Most of the electronic parts of a scooter are not waterproof, which means you shouldn’t ride your electric scooter in the rain or hail.
If you get your scooter wet because of rain, battery leakage, puddles, or any other reason, there is a huge potential for water damage. To fix electric scooter water damage, you have to act quickly.
First, remove the battery and dry it off properly. Next, disassemble the scooter so you can access all components and dry them off individually. Once everything is dry, reassemble the scooter and test it to see if it still works. If it does not work, you may need to replace the parts damaged by water.
Read on to learn more about what you can do to prevent serious water damage. There are several factors that influence how you should act in a crisis. If you are not experienced in taking apart and repairing electronic devices, it is best to take it to a professional. But your initial reaction will determine the state of long-term damage to your scooter.
What To Do?
It doesn’t matter what may have caused water damage to your scooter. Whether riding in the rain or falling into a puddle, water damage is immediate and disastrous, so you need to act quickly.
The first thing you should do is unplug it from the power source. Then remove the battery and dry it off as much as possible. Follow that up by drying the entire scooter with a towel or cloth. Disassemble the scooter to access each component and dry them off individually.
Treat the battery and motor first; you need to try and prevent damage to the most important parts of your scooter.
Warranty
Also, keep in mind that removing the battery or any other components will likely nullify your scooter’s warranty. So if you’re still within warranty, you’ll want to avoid doing anything that will jeopardize that.
Disassembling and drying are only recommended for scooters that are past their warranty. Once the scooter is dry, you can begin troubleshooting what may have caused the damage.
Causes
Riding in the rain can cause damage to your e-scooter. If that happens, dry all the electrical components before plugging the scooter back in.
Another reason may be falling into a puddle or other body of water. In that case, inspect the scooter’s body for cracks or breaks before doing anything else. If possible, have a mechanic or scooter repair professional inspect your vehicle before you try riding it again.
Another cause of water damage is a leak in the battery compartment. If that’s the case, you’ll need to check for signs of corrosion and replace any damaged parts. This is hard to do if you don’t have any technical knowledge, so you should take your scooter to a mechanic immediately.
People who aren’t used to dealing with auto repair or handling engine parts should not attempt to open the battery on their own.
For in depth answers to all your questions about riding an electric scooter safely in the rain, see my article “Is It Safe to Ride an Electric Scooter in the Rain?“.
Factors To Consider
There are several factors to consider when it comes to fixing and preventing water damage in your electric scooter. Determining the source of the issue will help you figure out how to proceed.
Location of the Water Damage
The faster you figure out where the damage is located, the quicker you’ll be able to treat it. Water can damage any part of the scooter, including the battery, motor, control panel, and other electronics. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may have to replace some or all of the components.
Location can also help you identify the cause of the water damage. For example, if there is rust in the battery compartment, that can mean an internal leakage is the root of the problem. If your scooter fell into a puddle, there might be a crack in its outer body, allowing water to seep into the control panel.
Type of Water Damage
The type of water your scooter was exposed to can affect the extent of the damage you’re dealing with and the appropriate steps for repair. Salt water is more corrosive than freshwater, so you’ll have to rinse it off before drying it. Similarly, freshwater causes greater damage than rainwater.
You’ll need to clarify the type of water damage when you take your scooter to the mechanic. Depending on the type of exposure, your mechanic may take different steps to fix the damage.
Cause of the Damage
The cause of damage plays a huge role in determining the extent of the crisis. If your scooter is malfunctioning because of prolonged exposure to moisture, this may also cause a rust problem.
In cases of environmental exposure, it can help keep the battery covered in plastic. On the other hand, taking your scooter out in the rain can cause direct exposure, potentially ruining your battery, motor, and control panel.
Alternatively, if the cause of the water damage is complete immersion, like falling into a puddle or body of water, your mechanic will need to check for dents and cracks. The larger the volume of water, the more likely it’s seeped into the scooter. Your mechanic will need to dismantle the scooter immediately and dry each part individually.
The Severity of the Damage
The level and severity of the water damage will affect the treatment options. The degree of corrosion and rusting will impact the cost of repairs. Your mechanic may ask you to replace certain parts or suggest alternate cleaning methods if the damage is minor.
Electric Scooter Model and Year
Some scooter models are more water-resistant than others. Older models are inferior at dealing with water damage and also rust easily. You’ll need to act according to the needs of your specific scooter type.
If your electric scooter won’t turn on, but you don’t think it’s due to water damage, you might be interested in reading my troubleshooting article for what to do when an electric scooter won’t turn on.
FAQs
Can Scooters Get Water Damaged?
An electric scooter’s ability to withstand water damage depends on its IP rating. All e-Scooters come with this rating, and you can check it against the official IP Rating Table for an accurate assessment of your scooter’s water and dust resistance.
How Do You Fix A Wet Electric Scooter?
The best way to fix a wet e-Scooter is by letting it dry out completely. Use a dry cloth to soak up all excess water, especially near the battery and motor. Keep your scooter indoors, in a shaded area with low humidity while it dries out. If you’re worried about water seeping into the scooter, take it to a mechanic immediately.
Does Rain Ruin Electric Scooters?
Yes, heavy rain will ruin your electric scooter because the battery and motor are not waterproof. At most, e-scooters are water resistant, which means they can tolerate going through a wet puddle or a light drizzle.
Final Thoughts
At the end of the day, the best thing you can do is dry your scooter off as thoroughly as possible and take it to your mechanic immediately. Explaining the details of the water damage, like the type of water, degree of exposure, and severity of the damage, will help the professional deal with the issue in the best way possible.
He made this website to help answer people’s questions about new technologies, green vehicles, and as the title suggests, really anything to do with zero emission vehicles.
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