Aventon is an American electric bike brand, based in California. The constituent parts of their bikes are manufactured in China, before being shipped to the USA where they are inspected and assembled. They're then shipped out to bike shops around North America or can be purchased directly from Aventon on the brand's website. This Upway article provides even more info.
Can I Ride an Aventon E-Bike in the Rain?
Written by: Rémy Rossi | December 6, 2024 | Time to read 5 min
All Aventon e-Bikes are highly water-resistant so you can enjoy your ride rain or shine. And learn some tips to stay dry from this weathered cyclist too!
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
If you’re worried about damaging your electric bike by riding in the rain, you can rest easy. Modern e-Bikes are highly water-resistant so you can tackle wet weather and puddles with confidence. As a sunny Californian myself, rain is not my favorite meteorological phenomenon but I’ve cycled in plenty of it. This article provides helpful information about riding your e-Bike in the rain and tips on enjoying those showery storms.
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Can you ride electric bikes in the rain?
E-Bikes are built to withstand heavy rain so you can keep pedaling during drizzles and downpours. Whether or not you’ll like the experience of getting thoroughly soaked is up to you, but at least you won’t have to worry about your e-Bike and its electrical components.
Aventon e-Bikes, like all other electric bikes, can be ridden in the rain. The hub motors are completely sealed to prevent any moisture from coming in. Most batteries are tucked inside the downtube and protected from the rain, including self-draining spots near the electrical ports to avoid accumulated moisture in critical areas.
Can I ride my Aventon e-Bike in the rain?
Absolutely! Sure, you’ll get wet but your Aventon electric bike will be just fine.
All Aventon hub-drive e-Bikes meet the IPX4 water-resistant standard. IPX4 indicates resistance to water splashes from any direction, keeping raindrops and wheel spray away from any electrical components. However, the e-Bikes aren’t intended to be submerged, exposed to prolonged rain, or sprayed with a pressure washer. When cleaning your bike, stick to the classic bucket and sponge routine.
The mid-drive motor on the Aventon Ramblas e-MTB is IP67-rated, meaning a higher level of water resistance. Aventon clarifies that e-Bikes aren’t meant to be stored outside and exposed to the elements long term. Instead, they should be stored inside your home, garage, or shed.
Tips for Riding an E-Bike in the Rain
Experience is a great teacher. And bad experiences are the best teachers. I’ve had far too many shivering close calls while cycling in rainy weather than I’d care to admit, but I’d like to think I’ve learned from them. I get cold really easily so maybe it’s just a me thing— regardless, here are some useful tips for safely riding in the rain and staying warm and dry.
1. Install fenders
Control wheel spray by putting a set of fenders on your bike. This will keep your e-Bike cleaner and reduce the amount of water that splashes onto your legs. This is particularly necessary if you’re riding off-road or through muddy sections, where wet conditions turn your casual cycle into a chaotic mud bath. Commuter bikes and an Aventon affordable e-Bike come with pre-installed fenders or frame mounts to attach them to.
2. Wear waterproof clothing
Your bike isn’t the only thing that gets wet in the rain. Keep yourself as dry as possible, especially when it’s cold outside, by wearing appropriate rain clothes. A rain jacket is a must and there are also waterproof pants that you can wear over your normal clothes if you want to arrive dry to your destination. Gloves, overshoes, and cycling caps can also help out in rainy conditions. Aventon bikes make great commuters, just be sure to pair them with the right all-weather apparel.
This logic also applies to gear like bike bags and backpacks. If you want to keep your belongings dry, you’ll need weatherproof bags. At the very least, I always ride with a plastic sandwich bag stashed in my saddle bag to keep my phone dry in case of an unexpected downpour. I’ll eventually get dry, but I don’t want to have my phone in a bowl of rice for a week.
3. Use bike lights
Riding with bike lights is recommended whenever it’s dark out and even more so when it’s raining. Mid-day storms can darken the skies unexpectedly and rain lowers visibility in general, so switching on your front and rear lights is a major safety boost. You’ll also be able to see upcoming obstacles better and have enough time to react in the wet, slippery conditions.
4. Ride cautiously and brake early
Even though you’ll be racing to get out of the rain, take it easy when riding when the road is wet. It’s much easier to slide out in a corner or hydroplane when it’s raining, so brake earlier than you think and avoid taking corners too quickly. Watch out for slick spots, deep puddles, and other non-bike-friendly obstacles ahead of you. Disc brakes are much more effective in wet weather compared to traditional rim brakes.
5. Watch out for slick surfaces
If it hasn’t rained in a while, the road will be extra slick and slippery. Cars leak small amounts of oil and other liquids onto the road and rain mixes it all together like an asphalt slip-n-slide. Years ago, I left a haircut appointment on my bike and it had just started to sprinkle. I took one turn and immediately lost all traction, hydroplaning into the trunk of the car in front of me. Not much damage was done, but got a nice blood stain on my handlebar tape next to my twisted shifters. Biker battle scars.
Key Takeaways
- Rain-Ready: Aventon e-Bikes are water-resistant (IPX4/IP67) and handle heavy rain but avoid submersion or pressure washing.
- Wet Weather Tips: Use fenders, waterproof gear, and ride cautiously to stay safe and dry.
- Store Indoors: Protect your e-Bike from long-term exposure to rain by storing it indoors.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can the e-Bike withstand rain with the battery removed?
