Can you ride your e-bike in the rain? It's one of the questions we get asked more than almost any other here in Brisbane - especially after the amount of rain and flooding Southeast Queensland has seen over the past few years.
There's a short answer and a genuinely important long answer, and the long answer is the one that will actually keep your bike (and you) out of trouble. There are some clear do's, one very big don't, a right way to handle a water crossing if you ever need to, and a simple after-ride routine that makes the difference between a bike that shrugs off a wet season and one that quietly rusts from the inside.
Watch Sam from our team put this into practice on a real water crossing below, including what to check before you even get your wheels wet, and what to do once you're home and dry:
Here's everything covered in full below - including the one mistake that can actually cause lasting damage.
1. The one big 'DON'T'
Let's start with the one that matters most, since it's the one thing that can turn a rainy ride into an expensive repair bill.
The good news first: modern e-bikes are built for weather. Riding an ebike in the rain is the same as a normal bike except for one thing.
Do not ride through water that will submerge your motor and battery and do not leave your ebike in submerged water.
Riding through deep water is not recommended in any situation, whether you are on an ebike or not. However if you have no option then we recommend turning off you electrics before riding (or walking it) through without power.
Unfortunately you won't know once you have made it through whether water has gotten into your motor or battery casing or not. So to be safe we recommend you don't turn your power on again until you are certain it has dried out otherwise you risk shorting out. This may mean finishing your ride without the power on.
Similar principles should be applied for storing your ebike. Avoid leaving it anywhere where it is at risk of being submerged. If it is submerged then there is a high probability of water seeping into the motor, display and battery casing. While it will dry out in time the damage caused through eg. rust may be irreversible.
Most globally manufactured e-bike systems - Bosch, Shimano, Fazua and similar - carry an IP rating you can check yourself. Bosch, for example, is rated IPX5, meaning the motor, battery and display are protected against water and dust ingress from splashing and light hosing - but not from submersion. That's the line to remember: splashes and hosing, fine; submerging, never.
2. DO. Be More Cautious
Being more cautious with how and where you ride sounds like a no-brainer however it is worth repeating. The roads are far more slippery, visibility can be poor and there are also likely to be unexpected objects on the roads.
The key things to be more cautious with are:
Speed. Riding more slowly than usual gives you time to anticipate and avoid potential problems, plus helps you stop quickly if you need to.
Braking. It always takes longer than usual when its wet so brake early and brake smoothly to avoid locking up your wheels and skidding.
Angles eg. try not to lean into corners or ride up gutters and driveways on an angle. Try to keep as much of your tire rubber on the road as possible.
White lines, metal tracks and potholes. Very slippery in the wet. Also look out for places where there may be oil or petrol, mud and leaf matter on the road and avoid.
Deep puddles and potholes. If there is or has been running water its hard to know whats in them or whether they have changed. For example, walk across a creek if you have to (and can) vs ride. Best to not even try it if its fast flowing water.
3. DO. Get the Right Gear
At a minimum the right gear in the wet can make your life a whole more comfortable, and at the extreme it can help save your life.
We're talking about things such as:
Safety gear - for example, lights and high vis clothing. A helmet is mandatory anyway but it has the added benefit of keeping water out of your eyes if it has a visor. Clear glasses or goggles are recommended too.
Tire pressures - lowering your tire pressures so you have more traction in the wet can be a huge advantage. Aim for lower to mid pressure, depending on how much load you are carrying. See our guide on how to find your tyre pressures for how to check what's recommended for your bike.
Weatherproof gear - having mudguards in the wet can help keep you and your bike clean. (There are lots of good removable options if you don't like to normally carry them.) Furthermore having waterproof panniers to hand and some spare ziplock or silicone bags can help protect your valuables.
4. DO. Master Safe Water Crossings
Southeast Queensland's rain and flooding over the past few years means water crossings - a flooded street, a creek over a trail - come up more often than you'd think. Here's the process Sam uses in the video above:
Before you enter the water:
- • Stop and assess. Get off the bike if you need to and check the surface isn't too slippery.
- • Check the flow. Fast-flowing water is never worth riding through. Gauge how fast it's moving before deciding whether to cross at all.
- • Check the depth. If it's shallow enough, walk it first to confirm the bottom is safe and firm.
- • Check your tyres. Wide, street-oriented tyres can actually help on a smooth creek bed. If you're unsure of grip, dropping a little air pressure out can help.
- • Check your exit before you check anything else. You need to be able to keep riding once you're through - if there's a steep climb on the other side, set your gears and power level before you enter.
