Can I Use A Xiaomi Scooter in The Rain? (Explained)
Electrical devices like Xiaomi e-scooters don’t do well with water, even though there are water-resistant descriptions on the scooter’s box.
But, this is not complete assurance that the vehicle can survive the rain.
Nonetheless, certain conditions may require you to ride in the rain. Hence, it is best to get clarification before attempting the action.
So, it is best to read this article thoroughly to clear up your confusion about using your Xiaomi scooter in the rain.
You can’t use a Xiaomi scooter in heavy rain. The scooter’s internal components are prone to water damage, and exposure can damage them. In addition, the vehicle is likely to get involved in an accident because of the slippery road. The water reduces friction between the road and the tire, and the scooter can skid when you use the controls.
In this article, I will help you understand if you can use a Xiaomi scooter in the rain, if this scooter brand is water-resistant, and ways to prevent it from water damage.
By the end, you’ll also know what to take if your scooter gets wet.
Can You Use a Xiaomi Scooter in the Rain?
You can only use a Xiaomi scooter in light rain. The water protection on the scooter is only to a certain degree; too much water exposure can damage it.
Too much water can damage the vehicle’s battery housing and motor. In addition, it could affect the braking system.
The company uses a rear disc brake to manufacture the brakes on Xiaomi scooters. When the discs and brake pads get wet, it reduces their friction.
This makes the brake less effective. Sometimes, the brakes may work, but the wet road also reduces the friction between the tire and the road.
This results in the vehicle skidding whenever you press the brakes. You may be lucky to stop early, but skidding on wet ground is dangerous.
This issue also applies when you try to turn in the rain. The reduced friction can make the scooter keep going straight when you make a turn.
This could throw the rider off in the opposite direction. Additionally, roads and drain covers are mostly slippery when it rains.
It could make the scooter skid off the road and ram into an object. Riding in the rain doesn’t only affect the scooter; the rider also takes some effect from the accident.
Apart from the rain, riding after it rains is also dangerous. Water puddles can damage the internal components of the scooter when you ride through them.
The water spray that kicks up when you ride through the puddle can get into the scooter and make its components faulty.
So, it is best to keep your scooter when it rains and take other modes of transportation.
Is the Xiaomi Scooter Water-Resistant?
Xiaomi scooters are water-resistant to a certain degree. The manufacturers equipped the components to withstand minor water bodies.
In addition, some units in the scooter do not have a water-resistant feature, and they are more likely to get affected first.
As a precaution, it is advisable to always understand your E-scooter’s IP rating before exposing it to water.
The IP rating of your scooter model is in the manual. Scooters with low ratings are not fully water-resistant.
Higher IP ratings mean the vehicle is more water-resistant. However, understanding ratings can be confusing due to the meaning of the figures.
Therefore, the table below will help you understand the IP ratings for e-scooters and their meaning:
| IP Rating | Ideal Riding Conditions |
|---|---|
| Zero | Not ideal for wet conditions, water-resistant, not guaranteed |
| IPX4 | Ideal for mist, wet ground, light, inconsistent rain |
| IPX5 | Ideal for light, frequent rain, water puddles |
| IP34 | Ideal for light, infrequent rain, wet ground, mist, minimal dusty roads |
| IP54 | Ideal for wet ground, fog/mist, occasional off-roading, light, inconsistent rain |
| IP55 | Ideal for occasional off-roading, water puddles, light, consistent rain |
| IP65 | Ideal for every terrain, water puddles, light, consistent rain |
| IP67 | Ideal for every terrain, heavy, consistent rain, and some water immersion |
How to Prevent Your Xiaomi Scooter From Water Damage?
Xiaomi scooters are a little water-resistant, but some parts could get damaged when exposed to water.
As a precaution, knowing how to prevent the vehicle’s parts from water damage is best. This would help protect it when it rains.
The electrical components and the frame are more susceptible to water damage. The electrical components may develop faults and stop working.
At the same time, the frame may corrode and result in long-term rusting. So, it is essential to protect these parts from water.
Fortunately, there are tips to help you protect your Xiaomi scooter from water damage.
#1. Avoid Folding the Wet Scooter
Folding your scooter makes it easier to carry around. However, folding it when wet can cause water damage.
This is because the handlebar is lower than the handlebar stem when you fold the vehicle. This could make water drip onto the LED screen or throttle, resulting in long-term damage.
#2. Use a Water-Resistant Cover
If you need to leave your scooter outside, it is best to use a water-resistant cover. This won’t protect the electrical components.
But you will protect the scooter to an extent. In addition, avoid using this cover while riding the scooter so it doesn’t cause an accident.
#3. Avoid Riding in Bad Weather
The best way to protect your scooter is to avoid riding it in bad weather. It would help to look at the weather forecast before going for a ride on the vehicle.
You can take an alternative means of transportation to protect the scooter.
#4. Waterproof the Scooter
You can contact a specialist to waterproof your Xiaomi scooter. This would protect it from water damage.
However, there are ways to DIY without paying the exorbitant specialist fee. But, you must be careful so you don’t tamper with electrical components.
Tampering with the components can void your warranty. That said, here are the ways to waterproof your scooter by yourself.
- Duct tape the deck to protect it and provide support.
- Use duct tape to cover the charging port.
- Advanced Waterproofing Techniques
- Open the scooter deck and use I-rings to protect the wires.
- Cover the buttons with adhesive tape or a transparent cover.
- Wrap a balloon around the throttle.
- Apply some silicone solution to the connectors. It is best to give this at least 12 hours to dry.
What Should I Do If My Scooter Gets Wet?
Getting your scooter wet is inevitable. As an essential means of transportation, getting caught in the rain or driving through puddles is possible.
Therefore, it is essential to care for the vehicle when it gets wet to prevent it from further damage.
Here are the steps to take if your scooter gets wet.
Step 1: Turn Off the Scooter
After your scooter gets wet, you must avoid the water source. Then, turn off the vehicle immediately to avoid a short circuit.
This shuts out the electric current and prevents the wet wires from meeting. A short circuit can damage the scooter.
At the same time, you should avoid recharging the battery so the situation doesn’t get worse.
Step 2: Open the Battery Compartment
The next step is to locate the battery compartment and open it. Leave the scooter to dry completely in a warm and dry place.
You can dry the exterior parts with a towel or microfiber cloth. Then, leave it to dry at room temperature for at least 48 hours.
If the scooter gets completely submerged in water, leaving it to dry for up to a week is best. Do not charge it or turn it on during this period.
Avoid using a hairdryer to speed up the drying process. This could heat the battery and cause an explosion or blow water inside electrical components.
Also, avoid exposing the scooter to extreme sunlight so the battery doesn’t heat up. A few days of mild sun temperature will hasten the drying process.
Step 3: Evict Signs of Corrosion
Check the components for corrosion and evict all visible signs of it. Use a soft-bristled toothbrush or dry, lint-free cloth to scrub it off.
Step 4: Turn On the Scooter
After checking the scooter for complete dryness, you can turn it on. Ensure to charge it before turning it on.
Give the battery adequate time to get full. Then, take the vehicle on a ride to test its operation. Finally, it is best to contact an e-scooter specialist if the vehicle develops faults.
