How to Choose a Waterproof Electric Scooter
In this Buyer's Guide:
We'll cover the key factors that you should consider when choosing a waterproof electric scooter, including:
When choosing an electric scooter for wet weather rides it needs to tick the performance and safety boxes to ensure that you’re able to navigate rain-soaked streets without worrying about water damage or losing control on slippery surfaces.
From understanding IP ratings to evaluating tire performance, braking systems, handling, and splashback protection, I’ll walk you through the key factors to help you find the best scooter.
A word of caution: While it can be tempting to choose a scooter with immense power, I recommend scaling back your selection to those that don’t exceed 35 mph. Riding faster than this on wet, unpredictable roads isn't worth the risk.
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Check out my recommendations and compare electric scooters below.
IP Ratings: Understanding Different Levels of Moisture Protection
The key measure of a scooter's ability to withstand damage from wet and dirty environments is its IP rating (Ingress Protection). This is an international standard that specifies the protection that electrical components (i.e. wiring, motors, batteries, etc) have against water, dust, and other external elements.
All IP ratings start with ‘IP’ and are followed by two digits (e.g. IPX4, IP54, IP66, etc). Understanding what these digits mean is imperative since they each relate to a different level of protection. Here’s how to interpret different ratings:
First Digit (Intrusion Protection): The first digit refers to the grade of resistance against the intrusion of solid foreign objects (i.e. dust).
| Digit | Example | Intrusion Protection |
|---|---|---|
| X |  | No Protection |
| 1 |  | Objects greater than 50 mm |
| 2 |  | Objects greater than 12.5 mm |
| 3 |  | Objects greater than 2.5 mm |
| 4 |  | Objects greater than 1 mm |
| 5 |  | Partial protection against dust |
| 6 |  | Totally dust-tight |
Second Digit (Moisture Protection): The second digit indicates protection against various forms of moisture (i.e. rain, sprays, submersion, etc).
| Digit | Example | Moisture Protection |
|---|---|---|
| X |  | No Protection |
| 1 |  | Vertically falling water droplets |
| 2 |  | Water droplets when tilted at 15 degrees |
| 3 |  | Spraying water up to 60 degrees from vertical |
| 4 |  | Water splashes from all directions |
| 5 |  | Low-pressure jets (6.3 mm nozzle) of directed water from any angle |
| 6 |  | High-pressure jets (12.5 mm nozzle) of directed water from any angle |
| 7 |  | Submersion for a depth of up to 1 meter |
| 8 |  | Extended submersion for depth of 1 meter or more |
IP Rating Examples: Here are the IP ratings that you’re most likely to find on electric scooters.
| Rating | Protection |
|---|---|
| IPX4 | Protected against water splashing from any direction |
| IP54 | Partially protected against dust and protected from water spray from any direction |
| IPX5 | Protected against low-pressure water jets from any direction |
| IP55 | Partially protected against dust and protected from low-pressure water jets from any direction |
| IPX6 | Protected against high-pressure water jets from any direction |
| IP56 | Partially protected against dust and protected from high-pressure water jets from any direction |
| IP66 | Totally dust tight and protected from high-pressure water jets from any direction |
As a rule of thumb, electric scooters with ratings of at least IPX4 can withstand light showers and puddle splashes. However, for heavy downpours, I recommend choosing a scooter with a moisture rating of at least 6.
Tire Performance:: Maximizing Grip in Wet Conditions
Alongside IP ratings and reliable brakes, tires are among the most important safety features. The following four factors determine performance:
Tire Type: Throughout my wet-weather tests, it became evident that pneumatic tires consistently outperformed solid ones in slippery conditions. This is because of their flexible design. Here, the thick layer of air allows them to conform to irregular road conditions resulting in superior grip.
Tire Size: The larger the tires, the bigger their contact patch, and the greater their traction.
Tire Profile: Tires with rounded front-on profiles maintain more traction than those that are squarer. This is particularly evident when leaning into corners since tires with rounded profiles maintain larger contact patches with the ground, even at acute angles. Those that are square, however, roll onto their edges, lose grip, and can cause the scooter to slide out from underneath you.
Tire Tread: Tires with moderately patterned treads are the best at dispersing water to prevent slippage.
Braking Power: Ensuring Reliable Stopping in the Rain
Aside from coming to a stop quickly, it’s important to consider how different types of brakes fare in the rain.
Discs: Disc brakes can sometimes fade when wet because of the reduced grip that the calipers have on the rotors.
Drums: Drum brakes tend to perform consistently because their sealed design prevents water from compromising their functionality.
Regen Systems: Regenerative braking systems perform exceptionally well because they are impervious to the fading effects of water. Instead of relying on mechanical components, they use electronic circuits to draw kinetic energy away from the motors. This creates drag and slows the scooter.
When assessing each scooter’s braking setup, you should also take note of their stopping distance to identify the top performers.
| Performance | Stop From 15 MPH |
|---|---|
| Excellent | < 2.5 meters |
| Very Good | 2.5 - 3.0 meters |
| Good | 3.0 - 3.5 meters |
| Fair | 3.5 - 4.0 meters |
| Poor | > 4.0 meters |
Electric Scooter Brakes: A Beginner’s Guide
How I Test Braking Performance
Handling: Staying in Control on Slippery Roads
The ability to control and maneuver a scooter while riding in wet conditions is critical to your safety. There are several factors relating to a scooter’s design, geometry, and build that you should consider:
Handlebar Width: Wider handlebars improve control. This is especially important for riding in the rain since you need to maintain precise maneuverability.
Deck-to-Handlebar Height: Taller handlebars promote better posture and a more confident riding stance, thereby improving your stability. For riders over 6 feet tall, I recommend handlebars that are 40 inches or higher.
Rake (Steering Column) Angle: The angle of the steering column relative to the ground affects how agile or stable a scooter is. A smaller rake angle makes a scooter more nimble, while a larger one enhances stability. Based on my experience, the optimal angle is between 9 and 11 degrees.
Deck Size & Grip: The bigger the deck, the better you can distribute your weight to improve your balance. Those that measure at least 19 inches long typically provide enough room. You should also look for decks that are slathered in grip tape or rubberized surfaces as these help to keep your feet firmly in place.
Weight Distribution: Imbalances, such as bottom or top-heavy designs can make scooters feel twitchy. This is particularly hazardous in slick conditions, so it’s best to choose a scooter with a well-balanced frame.
Cockpit Ergonomics: The layout of the handlebars, including the positioning of the throttle, controls, and brake levers should be intuitive so that they can operated with minimal thumb or finger movement to ensure quick reactions. Tactile handgrips with anti-slip patterned rubber are also important for keeping a tight rein. The best example of this that I’ve seen is on VMAX’s scooters (i.e. the VX5 Pro, VX2 Pro, and VX4) – they are designed with a stippled top half and cross-hatched underside to maximize grip.
Splashback Protection: Preventing Debris and Water Spray
The shape and position of fenders have a direct impact on their ability to suppress splashback.
Expert Tip: Using a ruler, you can gauge the angle between the tire and the end of the fender to give you a fairly accurate idea of how protected you’ll be. The more acute the angle, the greater the splashback protection.
For example, if the ruler is positioned at 90 degrees, your back will get covered in significantly more debris than if it's angled at 45 degrees.
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Still unsure which scooter to choose? Check out my recommendations and compare models below.
