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Micromobility is here to stay, and it’s changing how we experience urban life for the better. With Unagi’s membership program, you can enjoy all the benefits of a top-tier electric scooter without the sky-high price of ownership or the inconvenience of ride-sharing.
We’re excited to celebrate Unagi’s 5th Anniversary, and we want you to join the fun! To thank you for your support, we're hosting an exclusive $10,000 Airbnb giveaway. No purchase necessary—just enter for your chance to win! Hurry, the giveaway ends on 10/4/2024!
In today’s fast-paced world, finding an efficient and cost-effective mode of transportation is crucial. E-scooters offer a convenient and eco-friendly way to navigate urban landscapes. Unagi stands out not only for its superior design and performance but also for its affordability and unmatched rental program.
While e-scooters have been gaining popularity due to their convenience and relatively low cost, they have been getting more attention lately for another reason: battery fires. It's important to understand the potential dangers associated with the battery technology that lies at their core.
In South Carolina, electric scooters exist in a sort of legal gray area. There's no statewide legislation that specifically addresses them.
Understand which personal electric vehicle is best, the choice between an electric bike or electric scooter might already be made for you by some critical factors, including portability and storage capacity.
"Can I make my electric scooter waterproof?"
Yes, you can. It's definitely worth it. It will help extend the lifespan* of your e scooter. From applying a silicone solution and waterproofing spray to a robust, conformal coating.
*The average lifespan of a personal electric scooter is around three years. (Less for some budget scooters).
It's often stated the best electric scooters have strong water resistant features.
It can sometimes be the case that water resistant e scooters are not fully waterproof. There is a difference:
Your electric scooter will have an Ingress Protection (IP) rating. This is a standardized code used on all modern scooters. It tells you the level of protection your electric scooter has against liquids such as water (and solid objects, such as dust) - under controlled test conditions. Each IP rating is explained later in this article.
It may mean the average electric scooter is approved for a level of water resistance only.
The protection given under its IP rating may need boosting to become more securely waterproof.
Whatever your scooter's IP rating there are further ways you can easily waterproof your electric scooter to be even more water resistant. To better withstand rainy or bad weather.
Especially, if you live in the 10 rainiest states, with 60 - 90 percent higher than average rainfall:
(Source: WorldAtlas, April 2019)
A waterproof electric scooter is more likely to have a longer corrosion-free life than a basic water resistant e scooter.
Even if you're not living in a state with high rainfall or a wet climate, it pays to waterproof your electric scooter. It can help to:
We can all get caught out by unexpected rainfall.
But what happens if you're repeatedly riding in wet conditions during the long autumn and winter months? Particularly, if you use your scooter for the daily urban commute?
The best waterproof electric scooters will boost protection and prolong performance. This article will give you more than a few tips and tricks to make electric scooters waterproof.
Electric scooters have sensitive electronic components, including battery, motor, cockpit control, wiring and connectors.
Whenever you're riding your scooter in the rain or generally bad weather, the exposure and contact with water can lead to short circuits, electrical damage and longer term corrosion.
Your electric scooter is issued with an IP rating.
IP stands for Ingress Protection - how much resistance to liquids or solid objects (such as dust or larger particles) from "entering" an "enclosure".
An "enclosure" will typically include:
Following the letters IP of your scooter's rating:
There are 6 levels of protection:
There are 9 levels of protection:
IPX0 - No protection.
IPX1 - Vertically falling water drops (e.g, condensation).
IPX2 - Vertically falling water drops when scooter tilted up to 15 degrees.
IPX3 - Sprays of water up to 60 degrees from vertical.
IPX4 - Water splashes from any direction.
IPX5 - Low-pressure water jets from any direction.
IPX6 - High-pressure water jets or heavy waves.
IPX7 - Under water by up to 1 meter for 30 minutes.
IPX8 - Under water continuously, according to manufacturer specifications.
IPX9K - High-pressure and high-temperature water jets (typically used for industrial equipment).
Check with the manufacturer's specifications for your electric scooter make and model. It should ideally be issued with a minimum IP rating of IPX4 - water splashes from any direction.
This rating gives your scooter a reasonable level of protection against water splashes and light rain.
Example: the Unagi Model One (E500) has an IP rating of IP54.
It means this electric scooter - designed and built for the urban commute - is protected against water splashes and light rain, and dust particles interfering with components functioning.
IMPORTANT: IP ratings only indicate the level of protection carried out under specific test conditions.
It may not give an accurate and reliable picture of how water-resistant your scooter actually is on the daily urban commute - in your state or local area - and throughout the year.
Even electric scooters with a high IP rating can be vulnerable to riding in heavy rain. Let's look in more detail how to reduce the risk of water damage to your electric scooter.
