If you currently own an electric unicycle or are thinking about buying one, then you’re probably wondering if it can be ridden in the rain. It’s an obvious thought, especially if you live in a dense urban area and your electric unicycle, or EUC, is your primary means of transportation. However, many EUC owners fear issues like water damage to their devices or even electrocution, so let’s take a closer look.

Many electric unicycles offer water protection

Upon researching a variety of electric unicycles, you may notice that many of them offer some type of water protection. For example, the Gotway MSX Pro is equipped with a standing clip-on fender to protect the rider’s back from getting wet and it’s also enclosed to protect itself from water damage. However, that doesn’t mean that the unit is completely waterproof.

According to eridehero, just because an electric unicycle has water protection equipment attached to it, that doesn’t mean it should be ridden in the rain. But if you must, then the publication recommends only riding in light rain. And if you’re currently shopping for a EUC and are unsure what to look for when it comes to water protection, then the folks at Radical Commute recommend checking the unit’s IP rating. The term “IP” stands for ingress protection and it is the industry standard for measuring an EUC’s overall protection from dust and moisture.

If you decide to ride an EUC in the rain, then check how rainy it is first

Regardless of what anyone says, there may be times when you need to ride your electric unicycle in the rain. In those times, make sure to check how much rain is falling first. After all, you’re going to be cutting through the air on a one-wheeled contraption with no windshield or wipers, like on a car. So the amount of rain flying at you is important.

On that note, the biggest challenge when riding an electric unicycle in the rain is visibility. Many EUC riders will wear a full-face helmet when riding and the plastic visor tends to get wet and tough to see out of. For that reason alone, it’s a good idea not to ride an electric unicycle if the downpour seems a little on the heavy side. Also, large puddles and heavy rain can damage the EUC itself if water gets into the housing. But again, if you must ride it, then know that the EUC will technically be OK to ride in light rain.

What should you do after riding in the rain?

If you end up riding your electric unicycle in the rain, then Radical Commute notes that the first that you should do is change into dryer clothes afterward. Warmer clothes can reduce the risk of getting illnesses like pneumonia. Next, you’ll need to attend to the electric unicycle.

Make sure to rinse off any stuck mud on the wheel or housing and then dry the unit itself of any excess water. After that, be sure to store the EUC in a dry place. Whether you ride your electric unicycle every day, or just on rare occasions, try to stay out of the rain. But if you have to ride it, then just make sure it’s not too wet outside.