A well-made electric bike is weatherproof. The bike should not be affected by rain as the battery, motor and handlebar controls should be well and truly sealed. This is not always the case in conversion kits, or modified e-bikes, so those would be more vulnerable.
Of course, you’ll have to wash your bike from time to time as well, and it would make no sense for a manufacturer to create a bike you couldn’t wash!
How much water is bad though?
While rain and low pressure water (ie. bucket and sponge) are fine, don’t submerge your bike in water. Don’t ride through rivers or anything that would put your bike parts underwater. Submersion can allow water to make its way into the sensitive components, and this is very difficult to remedy.
On a similar note, please don’t jet wash/power hose your e-bike. This can force water past the seals and can wash away the protective grease in the motor. Eventually this will lead to the bearings becoming worn and you will have the expense of replacing the motor entirely.
Outdoor storage?
Getting a bike wet is no problem but keeping it wet will eventually cause problems. If you have to store the bike outside, look at an all-weather bike cover, and take care to lubricate the chain and cassette to prevent rust.
Sometimes we've seen the electrical contact points get affected by moisture after being stored damp, so it's a good idea if you're leaving your bike in a damp garage or shed, to take the battery and display off and keep them inside the house. This means the contacts can get enough air flow to stay dry.
Riding your electric bike in the rain can be a nuisance but it’s perfectly fine. Most of our electric bikes – if not all – come with disc brakes which work extremely well even in poor weather, and many of our bikes have a wider tyre which offers more traction and control in the wet.