Can an eBike 'motor' go under water?

[Flowrider]

I ride in a group with about 70% eBikers mainly off road and sometimes through streams that can submerge the 'motor' area.

How water proof are they? I'm guessing going through a puddle is fine and rain but are they totally sealed?

[Jesper]

(08-15-2024, 10:45 PM)Flowrider Wrote:  I ride in a group with about 70% eBikers mainly off road and sometimes through streams that can submerge the 'motor' area.

How water proof are they? I'm guessing going through a puddle is fine and rain but are they totally sealed?

Technically, yes you can expose the motor to water (even to the point of submersion); but in the majority of the cases there will be water intrusion and/or damage caused by moisture. A quick splash or two will probably have an insignificant effect, but frequent and/or prolonged water exposure, and certainly immersion are not good in the long run regardless of manufacturer's claims if not read carefully.. Also, if the motor is receiving that level of exposure then so is every part at the level or above. Hubs, pivot points, electronics, etc.
If you expose any part of any bike (ebike or not) you should take care to maintain it according to its level of moisture exposure. Failure to do so will undoubtably result in premature failure.

Best advice is to avoid water and moisture exposure of any degree, and if possible just avoid water hazards altogether.

Note: I am providing this information based on maintenance/repairs performed by mechanics showing water damage (rust/corrosion) and moisture present at the time of service.

[Mr joe]

Nah, they aren't completely sealed; it's not advised to fully submerge. 

[Flowrider]

(08-18-2024, 01:28 PM)Jesper Wrote:  

(08-15-2024, 10:45 PM)Flowrider Wrote:  I ride in a group with about 70% eBikers mainly off road and sometimes through streams that can submerge the 'motor' area.

How water proof are they? I'm guessing going through a puddle is fine and rain but are they totally sealed?

Technically, yes you can expose the motor to water (even to the point of submersion); but in the majority of the cases there will be water intrusion and/or damage caused by moisture. A quick splash or two will probably have an insignificant effect, but frequent and/or prolonged water exposure, and certainly immersion are not good in the long run regardless of manufacturer's claims if not read carefully.. Also, if the motor is receiving that level of exposure then so is every part at the level or above. Hubs, pivot points, electronics, etc.
If you expose any part of any bike (ebike or not) you should take care to maintain it according to its level of moisture exposure. Failure to do so will undoubtably result in premature failure.

Best advice is to avoid water and moisture exposure of any degree, and if possible just avoid water hazards altogether.

Note: I am providing this information based on maintenance/repairs performed by mechanics showing water damage (rust/corrosion) and moisture present at the time of service.

Hi
Thanks for taking the time and effort to write and post that. I'll pass that on to my group.

[rydabent]

I certainly would not.

[Talha]

(08-15-2024, 10:45 PM)Flowrider Wrote:  I ride in a group with about 70% eBikers mainly off road and sometimes through streams that can submerge the 'motor' area.

How water proof are they? I'm guessing going through a puddle is fine and rain but are they totally sealed?

Most are water resistant, which is just a way of saying they can take a splash but I don't even risk taking it out in heavy rains

[Flowrider]

After asking around, the common thought I've found is most say it's splashproof, like if you hose your bike down or go through a puddle but do not submerge, say you want to go through a stream, and it'll go under.