Can an e-bike cope with rain?

Manufacturers design e-bike batteries to be splash-proof. That means you should be able to use an e-bike battery in an ordinary shower of rain. So the battery is splash-proof, not waterproof. There is a big difference. Waterproof means that water cannot get into the electronic device in any way. That is not the case with an e-bike battery. Leaving the bike out in the rain for a long time, or riding in it for a long time, is very bad for the battery.

If you really have no way of keeping the battery under cover, take it out of the bike. When you put the battery back in, make sure the contacts on the bike and on the battery are dry and clean first. That prevents rust and problems at the contacts.

After a cell replacement we assemble the battery in exactly the same way as before, so it is splash-proof again, just like a new product. With many batteries we can seal the casing even better than that, using a special sealant made for casings. Gaps in the casing then let in less water, and water damage is less likely.

With the tips below you can prevent water damage, or at least limit it.

1. Ride in the rain as little as possible, or not at all

In the Netherlands that is almost impossible, of course, but you can avoid the worst of it. An e-bike battery copes fine with a light shower. In a heavy downpour we advise you to take shelter for a while.

2. Store the bike properly

Always keep the bike under cover. Is that not possible? Then take the battery out of the bike or use a protective cover.

3. Check the connections

Before you put the battery in the bike, check the contacts of the battery and the display. Make sure they are dry and clean. After a ride in the rain it is also sensible to clean and dry these contacts, to prevent wear and damage.

4. Cleaning your e-bike

Do not use a pressure washer to clean the bike. Clean the electronic components with a damp cloth and dry them thoroughly afterwards.

5. Do not charge straight away

Have you been riding in the rain? Wipe the battery dry first and let it dry out properly before you charge it. The charger can cause a short circuit if the contacts are still wet. Also make sure you charge the battery at room temperature.

6. Storing the battery

The bike needs a proper place, and so does the battery. Store and charge the battery indoors at room temperature if you can. A damp shed or lean-to can cause water damage through moisture alone. Droplets of moisture on the circuit board lead to corrosion, and the board can fail as a result.

7. Transporting the bike

Are you going further afield and taking the bike on the back of the car? Always take the battery and the display off the bike. The high speeds, and any rain along the way, do your battery no good. After the journey, make sure the contacts are clean and dry again before you use the bike.

8. Battery repair

Is the battery still not working after all these tips? Then have your battery inspected by us. In almost every case we can repair it, either with a cell replacement or by replacing the circuit board. If the cell pack is still good, a new circuit board may be all it takes to get the battery working again, and a cell replacement is not needed. You then do not have to buy a new battery, which saves a great deal of money.

The display of an e-bike, often called the bike computer or on-board computer, shows your current speed and the remaining battery charge, among other things. As with any electronic device, moisture can stop the display working properly.

Why does moisture get into displays?

E-bike displays are usually splash-proof, but they can still suffer from condensation. This happens when the temperature changes quickly, for example when the bike is moved from a cold place to a warm one, or when it stands in direct sunlight. High humidity combined with swings in temperature makes moisture from the air settle on the display. Because displays are not airtight, moisture can then form on the inside.

Moisture in Bosch displays

Moisture in the display of a Bosch e-bike can look worrying. But if the display mists up from the inside, you do not need to worry about permanent damage to the on-board computer. The plastic used in the display can absorb a certain amount of moisture. With large differences in temperature, that can lead to condensation on the inside. This condensation does not cause faults or corrosion. Once the temperature settles, the condensation soon disappears.

Moisture in a Giant display

Moisture in the display of a Giant e-bike is often caused by condensation. Is the connection poor? You can clean the contacts of the battery and the battery holder yourself with a dry cloth and then grease them lightly. If there is a plug connection between the display and the battery holder, you can dry it gently with a hairdryer and rub a little oil on the contacts. If the display stays hard to read, contact the Giant Store about a possible replacement of the bike computer.

How do you tackle the problem?

Once moisture is inside the display, it can cause a fault. Sometimes the fault is temporary and the display works normally again after a reset. There are also cases in which water damages the display permanently. If you notice water damage, take the display off the bike and leave it to dry in a dry place.

Prevention

Preventing the problem is always better than having to fix it later. We strongly recommend protecting the bike against long exposure to rain or moisture. Keeping a bike outside is sometimes unavoidable, but a simple cover or shelter prevents a lot of problems.

We have all left the bike outside and then been caught out by a sudden cloudburst. At a moment like that, many of us wonder: "Is it safe to leave my e-bike outside?"

In the Netherlands, where the weather is often changeable, the question matters even more. The Dutch climate regularly brings unexpected showers, and with more and more e-bikes on the road it is worth knowing how best to protect them.

What do the regulations say?

First of all, e-bike manufacturers in the European Union follow certain regulations, including the EN 15194 standard. This standard sets specific safety requirements for e-bikes, including a degree of water resistance. But here is the catch: the standard does not specify exactly how water-resistant the bikes have to be. That can cause some confusion, especially in a heavy downpour.

The risks of keeping your bike outside

Leaving an e-bike outside is not without risk. Yes, modern e-bikes are designed to withstand some rain. But constant exposure to the elements does damage over time. Think of corrosion of the metal parts and water damage to the battery, or even a short circuit in the electronics.

And if your e-bike has a removable battery and you leave it on the bike while it stands outside, the battery is exposed to the weather as well. That can shorten the life of the battery considerably.

Forewarned is forearmed

So, can you leave an e-bike outside? Yes, but with some care. If it is dry and you are only stopping somewhere for a short time, there is probably little to worry about. With long exposure to rain, snow or even bright sun, it is better to put your e-bike in a sheltered spot.

E-bikes are made to cope with a bit of rain. Even so, a little water sometimes ends up in the wrong place, such as the display, the motor or the battery. That can turn into a large bill in the end.

Stick to the tips above as closely as you can, and you prevent the parts from wearing out or failing.

E-bike batteries are generally designed to withstand normal exposure to rain. Long exposure to heavy rain, or putting the battery completely under water, can cause damage. In extreme weather it is therefore wise to take precautions, such as using a protective cover.

If your e-bike battery has got wet, switch the power off first and take the battery off the bike. Dry the battery carefully with a dry cloth and let it dry completely in a well-ventilated room before you use or charge it again.

Most e-bike batteries are designed to be splash-proof, but we do not recommend leaving your bike outside in the rain for long with the battery on it. Long exposure to moisture can affect the life of the battery and damage the electronic components.

To prevent moisture problems, keep your e-bike battery in a dry place when you are not using it. Do not store the battery anywhere damp, and make sure the battery and its contacts are dry before you connect or charge it.

Condensation can form when an e-bike battery is moved from a cold place to a warmer one. That can harm the battery. So after the battery has been out in the cold, let it come up to room temperature before you charge or use it.

We see that any battery can get water damage, whether from showers, from condensation or from falling into water. Well-known brands such as Bosch are affected too. What we do see is that batteries integrated into the bike, for example, suffer less. A RIH battery sits inside a double casing, which keeps a lot of water out. And some Flyer batteries are potted in a compound, which also prevents many water problems.