Owning any e-bike is an exciting opportunity. They’re a fairly new piece of technology that has become exceedingly popular in the last few years. As with any piece of technology, especially as more and more people are investing in e-bikes, there are a few things that need to be kept in mind to ensure that your bike stays in tip-top condition. This is especially important when to comes to using your e-bike in the rain. If you want to make sure that your bike can survive our sudden and fierce Australian storms, take a look here at the top 5 do’s and don’ts of using an e-bike in the rain.

Do get the right gear

Getting the right gear is important for riding your e-bike. Not only will getting the right gear make your ride a lot more comfortable, but it can also help save your life in the event of unexpected circumstances. The right gear can include everything from personal safety gear such as hi-vis clothing and a bike helmet to waterproof glasses or goggles. Investing in mudguards for the wet weather is also a great way to keep your bike and its electrical components clean. Riding in the rain can be both difficult and dangerous. It always pays to ensure that you have the right gear for the conditions.

Remember to always check your tire pressure before heading out into wet weather. It’s recommended to have lower tire pressure in wet weather so that you have greater traction on the wet ground.

Don’t ride through deep water

The main big “Don’t” of owning an e-bike and riding it in the rain is simple. Don’t ride your e-bike through deep water. While this may seem like common sense, there are several good reasons why you don’t want to be doing this. While riding through deep water is OK on a traditional bike (as long as you are safe doing so), riding through deep water is not recommended on an e-bike. Your battery is particularly prone to shorting out if submerged in water, which can lead to expensive repairs and replacement costs. Avoid riding through floodwaters or leaving your bike outside in the bad weather for any length of time.

Do be more cautious

When you’re riding in difficult weather, you must be more careful than you would normally be on regular roads. Wet weather can lead to a lot of unexpected riding conditions that you are not used to. Riding in the rain can lead to slippery surfaces, poor visibility and often objects on the road that you might not see until the last moment. If possible, avoid riding in poor weather conditions. However, if you’re unable to avoid taking your e-bike out, it always pays to take note of the following:

• Deep puddles and potholes – When weather conditions are bad, it can be next to impossible to see deep puddles or potholes. This is especially true of running water. When the rain is coming down and visibility is poor, you’re much better off getting off your bike to cross the water on foot, if you must cross at all. If possible, find a way around the water or wait until it has gone down. Always avoid fast-flowing water.
• Braking – With wet and slippery conditions, braking is going to be much more difficult and take much longer. Try to brake early to avoid locking up your brakes and going into a slide.
• Road lines – White lines and metal tracks can be exceptionally slippery when wet. Try to avoid them as much as possible.
• Cornering – When it is raining, it’s best to take corners as safely as possible. Avoid leaning into corners or riding up gutters as this can result in you losing control of your e-bike. Aim to keep as much of the tire on the road as possible to maintain maximum control in a rainy situation.

Do clean your bike regularly

If you have had your e-bike out in the rain, it always pays to give it a good clean and dry down afterwards. E-bikes have some important electrical parts
that you should take extra care of to ensure that your bike lasts long into the future with minimal repairs needed. By taking the time to clean and regularly maintain your bike now, especially after a ride in the rain, you can be sure that you are taking the best care of it that you can. Pay special attention to the battery contact points to ensure they’re dry and the chain and drive train.

Do keep your bike covered when traveling

If you’re traveling somewhere and the weather is bad or it’s consistently raining, it’s always a good idea to cover your e-bike properly, especially if it is mounted on the exterior of your vehicle. Environmental factors can cause problems such as moisture in the battery or display, which can end up being a problem for you down the road. To avoid the rain, bad weather and other environmental factors damaging your e-bike, consider investing in a good bike cover. You can also consider removing the battery and storing it in the car while you are traveling.

If you’re planning on investing in an e-bike soon, or you have recently taken the plunge, you’re now probably wondering how best to keep your bike in top condition when rain strikes. The good news is, is that with a little extra work and some forethought, keeping your e-bike in good condition isn’t too difficult. As long as you try to avoid riding through deep water, give it a good dry off after you have been riding it in the rain, and keep it covered if you’re traveling in bad weather, you should be fine.

If you’re looking for some assistance with your e-bike or if you’re considering investing in an environmentally friendly travel option soon, why not give us a call? We’re here to help with all your e-bike needs and queries.