Winter Safety Tips

The team at Electric Rides HQ recommends that you avoid riding electric scooters in the snow whenever possible, as most scooters are not designed to handle winter road conditions (in certain geographies).

However there will be times when you simply have no choice but to take your electric ride out during the winter. Circumstances may force you to ride through the snow, ice, rain, or some other unfavorable winter condition.

For some people, electric scooters are still their best option, even if the winter weather is not ideal for getting to your destination. If you have to get somewhere on an e-scooter or other electric ride, we recommend that you prepare your ride by taking the following steps:

  • Plan your route beforehand - map out the safest route with the least hills
  • It's advisable to have strong lights, as winter days are much shorter across the country
  • Charge your battery frequently and don’t let it go empty so that you don't get stranded
  • Slow down and steer more carefully, especially on slippery surfaces
  • Depending on your scooter types, you might want to deflate your tires a bit
  • Keep your speeds down and make sure that you steer more carefully, especially on icy terrain
  • Replace your standard tires with wider or off-road ones
  • Tighten your brakes a notch
  • Take better care of your battery during winter, e.g. don’t charge your scooter immediately after riding in the cold
  • Winter days are shorter – ride for saving power
  • Winterize your electric scooter
  • Clean your electric scooter properly and more than you often would do
  • Dress warm and protect yourself against the winter winds
  • Put as much safety equipment on you as you can in case you fall

Very few electric scooters can withstand a regular winter, and even fewer will withstand a brutal winter with a lot of ice and snowfall. What type of electric scooter performs better in the winter?

For a start, Electric scooters that are winter-proof will have:

  • Strong IP water-resistance ratings
  • Pneumatic versus solid tires
  • Wider, bigger, or more deeply patterned tires that prevent slipping and provide you with extra traction
  • Dual motors for more control over slippery surfaces
  • Great brakes and anti-lock braking systems (ABS)
  • High-quality battery that is not impacted by low temperatures
  • Good balance and build quality