My e-bike or scooter got wet
Rode through heavy rain or a deep puddle, or washed it with a hose? What to do now, and the signs that water got in.
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Battery and electrical safety. Lithium-ion batteries can catch fire if they're damaged or charged wrong. Never open a battery pack, and stop using any battery that's swollen, hot, wet or smells burnt. Every edit to this page is checked by a second person before it goes live.
Rad says quality e-bikes are water resistant, not waterproof, and that light to moderate rain is fine (Rad rain tips). Deep water, pressure washers and storing the bike out in storms are different. Water resistance ratings vary by model. Lectric, for example, rates some models IP65 and others IPX5, and says its electrical parts are not waterproof and that water damage isn't covered by its warranty (Lectric). Rad says never to submerge an e-bike, its battery or any component (Rad rain tips).
Right after it got soaked
- Turn it off and move it somewhere dry (Hiboy common problems).
- Dry it with a clean cloth and store it upright, then check it for dirt and moisture (Rad rain tips).
- Don't charge until the bike and the charge port are fully dry (Hiboy common problems).
- If it was salt water, Rad says to remove the battery and wipe it fully dry, wipe the frame with a cloth dampened in fresh water, and let both dry before refitting the battery (Rad rain tips).
Washing
Bosch says to take the battery and display off, use a sponge or brush, and never use a pressure washer or steam jet, because water can get into the drive (Bosch owner guide). Don't spray the battery directly (Bosch battery safety). Afterward, check the battery fit, the drive and the buttons (Bosch owner guide).
Storing it outside
Store the bike indoors where you can. If it has to stay out, Rad suggests a waterproof cover, taking the cover off after rain so it can dry, and keeping the battery indoors (Rad rain tips).
Signs water got in
If the battery was underwater, or the bike was in a flood, treat the battery as damaged. Don't charge it. The U.S. Fire Administration says to unplug flood-exposed lithium-ion devices from chargers, move them out of the house and garage, and tell your local fire department (USFA flooding handout). Have a pro check it. Find a shop.
- Smoke, gas, or popping or hissing from a battery means move to a safe distance and call the fire department (USFA flooding handout).
- Corroded plug pins, which can cause electrical faults (Himiway).
- Error codes, a flickering display or power cutting in and out after the ride. See display blank or flickering and motor cuts out.
- A battery left outdoors can be damaged without obvious signs (UL Standards and Engagement). See battery care.
Sources
- You can ride an ebike in the rain, Rad Power Bikes
- How waterproof is the bike, Lectric eBikes
- 14 common electric scooter problems and fixes, Hiboy
- eBike owner's guide (US), Bosch eBike Systems
- Battery handling and safety, Bosch eBike Systems
- Lithium-ion battery safety after flooding, U.S. Fire Administration
- Why does my ebike motor keep cutting out, Himiway
- E-bike and scooter safety tips, UL Standards and Engagement
Stuck after these checks? Find a shop near you.
If these steps didn't fix it, find a shop near you in our partner network. For battery or wiring trouble, look for shops marked Battery and electrical.
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