One of the biggest commuting challenges during monsoon is low visibility due to high precipitation and heavy rainfall, causing a foggy blanket across the city. Fuel-based vehicles worsen the situation by emitting harmful substances such as nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, sulphur dioxide and other particulate matter. Such release of smoke, smog, soot and other gases reduces the quality of the air and the visibility level.
Electric scooters, on the other hand, are eco-friendly. They are powered by rechargeable batteries and have zero emissions. Like all other vehicles, electric scooters are built keeping in mind the changing weather conditions and low visibility challenges. Some are built with extreme precautions making them powerful enough to storm through rains, while others are meant for light weather use.
After considering the above points, if you plan on riding an electric scooter during the monsoon, here are a few tips to keep in mind to ensure a smooth, safe and comfortable journey.
1. Check your electric scooter’s IP rating:
Most scooters have a standardized scale in the form of IP ratings that indicates the level of resistance electronics in the scooter have when exposed to water and dust. Usually, a scooter-rated IP54 is suitable for light rain or dusty terrain. IP67-rated scooters can protect against heavy, constant rain and some immersion. The BG D15, B8 and A2 are IP67-rated scooters, making them highly safe to use during monsoons.
2. Lower Tyre Pressure
When riding during monsoon, ideal tyre pressure is of utmost importance; hence, you must ensure your scooter tyres have the right tread. The BG D15, B8 and A2 have front and back tubeless tyres, which can be better ridden at a lower pressure than tubed ones. Moreover, tubeless tyres are generally better for extreme weather conditions and terrain as they offer better grip and avoid flat tyres than tube ones.
3. Install Fenders:
Fenders act as a protective layer on your bike that prevents its battery and other components from water splashes, dust and debris, thereby reducing the chances of body rust and contamination.
4. Wear Protective Gear:
It is essential to wear a full-face helmet to keep the rain droplets from blocking your vision. Your next choice should be to purchase suitable waterproof gloves that provide excellent grip and warmth, allowing a seamless journey.
5. Weatherproof your belongings:
Traveling is an essential part of our day-to-day lives, and it is a given that most commuters might carry their phones, laptops and other belongings while commuting. A waterproof backpack or a zip-lock bag might be handy at such times. The new BG D15 has a big and spacious footboard and a solid hook to safely store your belongings. BG B8 and A2 also have ample space to pack and shield your belongings from exterior elements safely.
6. Bright Lights
The gloomy conditions of the rains make the visibility low for the riders. Therefore it is essential to have bright headlights, tail lights and blinking lights on your helmet, shoes, handlebars etc. The BG D15 comes with a bright white LED headlight with integrated DRL on the rim and powerful tail lights that can make the scooter visible from a distance.
7. Maintain a slow pace
Maintaining a slow pace while riding is crucial as electric vehicles have power-on-demand capabilities and high-performance features. The new BG D15 is equipped with an intelligent FOC controller that monitors the overall system demand and ensures smooth handling.
8. Be cautious:
While riding during monsoon, it is crucial to look for puddles, zebra crossing, lane separators and other slippery spots such as ‘rainbow’ puddles as they can be full of oil and fuel. It is also essential to apply the brake beforehand to avoid sudden action.
9. Clean your electric bike after the ride
After venturing out in the rains, mud and water that gets sprayed into the bike can cause corrosion. Hence it’s crucial to clean the bike and dry it well to increase its longevity.
Electric scooters are becoming an incredibly safe, efficient and popular commuting choice. It is good for the environment as well as budget friendly. If you’re looking for a high-performance electric scooter suitable for extreme weather conditions, please browse through the range of electric scooters available on our website to find the best fit!