As functional as electric scooters are, they come with some limitations. For instance, even high-
end scooters won’t be waterproof. They might be water-resistant to some extent. So, how to
waterproof your electric scooter?
Along with investing in a scooter with a good IP rating, you can also take other measures to
improve the waterproof feature of your scooter. For instance, applying sealants, taping
exposed parts, extending the mudguard, drying your scooter after using, getting a waterproof
bag for the scooter, etc.
These techniques certainly require a more detailed look. Before getting to that, let’s clear some
basic topics.
Waterproof Vs Water Resistant
Many people confuse these two terms and assume that they’re the same. That couldn’t be far
from the fact. In reality, there are no waterproof electric scooters. Because the term
waterproof means when something is entirely secured against water, even when it’s entirely
submerged.
Water resistance, on the other hand, means that something is protected against water to some
extent. For instance, vertical water drops, spills, etc.
To better understand the difference between these terms, you can read our comprehensive guide on the difference between waterproof and water resistant, which clarifies their distinctions and helps you make informed decisions about protecting your electric scooter.
Understanding the IP Rating Of Your Electric Scooter
Every electric scooter will come with an IP rating. You will see two numbers after IP. These two
digits indicate how protected your scooter is against objects and liquid. So, you have to pay
attention to the second digit which indicates liquid. This will give you an idea of how water-
resistant your scooter is.
IP Rating | IP Rating Description |
IPX4 | Splash resistance from all directions |
IPX5 | Low-pressure water spray resistance |
IPX6 | High-pressure water spray resistance |
IP54 | Water spray resistance from all directions |
IP55 | Low-pressure water spray resistance from all directions |
IP56 | High-pressure water spray resistance from all directions |
IP57 | 15 cm to 1-inch immersion resistance |
5 Basic Tips To Follow
There are a few things you can follow as basic guidelines when using your scooter. While these
aren’t the most advanced techniques, they’ll certainly make sure that your scooter does not
become damaged by the simplest uses.
1. Avoid Folding A Wet Scooter
You may need to fold your scooter during your travel. However, if the weather is bad and the
scooter is wet, avoid folding it. Try to transfer it without folding it.
When a scooter is wet, water can get inside sensitive components if you fold it. So, one golden
rule of thumb is not to fold a wet scooter.
2. Get A Waterproof Carrying Bag
When you’re in public transport, and carrying your scooter, it’s safer to use a waterproof bag.
This keeps your scooter protected when you are carrying your scooter during bad weather but
not using it at that moment.
3. Dry Your Scooter After Using
It can sound annoying to dry your scooter after each use. However, it can protect your scooter.
Avoid using a hairdryer to do this. The hairdryer can push water droplets from the surface
inside the sensitive components.
Instead, you can simply use a cloth or a wet-dry vacuum cleaner.
4. Avoid Bad Weather
It may sound obvious but avoid taking your scooter outside in bad weather as much as possible.
If that’s not an option for you, make sure to invest in a good quality waterproof carry bag for
your scooter.
5. Pay More Attention To Avoid Mishaps
Small accidents and slips are very common with electric scooters. It becomes more dangerous
for you and your scooter when the roads are slippery or muddy. So, choose your roads wisely.
Avoid going through roads that have holes.
Invest in a pair of good-quality shoes and gloves to avoid slipping.
How To Waterproof Your Electric Scooter: 7 Advanced Techniques
Now, let’s move on to more advanced techniques. This will require you to customize your
scooter. Note that if your scooter is still under warranty, some of these steps will breach the
warranty conditions. So, be careful before making any adjustments, and don’t forget to read
the user manual.
1. Spray-Ons
You will find spray-on waterproof products for your electric scooters. These come with some
advantages and disadvantages. On the plus side, they are super-easy to use. On the downside,
they only last a few months. In addition, you have to re-apply them each time you wash your
scooter.
For a convenient solution, you can try using high-quality spray-on waterproof products like the Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Spray, which I personally use and recommend.
It offers easy application and can provide temporary protection for your scooter.”
2. Sealants
Sealants are more complicated to use but also more durable. You can use sealants for the
exposed components of your electric scooter. Even though these components come with some
protection against the water, using a sealant will certainly bump up the barrier.
For the best results, consider using a high-quality waterproof sealant, like the ones recommended here, to ensure optimal protection for your scooter’s exposed parts.
3. Lengthen The Mudguard
Sometimes the mudguard falls short of protecting your scooter. In these cases, you can get an
extension for the mudguard. If you only wish to lengthen the guard a bit, you can also use tape
to do so.
4. Tape The Charging Port And Deck
When riding during snow or rain, make sure to use duct tape for covering the charging port and
deck to give your scooter another extra layer of protection. Make sure all gaps are closed using
the tape. It’s recommended that you use good-quality waterproof tape to do so.
5. Install O-Rings
This will require you to disassemble your scooter. Open up the scooter and find the holes and
install o-rings on them. This will make sure that water doesn’t seep through the holes.
6. Protect The Throttle
Many electric scooters come with a high-quality throttle that does not need any extra
protection. However, if your scooter doesn’t have a high IP rating, you can use adhesive over
the throttle. This can hinder the use of the part. Another DIY way of doing it is wrapping a
balloon over it.
But the best solution remains a waterproof throttle. So, you can also replace the existing one
with a new one.
7. Grease Your Wheel Axles
Using grease for your motor axles has two benefits. One of them is enhanced performance and
another is water protection. It will work as a protection barrier for the parts of your scooter.
Conclusion
You will find a lot of tips on how to waterproof your electric scooter. But all of them may not be
suitable for your scooter. So, the first thing to do is to know your scooter by reading the manual
and warranty condition.
Then, follow the basic rules as much as possible to keep the unit protected. As for making it waterproof, you can use the advanced techniques mentioned here to lengthen your electric scooter’s lifespan a bit more.
References:
1.https://sxcscooters.com/pages/https-sxcscooters-com-pages-waterproof-your-electric-scooter
https://unagiscooters.com/scooter-articles/waterproofing-techniques-for-electric-scooters/
https://waterproofwiki.com/how-to-waterproof-your-electric-scooter/?utm_content=cmp-
true
https://scooter.guide/how-to-protect-your-scooter-from-water-damage/
https://www.kaabousa.com/blogs/blog/how-to-make-your-electric-scooter-waterproof