Wet weather.

[Mickeyb]

I bought my wife a Giant Explore +2 but she is insistent that ebikes cannot be ridden in wet conditions as the rain could damage the motor, battery etc. I’m sure this isn’t so because the wouldn’t be so popular if this was the case. But, I would like to hear your more informed views so that I can pass them on to her and allay her fears! Thanks

 

[Dave Bodnar]

Mickey - I have a Giant Road E+ 1 Pro and I get caught in the rain fairly often. The only issue this has caused is moisture getting into the display unit. This caused intermittent operation last winter and Giant replaced it with a (supposedly) more water-proof unit that has worked well since then. I generally cover the display with plastic and a rubber band if rain is possible - not a bad precaution.

As for the battery and motor there have been no issues with getting them quite wet.

Enjoy!

dave

 

[Deleted member 18083]

Mickey …
Actions speak louder than words.

If you have an ebike, go ride it in the rain or invite your loving, but doubting, wife to turn the garden hose on it in a way that is equivalent to a summer downpour.
… David

 

[slayer1962]

I would not ride mine in swamps on purpose but it has gotten wet and no issues

 

[fooferdoggie]

well 10 rain rides on my bulls and ti s still going I did have a e scooter that suffered and one that did not.

 

[6zfshdb]

I ride my 3 Pedego ebikes in wet conditions. I also carry them exposed to the elements in the bed of my pickup. I have not had any moisture related problems in the two years I've owned the bikes. The only advice Pedego suggests is not to completely submerge the hub motor.

Check with your LBS and Giant tech support for their recommendations.

 

[Cowlitz]

My Radmini and I got caught in a Frog Strangler on one of my first rides. That's when I appreciated having an ebike because I could ride at a faster speed and get home to the comfort of the wood stove quickly.

Since then, I have hauled it exposed to rain and have had no problems. I was told that as long as the moisture is rain falling downward, the bike can handle it.

If she doesn't want to ride in rain, this is the old PNW standby. Always carry raingear with you. When you forget it, or purposely leave it behind, it's gonna rain.

 

[steve mercier]

I am qualified to respond to this one. Tell your wife that where I live the annual rainfall is 1500mm = 60 inches . In France your average is 4 inches. My wife and I have put about 22,000 km in 14 months ,many of those in stready rain. After we get home covered in mud and sand I hose the bikes off BUT I am careful not to aim the hose directly at the motor. I also avoid riding into puddles that are deep enough to submerge the motor. Now that I think about it we have no choice but to ride in the rain if we want to ride. C'est la vie. You and your wife could easily wait for the showers to pass. Mon Dieu!

 

[PatriciaK]

Have you considered that, perhaps, independent of the effect on the bike, your wife just doesn't want to ride in the rain and wet ? I sure don't!