What the IP Rating Means for an Electric Scooter
Understanding the IP rating will make it easier to safeguard your electric scooter during and after a rain.
The weather can be unpredictable at times. Sometimes, you can encounter an abrupt downpour despite every weather channel forecasting a sunny day.
Hence, as a rider, you must be prepared to maneuver your electric scooter while it rains. Here are the things you should know to keep your e-scooter safe during wet weather.
Water Resistant, Not Waterproof
The water has yet to see a waterproof electric scooter that suffers no damage, even if entirely submerged in water for an extended period. However, nearly all e-scooters are water-resistant. The Ingress Protection (IP) rating is the standard way to measure water resistance. It comprises two digits. The first digit indicates particulate protection (PP), ranging from 0 to 6. Meanwhile, the second digit represents water protection (WP), ranging from 0 to eight. The higher the number, the higher the protection level.
Since most e-scooters have at least a water protection of 4, here is a summary of what WP 4 to 8 denotes:
- IPX4 — repels splashing water from any direction.
- IPX5 — safeguards against low-pressure water jets from all directions.
- IPX6 — protects against high-pressure water jets from all directions.
- IPX7 — can withstand short-term immersion under 1 meter of water.
- IPX8 — can endure long-term immersion under 1 meter of water.
An e-scooter typically has the same IP rating for each part with electronic components. However, be careful when switching or upgrading a part so you don’t replace it with one with a lower IP rating.
The base model of the Flash Motors Nano Elite has an IP54 rating. It can be upgraded to IP67, a first in the industry. This makes it the ultimate controller for extreme scootering. Moreover, it has advanced AI capabilities, capable of achieving pseudo-autonomous driving once it collects enough terrain and rider data.
What to Do to a Wet E-scooter?
Unless you barrel your electric scooter through a heavy storm, it will normally come out unscathed, even when ridden in the rain. However, it becomes prone to post-ride damage if not handled properly.
Clean and dry every part thoroughly once you get out of the rain. Moreover, wait to fold it until it is clean and dry. Water may penetrate the electrical components as the structure of the micromobility vehicle changes after folding. Lastly, always store it somewhere dry and warm.
