Addressing Safety Concerns In E-Mobility: Can Electric Bikes Shock You In Rainy Drives?

• A source of electricity can turn any body of water into an electrical shock hazard
• This raises concerns over the safety of electric bikes, particularly in Kenya given the recent El-Nino rains
• Expert says there are safety measures built into the bikes to ensure there is no risk of electric shock during rainy rides

Elijah Ntongai, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, leverages more than three years of expertise in financial, business, and technology research, providing profound insights into both Kenyan and global economic trends.

Motorcycle riders contemplating a switch to electric bikes or those who have already switched often express concerns about the feasibility of riding them in the rain, a particularly valid worry in Kenya given the recent El-Nino rains experienced across the country.

We all know water and electricity do not mix, so the primary concern for riders is the risk of electric shock when operating their electric motorcycles in the rain, prompting the question of whether the vehicle poses an electrical shock hazard when wet.

Performance of electric bikes

According to Roam, an electric bike manufacturer operating in Kenya, the aim when creating electric bikes is to develop bikes that can be used in the same way as traditional bikes, without lowering the expected performance of the electric bike.

"Electric bikes work in all weather conditions and are safe to operate even when it rains. We are working to improve the product even further so that boda riders can do even more over time," Albin Wilson, the chief of product told TUKO.co.ke.

Can electric bikes shock a rider when it is raining?

The answer is NO, electric bikes cannot shock you when it is raining, however, it is crucial to exercise caution and avoid fully submerging the electric motorbike in water or leaving it exposed to prolonged rainfall, as this could compromise its water-resistant capabilities.

"Electric shocks would obviously come from the battery, so we have safety features installed within the battery to cut off the voltage if there is any broken wiring or voltage problem in the system, and we are working on improving that safety even further so that we can deliver the best product," said Wilson.

"So we have safety measures inside the batteries and on the bikes. Fuse boxes for high voltage and other components make the bike absolutely safe to operate. So generally, they can handle the normal conditions of a boda boda driver" Wilson added.

Are electric bikes waterproof?

First and foremost, it's essential to recognise that electric motorcycles are developed to be water-resistant rather than waterproof.

Speaking to TUKO.co.ke, Wilson stated that some components of the electric bikes differ, but there are those that can be directly sprayed with water or rain and still pose no danger to the rider.

"We use either IP666 or IP67, which is a term for components that can be sprayed with water directly, or be under heavy rains, or partial submersion," said Wilson.

Electric motorcycles are generally designed with features to prevent rain and water from infiltrating the electrical components, alleviating concerns about the risk of electric shock during rainy rides.

Maintaining electric bikes

Just like traditional motorcycles, electric bikes do not require special maintenance because of rain, but as is the case for traditional bikes, do not leave water in the bike for a prolonged period.

"We recommend that you should not leave still water on the bike components, but this is normal for a petrol bike as well. Do not leave your bike out in the rain all night even if it is a petrol bike, because obviously, it helps extend the life of the entire product," Wilson advised.

Ruto to replace all motorcycles in Kenya

In other related news, President William Ruto announced an ambitious plan to replace the entire fleet of Kenya's two million boda boda motorbikes with electric bikes, providing a timeline for the comprehensive transition.

President William Ruto underscored his dedication to environmentally friendly policies, specifically within the motor industry, and extended an invitation to investors to capitalise on opportunities arising from Kenya's shift from fossil fuels to electric power, with a particular emphasis on e-mobility.

"Our intention is to replace all the two million with e-bikes and, of course, the whole transport industry, from buses to motor vehicles to three-wheelers and the rest of it. There is an opportunity for manufacture and we are committed ourselves to e-mobility. We are changing policy, and we have set timelines on when we must transit to e-mobility," Ruto said.