"Who bothers doing that?", you may be thinking. But before you start, it IS essential you check out the manufacturer's recommendations and guidelines for waterproofing your specific, electric scooter model. It's important for better understanding any vulnerabilities to water splashing your particular scooter may have.
Next, get up close and personal with your e scooter. Thoroughly inspect everywhere you can, and look for those hidden, vulnerable areas. You may find tiny, little spaces that could let in water, such as the wheel hubs, motor wheel axle, battery compartment, connectors, handlebar controls, and battery charging port.
If you're up for getting more hands-on... silicone spray sealants create an added waterproof barrier around vulnerable areas of an electric scooter.
A next-level, pro technique. This special type of coating is designed to beef up the protection to your electric scooter's printed circuit board (PCB), and other electronic components.
The protective coating of thin, polymeric (large molecule) film is called "conformal" because it conforms to (and wraps around) the shape of the PCB. It's specifically made to waterproof electronics against moisture, dust, and other contaminants.
Conformal coatings also provide added insulation against thermal shock, static, and vibration.
Silicone Resin (SR) coatings give high-level moisture (and salt spray) protection across a very wide temperature range. For this reason they are commonly used in high humidity environments.
Acrylic Resin (AR) - good overall protection, with high dielectric strength*, and reasonable moisture resistance.
*Dielectric strength - strength of an electrical insulating material. A measure of the maximum voltage withstood before insulation breaks down and becomes conductive (allows electricity to flow).
Urethane (Polyurethane) Resin (UR) – superior moisture resistance. Also chemical and solvent resistant.
IMPORTANT: You should only apply a conformal coating if you have a good working knowledge of electronics and familiar with your scooter's layout. It's always recommended to contact the scooter manufacturer for guidance. Or seek advice and help from a qualified electrical technician or engineer.
Apply dielectric* grease to the metal parts of any electrical connections that may still be exposed, which will protect from corrosion and contamination.
.*Dielectric - means it does not conduct electricity. Dielectric grease is a fluid form of electrical insulation that's squeezed from a tube.
Dielectric grease is often used in electrical systems to prevent moisture from entering. It can also withstand extreme heat which means it can stop plastic and rubber parts from fusing together.
IMPORTANT: This is different from applying silicone sealant to seal non-functioning holes.
Water can typically enter and travel down any unsealed hole drilled out for screws, bolts, cables or wires.
Here the aim is to make holes for non-sealed screws - and those with cables and wires fed through - resistant to water entering and causing short circuits, and corrosion.
Ensure your O-rings are specifically designed for water resistance, are the correct size, compressed precisely and tightly in the grooves.
Use a soft cloth and a mild detergent only (not abrasives or brushes) to keep the O-rings and its surrounding areas clean and free from debris.
Apply a thin layer of silicone-based lubricant to help maintain a tight and flexible seal.
O-rings should be regularly checked for signs of wear, damage, or deterioration, and properly seated in place.
These plugs are are made of water-resistant materials specifically designed for sealing non-functional holes.
A really small non-functional hole can be sealed with a rubber or silicone cap to prevent water or moisture from seeping in.
Sometimes you can be caught by an unexpected downpour just before setting out on your daily commute or while riding. You may suddenly notice water entering in or coming out of a tiny hole or other gap.
Try these instant fixes to temporarily stop the water entering non-functional holes, and leading to internal corrosion.
Larger non-functional holes or gaps can be covered with a "cut to fit" waterproof adhesive patch.
A good tip is to always carry duct tape whenever you ride. It's such a simple solution - but remember - duct tape may be a versatile adhesive tape but it's not designed specifically for reliable and permanant waterproofing.
It's definitely a temporary fix only for stopping water you suddenly see entering a hole or gap. Or securing a loose cable or wire.
Typical examples include:
Some e scooters may have electrical wires visible at the edges of the deck. Simply cover with duct tape matching your scooter colour to protect from rain, puddles and water splashes.
Your battery charging port may have a protective cap. But it can still be one area of your scooter that's most vulnerable to water getting in when riding in wet weather. Particularly, if the port is positioned lower and closer to the ground.
Quickly cover with duct tape, and prevent water entering. It could lead to problems affecting your scooter's battery life and charging capability.
IMPORTANT: A more permanent and robust waterproofing measure should be applied as soon as possible.
Your electric scooter power button, LED screen and throttle paddle can also be prone to letting in moisture. Here are a couple of easy, low-cost tips to instantly waterproof these vital components of cockpit control:
The type of transparent plastic cover you would normally find attached to the screen of a new cellphone or other electronic device - are ideal for quickly sealing over a LED screen on your cockpit control.
