Electric scooters without water protection are somehow useless not only if you live in the wettest place on earth but because occasional drizzles are part of our daily lives! Aside from that, it can be difficult for some people to carry their heavy scooter all the way home just because it suddenly rained in the middle of their commute. Luckily, most of the popular scooters nowadays are already equipped with minimum water protection which usually protects from light rains and water sprays.
Because of the high demand for waterproof electric scooters, more and more scooters in the market today are being built to have stronger splash protection. In fact, some can sustain low-pressure water jets , light rains or can also be immersed in shallow puddles. And in addition to that, some also have water-resistant circuit board which is the highest protection you can expect in a waterproof electric scooter.
Before we go to our review of the top waterproof electric scooters on Amazon, we will discuss first the difference between waterproof and water resistant electric scooters. We will also show you the different types of ratings, how to read them and the ratings that you should look for to get the ultimate protection.
Waterproof vs Water-Resistant
Waterproofing is the process of coating an object or product with a substance that prevents water from passing through. In clothing, you will always find that waterproof fabrics are much better than the water-resistant ones. But when it comes to gadgets and electronics, both of these two are somewhat synonymous.
The main difference between fabric and gadgets waterproofing is the sensitivity of the chips that make these gadgets work. When exposed to rain or water for long hours, you know that the content of a waterproof pillow or chair will accumulate moisture or eventually get wet too.
That’s the same case with gadgets or devices too. The big difference is, water seeping inside can cause damage to the wiring and circuit board. Because of this, even though most gadgets or electric scooters already have waterproof coatings, most manufacturers advise that you avoid using the gadgets in the rain or underwater.
Although completely waterproofing a gadget is doable, it is quite expensive. And because there are a lot of other features manufacturers need to spend on, they need to create a balance to be able to offer their products at a price the consumers can afford. That’s why if you buy a waterproof electric scooter, it will not be completely waterproof. And although you can use it in the rain, you should still make sure to clean and dry them as soon as possible.
Now you know the difference between waterproof and water-resistant electric scooters. Next we will discuss the types of IP Ratings and how to determine the best one for an electric scooter.
Water Resistance Ratings
The IP Code, also known as Ingress Protection or International Protection Code, is the degree of protection a mechanical or electrical case or enclosure has against dust, liquid, impact and more.
The code that comes after the letters IP corresponds to the types of hazard (i.e dust, liquid) and the level of protection. The first number is for dust, the second one is for liquid and the third one is for impact. The protection level is from 0 to 6 and the letter X denotes the protection level for a specific hazard.
For example, an IP54 rating has a level 5 protection from dust and a level 4 protection from liquids. It is also the same as a waterproof rating of IPX4. For liquid protection, always look for the second number in the IP Code.
Now that you know how to read an IP code, let’s move on to the levels of protection for liquids only. Listed below are what each level protects your gadget from:
| IP Levels | Protection |
|---|---|
| X1 | Resistant to Condensation droplets |
| X2 | Resistant to Dripping water |
| X3 | Resistant to Splashes from any direction |
| X4 | Resistant to Sustained, low-pressure water jet spray |
| X5 | Resistant to High-pressure, heavy sprays of water |
| X6 | Resistant to High-pressure, heavy sprays of water |
| X7 | Resistant to Full-immersion for up to 30 minutes |
| X8 | Resistant to Extended immersion under higher pressure |
| X9 | Resistant to High Pressure and High Temperature jet sprays |
You can see that at level 4, a scooter can resist splashes of water from any direction. Most of the scooters considered waterproof in the market today have a protection level of 4. And because the e-scooter industry is young, we believe it will be a long time before scooters with water resistance levels of 7 to 9 to dominate the market.
But for now, if you’re looking for a scooter that has enough protection to resist water splashes and light rains, here are our top recommendations.
What is the Best Waterproof Electric Scooter on Amazon?
There are a lot of electric scooters built with water protection enough for your daily needs. But in this review we’ll pick the best 3 in terms of waterproof rating, performance, features and price.
Gotrax G4
GoTrax is one of the leading micro transportation manufacturers in the US. They offer some of the best hoverboards and scooters in the market today not only for adults but for kids too. But one of the best things about GoTrax scooters are that they’re a lot more affordable. Despite that, they did not compromise on quality. In fact, they have more and newer features compared to the other scooters in the same price category.
