Tips for Wet Weather Riding with EBikes

Riding when it is wet and slippery can be an exhilarating experience, but it does come with its challenges. Here are some tips that will help you cruise through those wet trails like a pro, and ensure your ebike is ready and stays in tip top condition for your next ride.

Pre-Ride:

Before you even saddle up, there are a few things to consider:

1. Should You Ride? Assess the safety of your ride. Are the roads or trails too slippery or muddy? Riding in extremely wet conditions can not only be unsafe but can also damage the trails if its an offroad ride you are planning to do. Exercise caution and consider postponing your ride if conditions are too treacherous.

2. Riding Gear: Gear up appropriately. Opt for waterproof or water-resistant clothing that won't flap in the wind, causing unnecessary distraction. Don't forget to protect your eyes with either clear or pink-tinted glasses for better visibility in low light conditions.

3. Tire Pressures: Adjust your tire pressures accordingly, especially if you're venturing off-road. Lower pressures provide better traction and stability on muddy or slippery surfaces.

4. Battery Check: Ensure your battery is fully charged. Riding in wet weather can drain your battery faster than usual, so starting with a full charge is essential. Be prepared to use more power than usual to navigate through the slippery terrain.

TIP: Consider a battery cover if it is particularly cold 

While Out on the Trail:

Now that you're on the trail, here are some tips to keep you rolling smoothly:

1. Line Choice: Select smooth lines whenever possible to avoid slipping on wet concrete, roots or rocks. Take 'high' or 'dry' lines and keep a consistent and controlled trajectory to help maintain stability.

2. Gear and Power Selection: Choose lower gears and moderate power settings to prevent wheel spin and maintain control, especially when climbing or accelerating. Exercise caution when cornering so as not to take power pedal strokes, particularly if riding on higher power levels.

3. Braking Technique: Practice smooth and gentle braking to avoid skidding or losing control on wet surfaces. Start braking earlier than usual to account for increased stopping distances.

4. Walk Assist: Don't hesitate to walk a section if you are unsure. Use walk assist mode too if you want help on steeper or challenging sections. 

TIP: Have your ebike in TOUR mode (vs TURBO) on steep muddy sections for best traction. 

Post-Ride:

After a satisfying ride in the rain, it's time to take care of your trusty e-bike:

1. Clean Your Bike: Rinse off mud and debris immediately after your ride. It's much easier to clean your bike before the mud dries and hardens, making the process less of a chore. Use a good bike cleaning product to make your job easier. 

2. Avoid Upside Down: When cleaning, avoid flipping your bike upside down to prevent water from seeping into sensitive electrical components or scratching your display.

3. Charge Up: Once your bike is completely dry, plug it in for a recharge. Keeping your battery topped up ensures it's ready for your next day's adventure.

4. Drivetrain Maintenance: Lastly, don't forget to lube your drivetrain to prevent rust and corrosion from the moisture. A little post-ride TLC goes a long way in preserving your e-bike's performance.

Armed with these tips, you're now equipped to tackle wet weather riding with confidence. So, embrace the rain, embrace the mud, and keep on pedaling!

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• EBikes and the Rain - 5 Do's and Don'ts