You will first need to clean the screen surface with a mild detergent and water.
After the screen is completely dry remove the backing from the sticky plastic cover and carefully apply to the surface.
It's important to smooth out any air bubbles trapped underneath by using a soft cloth. The LED readout function needs to be clearly visible and not obscured.
Remove any excess plastic using a sharp utility knife to ensure you have a clean and precise fit.
Standard adhesive can be quickly applied to protect the power button. You can also use adhesive tape to wrap around a throttle paddle for added waterproofing.
Motor wheel axles should always be included in any waterproofing to give added protection to your scooter's internal motor components. It will involve applying thick grease to the axles.
Firstly, you will need to remove the wheels -by following the manufacturer's instructions. Your model of electric scooter may have motors in either the front wheel, the back wheel, or both. Grease will need to be applied in each case.
Then thoroughly clean the axles. It's particularly important to remove any dirt, debris, or grease that may have built up. You only need to use a mild detergent dissolved in water.
Now you can apply a thin layer of water-resistant silicone grease or dielectric grease to the motor wheel axles.
Once the axles are properly greased, put the wheels back on. Once again, you need to follow the manufacturer's instructions and ensure both wheels are properly aligned and securely attached.
A waterproof cover is an effective way to protect your electric scooter from rain and other wet weather conditions when it's not in use.
You need to use a cover specifically designed for electric scooters. This should be the right size and dimensions to give a close, secure fit. Your waterproof cover should also be made from durable materials, such as polyester with a waterproof coating.
It's important to make sure it covers the entire scooter, including the wheels and handlebars, to give complete protection.
If you intend to ride in rainy weather or generally wet conditions, a good tip is to use waterproof bags or pouches to carry your electric scooter in between rides. For example, when you need to access public transport, use stairs or elevators.
Waterproof bags will give you an extra layer of protection against water and moisture, for keeping your scooter dry.
Wet scooters need to be actively dried straightaway. Not left dripping outside, or inside.
To remove any water and surface moisture you should first, power off the scooter and disconnect the battery, if possible.
Next:
Focus particular attention on:
It's critical to fold your electric scooter correctly so it dries out properly.
This means ensuring the handlebar is raised above the stem when folded and stored.
It's important to prevent drops of water trickling down the stem and onto the LED screen, and throttle paddle of the handlebars.
A wetdry vacuum cleaner is designed to not only remove dust and solid debris. It can also deal effectively with removing excess water or moisture from many types of surfaces. Including the body of your electric scooter.
To avoid any damage to your scooter, it's important to follow these safety steps:
A low pressure water jet is useful for removing excess dirt, mud and debris. You must ensure the water jet or hose is at a low-pressure setting to avoid damaging your scooter's waterproofing. IMPORTANT: Avoid spraying water directly into the battery charging port, and allow enough time to completely dry before using again.
It's important to regularly inspect for any signs of wear and damage, caused by water or moisture. Similarly, maintain your waterproofing measures, particularly, seals, sealants, holes and coverings.
The above tips and techniques for maximising your electric scooter's waterproofing aims to keep you and your scooter safely riding for longer than many scooters not waterproofed in the same way.
However, it's always best to avoid riding in heavy rain or really bad weather if you don't have to. Even more so in the winter months, where your scooter will be faced with snow, ice - and salt, a fast-acting corrosive.
If you have to take your e scooter out in rainy or bad weather - try to avoid those puddles and muddy spots on the pavement and tarmac ahead of you.
In the U.S., most states don't require a license. For those that do, they usually just ask for a regular driver's license or a learner's permit.
Yes, you can bring an electric scooter on a plane, but it needs to have a lithium battery smaller than 100 watt-hours, which most don't.
Manufacturers advise against riding electric scooters in the rain. The main reasons are: water can fry the electronics, make the ride dangerous, and void your warranty.
“Is my scooter legal?” is a question many are increasingly asking. The micromobility industry is one of the fastest-growing and most exciting in the world—with promises for...in addition to abundances of the basics of time and money savings. And with this pace of innovation comes a struggle for regulation to keep up.
So, you're thinking about joining the electric scooter revolution, huh? You've seen those sleek and stylish scooters zipping around town, effortlessly gliding through traffic, and you can't help but wonder: Are electric scooters easy to ride?
In this guide, we'll break down what defines a lightweight electric scooter, why you should choose one, and the top features you should look for.
Want to get the most out of your electric scooter battery and extend your riding adventures? We've got you covered with our comprehensive guide full of maintenance tips and best practices.
*Disclaimer: Unagi, INC. has used best efforts, but does not in any manner guarantee the accuracy of the below findings regarding electric scooter laws in the United States or internationally. Electric scooter riders or those considering to purchase or begin…
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