IP Rating: IP54
Quality
Price
What we like
- Powerful Motor
- Affordable
- Suitable for heavy users
What we don’t like
- This scooter is heavy
- Lacks suspension
- Prone to Battery Damage
Unlike sleek scooters like Xiaomi M365 and the Ninebot Max, GoTrax G4’s design is rugged and larger. It has a sporty look and feel with striking accents that makes it easier to spot and recognize.
The G4’s main frame is constructed from a high quality aerospace-grade aluminum alloy. It weighs around 36 lbs and can carry a load of up to 220 lbs. And just like all the waterproof electric scooters in this list, this one is also foldable. It can be collapsed in one step by pulling the red lever on the upper part of its main frame.
When it comes to performance, it has a powerful 350W motor that can reach a top speed of 20mph and a range of 25 miles. It can also tackle a maximum of 15° incline which is a fantastic feature for any scooter. Furthermore, the GoTrax G4 has a built-in-cable lock, a great innovation most electric scooters doesn’t have.
Last but not the least, this GoTrax electric scooter has large 10 inches pneumatic tires which better absorb shocks and unevenness of the terrain. The traction provided by these wheels in tandem with its high waterproof rating (IP54) can let you ride much better in the rain!
GoTrax G4 Specifications
- Waterproof Rating: IP54
- Folded Size: 42.3″ x 17.9″ x 47.4″
- Unfolded Size: 45.9″ x 18.6″ x 47.4″
- Weight: 36 pounds
- Max Speed: 25 mph
- Range: 45 miles 72km
- Max Rider Weight: 275 pounds
- Motor: 350 Watt
- Battery: 36V 10.4aH Li-On LG battery
- Tires: 10″
- Charging time: 4-5 hours
- Incline: 15°
Bottomline
If you’re looking for a powerful yet affordable waterproof electric scooter, you should go for the GoTrax G4. It has the same performance and build quality compared to some of the famous scooters. This scooter will surprise you because, not only is it cheaper, it also has newer features other scooters don’t have yet.
UNAGI Model One
Unagi is a startup scooter company that specializes in creating more powerful scooters for adult users. Their very first scooter was actually introduced as “SWAN” in China, because of its sleek swan-like look and color. They later changed it to Unagi which means “eel” in Japanese when they released it in the US. And when it comes to versatility and impact, we think that Unagi is a more electrifying and more suitable name for this new electric scooter.
Although this company sourced its scooter materials from Japan, the main headquarters of Unagi is in Oakland, California. And we all know that Japanese materials are premium quality and Japan has a proven track record in developing exceptional and high-tech gadgets. Partner it with USA’s high quality standards and you’ll make a very high-tech and premium adult electric scooter.
IP Rating: IP54
Quality
Price
What we like
- Best Looking Scooter in the Market
- High Quality Construction and Materials
- Fast Speeds
What we don’t like
- Short Range
- Lacks suspension
- Expensive
Unagi is not only a head-turner when it comes to it’s sleek looks, it also has features you will not find in some of the popular scooters today. First of all, the Unagi Model one is made of TORAY carbon fiber from Japan! Carbon fibers are the best materials you can use for portable electric scooters. They’re light yet strong and durable. Furthermore, TORAY is the leading brand in the global carbon fiber industry.
Second best feature is the “one-click” folding feature that lets you easily fold and carry this scooter in just a press of a button. Next is the 7.5” puncture proof tires that have air pockets and are optimized to help you balance easily while riding. It also has a powerful dual electronic anti-lock brakes system that prevents you from skidding during hard braking.
One of the best features of the Unagi Model One is its powered by a SONY battery which we all know is a reliable and a premium brand. And last but not the least is, it has a high waterproof rating which is IP54. This means that your scooter will not be damaged if it gets soaked in puddles or if you encounter showers during your commute.
The only problem with this scooter is it has a very short range. At 25 km it has the shortest range of all the scooters in the $900 price range. In addition to that, it doesn’t have suspension which we think e-scooter manufacturers should start adding to their scooters too.
Unagi Model One Specifications
- Waterproof Rating: IP54
- Folde Size: 37.8″ x 16.5″ x 15″
- Unfolded Size: 43.3″ x 37.8″ x 16.5″
- Weight: 26.5 lbs
- Max Speed: 15 mph
- Range: 15.5 miles
- Max Rider Weight: 275 lbs
- Motor: Dual 250-watt
- Battery: 33.6 V, 9.0 Ah
- Charging time: 4.5 hrs
- Tires: 7.5″
- Incline: 15°
Bottomline
Overall we highly recommend the Unagi Model One to anyone who wants a waterproof electric scooter. It is one of the best looking scooters out there and it has the best build quality and battery life.
