Is it possible to cycle under the rain?
After the hot summer comes the autumn with a lot of rain and then winter with lower temperatures and snow, so the main question is about: is it possible to cycle under the rain? And, is it possible to ride an electric bike during the winter in the snow?
The answer to this question is "Yes", because your e-bike is durable and designed to withstand the elements, however it requires you to take care of it with more attention. We should say that's possible because modern ebike have a certain grade of waterproofing and they can resist light rain, splashes, mudd and cold weather.
As you can see, you can ride while raining and during winter, but you must be more careful because the rain and lower temperatures can make things more difficult, and you have to focus on your own safety. You have to wear proper clothes and equipment like waterproof jackets, gloves and transparent glasses to protect your eyes.
As a cyclist who rides habitually, you have to worry about road safety when riding an ebike in the coldest temperatures or in wet conditions. In fact, in harsh weather the road will be slippery and off road trails are wet and muddy, you can still ride but with more careful attention.
Waterproofing doesn't mean that you can submerge the bike or use it under the torrential rain, and at the same time we have to mention that the lithium battery suffers from the cold and experiences a drop in performance.
Before venturing into the cold or wet, check the different components of your bike to make sure everything is in perfect working order. From the battery to the tires and even the handlebars. In any case, always keep in mind that riding e-bikes in winter can be dangerous, due to the slippery road.
Keep the following tips in mind to ride safe over rain and during winter.
Check your E-Bike before going out
Before you hit the road, you need to carefully check your e-bike. Of course this is a habit that every good e-bike cyclist should have, but it requires greater consistency during the winter and in wet conditions, precisely because of the adverse and more demanding weather. To make sure your e-bike is safe for circulation, check the following:
Wheels and tyres
Your wheels are undoubtedly one of the most essential parts of your e-bike as they are in direct contact with the road and the ground. After all, you wouldn't even be able to move without them. Pay close attention to the wheel locks and make sure the pin holding the axle in place is sufficiently tight and secure.
This is critical because a loose axle or bolt can easily come off or open with road vibrations. Check that the tread is in good condition, it’s needed to get a proper grip in mud and water.
Battery and eletronic
Check the battery and make sure it is securely anchored in place. Otherwise it is better to try to fix it and if you find any problems, contact a professional if you do not know what to do. Driving on roads with an unsafe battery could cause an intermittent power supply or complete battery failure if the water enters the electric circuit!
Check: try to move the battery gently to make sure it fits snugly in its seat. If you find it moving, it may be mounted incorrectly. Solve this problem before you go for a ride.
Visibility is fundamental: lights and horn
Make sure your bike lights are working well and bright enough to be visible on the street, considering that with rain and fog the line of sight is definitely shorter. For added safety, you can install additional reflectors on the spokes of your wheels. The goal is to remain as visible and audible as possible, so that everyone else on the road will notice you with ease.
If your ebike does not have one, install a bell or horn for safety equipment complete with acoustic signals.
Avoid extreme exploration off road
In the middle of the harsh winter, if you can, avoid embarking on particularly long or demanding dirt explorations with your e-bike. Although you may be very enthusiastic about exploring those snowy and icy paths, it is much safer to travel on familiar and well-known paths, certainly less demanding. In this way, you can still enjoy the thrill of cycling during the winter without risking a disaster.
Ice can be very dangerous for e-bikes, as can snow. While cars have more stability with 4 wheels, with two wheels it will be easier to lose control and fall out of the bike. If you can, avoid ice-covered trails and also avoid deep snow. If there are no other routes to ride on, equip yourself with studded winter tires for better traction.
Clothes and equipment: stay warm
The thin line between a bad riding experience and a nice day is determined by the type of equipment you wear during rain and cold temperatures. For winter driving or wet days it is essential to stay warm and protect yourself from cold temperatures and water. It is therefore necessary to dress appropriately, with warm and safe clothing.
First you need to wear a helmet and other appropriate clothing such as gloves. Don't forget that frostbite is a serious condition, so it's best to keep your hands and legs protected under warm clothing. To face the rain you must wear a waterproof jacket that will keep your clothes dry.
Thankfully, most cyclists wear a helmet while riding. In addition to protecting the head from injury in the event of an accident, helmets are also great for keeping the head warm and insulated from the cold and rain drops. To help your helmet provide better warmth, put on a thin earmuff before putting on your helmet. This advice is especially valid for more ventilated helmets that do not have great insulation from the outside.
Your hands are not only exposed to the freezing air, they also cling to the cold handlebar, and finger freezing is the last thing you want to have. Winter gloves are water resistant and are indispensable for protecting your hands, so make sure they are thick enough to ward off the cold but flexible enough that you can have a good grip on the handlebars and while using the brakes and shift levers.
When driving in cold temperatures it is very important to wear warm clothing and in case of rain waterproof jackets. You could opt for ordinary sweaters or a sweatshirt, but keep in mind that technical cycling garments are much more comfortable, compact and performing. Less bulk, warmer and more perspiration to keep the body at a constant temperature.
Keep yourself well protected and safe, have fun and ride your electric bike!
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