust. |
|
|
IP56 or IPX6 Water resistant. This device should have no problem riding in,
|
|
If you want to know what the best electric scooter overall is, then check out,
BEST ELECTRIC SCOOTERS NZ REVIEW 2022 - TOP 15 E-SCOOTERS GUIDE
Frequently Asked Questions
What if an electric scooter doesn’t have an IP rating?
Electric scooters with no IP rating can mean two things. Either it has not been tested for its water protection capabilities, or it underwent the test but did not perform up to standards.In some cases, even though there is a given IP rating, some manufacturers might still recommend against using the vehicle in light rain or wet ground as it is likely to damage the scooter as well as being potentially dangerous. It’s important to keep in mind that water damage is not covered by warranty.
Featured Guide: ELECTRIC SCOOTER LAWS IN NZ – THE INS, THE OUTS, AND THE IDIOCY
Water Resistant vs Waterproof Electric Scooters: What Is The Difference?
Water-resistant and waterproof are two terms that can be confusing.
- Water-resistant e-scooters - designed to have a physical barrier to prevent the entry of fluids.
- Water-resistant e-scooters - can keep water from seeping in quickly while you rush for shelter.
On the other hand, waterproof refers to greater water protection.
A waterproof electric scooter can resist or be submerged entirely in water for an extended period.
At this stage, there is no set industry standard that a product must meet to be described as waterproof.
If your e-scooter is waterproof, it is implied it can withstand snow, rain, and being driven through puddles.
Currently, a fully waterproof electric scooter doesn't exist. Even scooters with the best water protection can only be classified as water-resistant.
As mentioned earlier, IP ratings provide guidance on the level of protection provided.
Even if your e-scooter comes with a great IP rating, remember that water seepage into the internal compartment can still lead to damage and will void your warranty.
Is it safe to use an e-scooter in the rain?
To check if it is safe for your electric scooter to go in the rain, you need to know what the IP rating is.
Like other vehicles, the tyres of the scooter will have less grip and visibility in rain and the braking conditions will also change.
This is usually provided in your electric scooter manual or instruction guide, or you can look it up online.
Electric scooters that are rated IPx4 can usually go in light rain. Electric scooters rated IPx5, and IPx6 can generally go in puddles and light, constant rain.
If you are riding your electric scooter in the rain, you need to be cautious and aware of your surroundings and safety.
Can an electric scooter break in the rain?
The rain can damage your electric scooter internally and externally.
Manufacturers do not recommend riding electric scooters in heavy rain, especially if you want to stay safe, avoid injuries and use your e-scooter for many years to come.
Water damage is usually not covered by warranties, regardless of the IP rating.
How do I protect myself and my scooter in the rain?
If you find yourself in rainy weather conditions and are going to ride in the rain make sure you wear appropriate safety gear such as
- high visibility clothing
- waterproof and slip-resistant shoes
- your lights are on
- you have a rain protector for your display screen
Items such as your phone, wallet and keys can be kept safe and dry in a water-resistant scooter case (one of the handy accessories that made our must-have electric scooter accessories list).
Remember safety is key and depending on the type of electric scooter you have it may be best to wait for the rain to pass or find another form of transport.
READ MORE BEGINNER’S ELECTRIC SCOOTER GUIDE: HOW TO BUY AN E-SCOOTER IN NZ
For electric scooters, mini bikes, skateboards and accessories, Storm Rides is the place to be. We’ve got e-scooters with various IP ratings to fit your budget and style. Contact us today!