This scooter is great for urban riding and very short rides. If you use this for work and the road is long and rough this may not be good for you because of its short range and lack of suspension.
Segway Ninebot Max
Segway originally was a German company who has been creating self-balancing transport since the 90s. In 2015, they acquired one of China’s most promising startup robotics companies, Ninebot, to help them develop and design better portable transport devices. Because of Ninebot’s popularity in Asia and Europe, Segway-Ninebot has become a powerful tandem. With over 250 retail areas in 80+ countries globally, they are now considered one of the global leaders in mobile and robotic transport solutions.
IP Rating: IP54
Quality
Price
What we like
- Powerful Motor
- Affordable
- Can tackle steep slopes
What we don’t like
- Heavy
- Lacks suspension
- Prone to Battery Damage
The MAX electric kickscooter is Segway-Ninebot’s latest creation. It is considered to be one of the fastest and most reliable scooters in 2021. In fact we have created a separate review for this outstanding scooter. We have reviewed it according to construction, performance, features and cost! Check out the article here: Segway Ninebot Max Review.
If you want a rain-proof scooter, you should definitely go with the Segway-Ninebot Max.
Of all the scooters we’ve reviewed, we believe that the Ninebot Max has the best protection. That’s because aside from having an IPX5 rating for its outer components, it also has an additional IPX7 rating for its core components. We highly recommend this scooter if you’re looking for a waterproof electric scooter and you have the budget for it.
When it comes to performance, this kickscooter has a powerful 350W motor. It promises to deliver a maximum speed of 30kph and tackle steep terrain which has up to 20° incline. In addition to that, with a maximum range of 40miles it has the longest range of all the scooters in the same price category.
Speaking of price, the Segway-Ninebot Max belongs to the list of the most expensive scooters in the market today. But if you ask us, it’s totally worth it. That’s because aside from the excellent waterproof rating and impressive performance, this scooter has a lot of incredible features too. It has different riding modes, a more intuitive LED dashboard, an easy-access charger and two large, shock-absorbing pneumatic tires too.
Ninebot Max Specifications
- Size (folded): 45.9″ x 18.6″ x 21.0″
- Size (unfolded): 45.9″ x 18.6″ x 47″
- Materials: Aerospace-grade aluminum
- Weight: 42.1 lbs
- Max Rider Weight: 220 lbs
- (19.1 kg)
- Motor: 350W
- Top Speed: 30 kph (18.6mph)
- Max Range: 40.4 miles (65 km)
- Battery: 551 Wh
- Charging time: 6 hours
- Tires: 10 in pneumatic tires
- Brakes: Front Braking, Rear Braking
- Max Incline: 20°
Bottomline
If you’re looking for the best waterproof electric scooter and you have a budget of $1000, you should definitely get the Ninebot Max. With this budget you can add some Segway accessories in your cart too, including extra chargers, cable lock and storage bags!
Other Options
Here are additional waterproof electric scooters that you can buy with their corresponding IP Ratings. You can read our review or check their availability on Amazon.
- IP Rating: IP54
- Cruise Control Feature
- Powerful Motor
- Upgradable Battery
- Check out our Segway ES2 Scooter Review
- IP Rating: IP54
- Cruise Control Feature
- Dual-brakes
- Lightweight
- Check out our Segway ES1 Scooter Review
- IP Rating: IP54
- Foldable
- Dual-brakes
- Suitable for heavy users
- Check out our GoTrax Glider Scooter Review
- IP Rating: IP54
- Minimalistic Design
- Lightweight
- Dual-brake system
- Check out our Xiami M365 Scooter Review
Best Waterproof Electric Scooter Verdict
One of the main reasons most people want waterproof protection is for the occasional and unavoidable light rain showers. Riding an electric scooter during heavy rains is not advisable not just because e-scooters aren’t made for it, but because it’s dangerous too. Being exposed to cold weather for a long time can make you sick. In addition to that, it will be harder to ride and navigate because heavy rains reduce road visibility.
There are a lot of electric scooters with enough water protection you can choose from but these three are the best ones you can buy. We have chosen them because all of them have more powerful motors and faster speeds. A feature you can use so you can speed your way through when you encounter showers during your commute.
If you want the best protection, choose the Ninebot-Max which has a dual water protection system. If you’re looking for a powerful and waterproof electric scooter, we recommend the Unagi Model-One. But if you want most of these features but you have less budget then the GoTrax G4 is the one for you!