While you're crossing:
- • Keep inputs minimal - pedal consistently, avoid touching the brakes or changing gears mid-crossing so the bike stays steady.
- • If you don't want wet feet, you can seesaw your pedals gently through shallow water - but if the bottom is slippery, take it easy.
- • If the water is deep enough to wet your feet, that's a good sign it's too deep to ride - walk the bike through instead.
- • When in doubt, walk it. A wet pair of shoes is a far better outcome than a dropped bike or an injury.
5. DO. Clean and Dry Your Bike and Battery Points
A quick clean of your ebike after riding in the rain only takes a few minutes and will pay dividends on your service bills down the track.
A wipedown cleans it and helps you spot if there is any damage but there are two things that you can do that will really make a difference. These are:
Clean and re-lube your chain and drive train (or belt). If you don't like crunchy or slipping gears then this is a must. If you've got a belt drive, brush and wipe out any mud rather than just hosing it - mud in the moving parts is what shortens belt life. Have a look at #5 Rear Wheel, Chain and Gears in our EBike M Check for more info.
Battery contact points. If you are concerned with crud getting into your battery surrounds then take your battery out, wipe down with a soft clean cloth and clean the contact points with contact cleaner.
If your bike is really wet and you are concerned that water has gotten into the battery contact points then use a leaf blower to disperse the water after you take the battery out. Leave the battery out of the bike for a few hours to let the system completely dry.
The routine we recommend after any wet or muddy ride:
- Wipe the whole bike down with a dry cloth as soon as you're home.
- Remove the battery and wipe down the terminals and the seating where it sits, to keep water from lingering on the contacts.
- Let the bike dry out overnight rather than putting it straight on charge.
- Reassemble and charge the next day, once everything is properly dry.
- This mainly protects against rust - the biggest long-term risk after a wet or flooded ride, not the water itself.
6. DO. Cover Your Battery and Display If Travelling
If you are travelling somewhere in the rain with your ebike mounted on an external carrier then take care with moisture getting into your battery or display. While most reputable e-bikes are IP-rated it is something to consider for longer trips as when on or behind a moving car the force of the rain is multiplied, a bit like a gurney.
Displays and batteries can be susceptible to getting moisture so for longer trips it is recommended to protect them.
There are bespoke covers available that you can purchase and you can also make your own if handy. For example a neoprene cover with velcro.
If you remove your battery and put it in the car then, for some styles of batteries and display, you can purchase battery plates or pin covers to help keep the weather out. See what we have on offer here.
Riding an EBike in the Wet Can Be Fun
Rainy weather, even a rain event, is not a reason to stop riding. In fact it can be great fun, especially if you don't have an accident or damage your ebike!
We hope these tips help make your next (rainy) ride just as enjoyable as your sunny ones. All the bikes we sell carry good IP ratings, so you can head out in the rain with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you ride an e-bike in the rain?
Yes. E-bike motors, batteries and displays from major manufacturers (Bosch, Shimano, Fazua and similar) are sealed and IP-rated for splashing and light hosing. Just avoid submerging the bike in deep water.
Are e-bikes waterproof?
E-bikes are water-resistant, not fully waterproof. The motor, battery and display are rated to handle rain and splashes (Bosch systems, for example, are IPX5), but they're not designed to be submerged.
Can e-bikes get wet in the rain?
Yes, riding in the rain is fine for a modern, IP-rated e-bike. What you want to avoid is prolonged submersion in deep or floodwater, which can let water past the seals and cause long-term corrosion.
What should I do if my e-bike gets caught in a flood or submerged in water?
Don't turn the electrics back on until you're confident everything has fully dried out - powering on a wet motor or battery risks shorting it out. Remove the battery, wipe down the contact points, and let the bike dry for several hours (ideally overnight) before reassembling and charging.
How do I safely cross water on an e-bike?
Stop and check the depth, flow and surface before entering. Walk shallow crossings first if you're unsure. Check your exit and set your gears before you start. Once crossing, keep pedalling consistently and avoid braking or changing gears until you're through.
How do I look after my e-bike after riding in the rain?
Wipe the bike down with a dry cloth, remove the battery to dry the terminals, let it dry out overnight before charging, and clean any mud out of the chain or belt drive to protect the drivetrain.
Need Help Choosing Wet-Weather Ready Gear?
Whether it's the right tyres for grip in the wet, mudguards, or advice on servicing after a muddy ride, our team can help you get set up with confidence.
