How waterproof are eBikes?

[Flowrider]

I don't know too much about eBikes, however, we have riders in our group who are just starting out on them.

In the group, there has been some confusion about just how waterproof they are.

Rain is fine, they say, even if you get caught in heavy rain.

What about puddles, deepish ones, and streams?

Can you submerge your crankset and bottom bracket area?

Any advice would be great

[Criminal]

(05-19-2025, 02:19 AM)Flowrider Wrote:  I don't know too much about eBikes, however, we have riders in our group who are just starting out on them.

In the group, there has been some confusion about just how waterproof they are.

Rain is fine, they say, even if you get caught in heavy rain.

What about puddles, deepish ones, and streams?

Can you submerge your crankset and bottom bracket area?

Any advice would be great

It seems this qiestion was previously brought up by you last year:
https://forums.bikeride.com/thread-9003.html?highlight=Water

Still, you should not intentionally expose any bearing or electrical device to water/moisture, grit unless you plan to inspect or overhaul shortly afterwards if water damage/intrusion is suspected. Silicone grease should be used if you start tearing stuff open and need to reseal electrical components (great for sealing for lights.

[enkei]

It mostly depends on what level of weather proofing the e-bike has. Few, if any, are rated for submersion, AFAIK.

On mid-drive e-bikes, the crankset/BB is integrated in the motor.

On, eMTBs, which typically get plenty of water and wet dirt thrown at the motors/cranks, can really suffer from it if they're not cleaned and serviced properly. There's simply no way to keep the moisture and dirt out 100%, so they MUST be serviced regularly to prevent expensive problems.

[Flowrider]

Hi @Criminal

Thank you for your input, Howard.

You can get a different perspective if you redo a thread.

Not the same people are around all the time.

Your input is new.

Thank you for that

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Thanks @enkei

My riding group is about 80% + eBikers and we've been through a rainy season so will pass that on.