Riding your electric bike in the elements is a joy, and we want to maintain that sparkling fresh, out-of-the-box look for years to come. Many riders ask, what methods are recommended for their ebike when it comes time to clean them?
Let's start with some conceptual basics:
Is my ebike waterproof?
- The short answer is no, electric bikes and nearly all other e-mobility devices are not waterproof, they are water resistant.
What type of water exposure can my ebike handle?
- Ride1Up ebikes are IP-65 Enclosure Rated, meaning they are dust tight and protected from low-pressure water from any direction. That means no high pressure water (hose nozzles or pressure washers) and definitely avoid immersing your bike underwater (no swimming laps with your ebike),
What does this mean in practical terms?
- This means that your bike can withstand rain, dirt, mud, dust, and almost everything you throw at it in your day to day electric adventuring!
Please see this related article - Are Ride1Up Ebikes Waterproof?
Best methods to clean your ebike
1). Do not use pressurized water or air on your ebike
- High-pressure water from a nozzle or pressure washer to wash your bike, or pressurized air to "dry" your bike will actually force water into areas that you would not want water to enter. This includes the internals of the motor, battery ports and housings, areas with bearings, your display, and your internally housed controller unit.
2). Use a damp cloth to remove surface dirt and a brush to remove debris like sand or dried mud.
- This will ensure that your ebike is not exposed to any unnecessary moisture and will increase the longevity of your components and hardware.
3). Using a hose with low-pressure output to 'pour' water on your bike will not damage your bike
- If you choose this method, dry your bike off thoroughly with a towel, making sure to give special care to the battery charging ports, motor and electrical components like your display.
It is important to understand that even with an IP65 rating, reducing exposure to water and the elements will increase the longevity of your ebike's electrical components and hardware. If you can keep your bikes in a covered and dry environment, they will thank you for it!
