If you own an e-bike then you are already aware of the water damage that it can sustain if you are negligent of taking care of it properly. Most of the e-bikes and e-scooters are water and dust resistant to some extent but they are not fully resistant to these. They have an IP (Ingress Protection) rating or water protection rating determining to what extent the e-bike or e-scooter is protected from water or dust damage.
How do you determine IP rating?
The IP rating is being managed by the IEC (international electrotechnical commission) that is represented in more than 82 countries. This commission is in charge of developing standards and dealing with the regulatory aspects of protecting electronic devices including e-scooters and e-bikes.
Based on the fact that how neatly the e-bike manufacture has sealed the battery compartment the IP rating for a dedicated e-bike or e-scooter is determined.
What do different IP codes mean?
The code is represented using IP and then two numbers beside it. The first number determines the overall layer of protection of the electronic item in relation to foreign elements such as tools, hardware, dust, and other solid objects. The second number is for listing the water resistance. If X takes over either the first or the second number of an IP code then it simply means that the electronic item in discussion has not been checked for that classification.
First IP rating number
The numbers from 1 to 4 determine how susceptible the electronic item is to come in contact with live electricity. To determine how well these bikes would do in dusty or sandy locations then the numbers 5 and 6 will be brought into consideration. Following is a breakdown of these numbers to better understand the first classification of the IP code:
Second IP rating number
Now, this number classifies the ability of the bike to deal with water splashes and rain. If between 1-4 it means that the bike is well protected from water splashed and rain but will not work if fully submerged into the water. If you are to use your e-bike around beaches or somewhere near the ocean then go for a rating of 7 or 8. At this rating, if the e-bike is even submerged in water for some time then the chances are that it will continue to work nonetheless. Following is a breakdown of the numbers for the second IP classification:
Great tips for you to consider regarding IP rating
When you have made up your mind about buying an e-bike you need to consider what you would be primarily using it for and under what conditions. Whether you are going to use it to travel in sandy or gravel-laid terrains or take it out for a brisk family weekend it will directly affect your choice of IP rating that you need to choose.
If you are to use your e-bike on a daily basis for commute and what not then do consider going for a little higher IP rating as it will offer better protection from the water and dust conditions. But on the other hand, if you intend to use it occasionally or for family weekends then you can simply go for a less IP rating. Remember that going for a higher IP rating will directly affect the overall money that you are going to spend on the purchase of an e-bike.
Another important factor to consider in all of this is the environmental factor. The climate that you are going to use the bike in, if it is too dry then you are good to go with a low IP rating but on the other hand, if it is a little too humid then don’t compromise on a better IP rating for a little more money. Going for a high IP rating is usually the right thing to do because this way you will be able to get a little more life out of it.
