Ebike protection in the rain June 20, 2021, 10:57:16 am We recently took a trip with the ebikes on the rack on the Jeep and encountered two days of rain. We travel with the batteries removed from the bikes, but the bikes still have connections, controllers, etc. that are sensitive to moisture.We often travel with another couple who also have their ebikes on a rack. They bought an expensive cover for the bikes on the rack, but it is a huge sail and obscures the brake lights on the Jeep. They now have another set of brake and turn signals mounted behind the rack and cover.My solution to the rain problem has been to wrap the battery mounting position, battery connection, as well as the controller and any cable ingress points with cling wrap. After arriving home and removing the cling wrap, all sensitive areas were dry with no evidence of moisture.Harold 2 Likes
Re: Ebike protection in the rain Reply #1 – June 20, 2021, 12:11:52 pm We tried a large bike cover for our two e-bikes but, like your friends, the cover blocks too many of the rear taillights for safety. The cover is now used for beach camping, to keep the night's damp, salt air off the bikes.I wish there was a better solution, driving on a wet road with spots of mud can coat the bikes with a thick coat of gooey dirt, a hosing them clean wash is the only solution.Wrapping the electronics isn't a bad idea, our Bosch bike drive systems seem to be well sealed but why take chances?Larry
Re: Ebike protection in the rain Reply #2 – June 20, 2021, 01:55:11 pm With regard to how well sealed components on the ebike are, I had an interesting experience yesterday. I was riding with a friend on a trail that makes a creek crossing. Someone built a narrow, wooden footbridge to cross the 15 foot wide creek. The bridge is just 2x4's about 18 inches wide, and no side rails, and is about three feet above the water.Not wanting to ride through deep water on the ebike, I rode across the footbridge. My friend followed me and about half way across his wheel went off the bridge and he went over and into the 18 inch deep water and mud. The bike was completely submerged. I stopped and ran back and pulled his bike out of the water. Friend was covered in water and mud from his forehead to his toes, and saying words we don't say in church.The bike electronics still worked perfectly; no problem with the hub motor, and the controller and display showed no effect at all. We continued the ride and finished 25 miles of dirt, rocks, and one swim for the day. Cold beer waited at home after the ride and we had lots of fun laughing about it.I was surprised that the bike worked so well after being submerged.Harold 2 Likes
Re: Ebike protection in the rain Reply #3 – June 20, 2021, 03:06:35 pm Quote from: Blueox25 - June 20, 2021, 01:55:11 pmI was surprised that the bike worked so well after being submerged.I'm surprised too, usually the chain and derailer jam up with mud, not to mention the disc brakes.Larry
Re: Ebike protection in the rain Reply #4 – June 20, 2021, 03:13:20 pm We could not find a cover to buy that did not block the taillights so my wife made a custom cover for our ebikes (see photo). When we are driving we keep the instrument cluster and the batteries in the LD. We cover the connection points on the ebikes with zip lock bags secured by rubber bands. We have been doing this for nearly 4 years with no problems. We like to keep the ebikes covered both for protection and added security since onlookers do not know what type of bike is under the cover. The photo was taken in November 2020 at Sycamore Grove campground near Red Bluff.Paul 3 Likes
Re: Ebike protection in the rain Reply #5 – June 28, 2021, 02:45:08 pm When we travel with our ebikes, we remove the batteries and controllers to discourage theft and to lighten each bike by 7 lbs. We protect the exposed battery bay with piece of silicon mat (custom cut) and held in place with Velcro straps. We don’t use a cover while underway.Amazon.com: Silicone Sheet, 50A Durometer, Smooth Finish, No Backing, 0.062"... 2 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Ebike protection in the rain Reply #6 – June 28, 2021, 05:56:54 pm looking for ebike and this discussion is very helpful I was worried about weight but guess weather and theft is also an issue ...We tow Equinox and putting the back seats down will yield enough space to have two folding Rad Mini4. Each Rad Mini is around 65 pound and putting them in trunk is easier compared to roof but still ....
Re: Ebike protection in the rain Reply #7 – June 28, 2021, 05:58:49 pm It's surprising to me that bike manufacturers don't offer a snap-on weatherproof cover for the battery bay and/or connection points. Since transporting bikes on the back of vehicles is a universal practice, why aren't they addressing the need for moisture protection when batteries are not in place?
Re: Ebike protection in the rain Reply #8 – June 28, 2021, 08:11:01 pm Quote from: Andy Baird - June 28, 2021, 05:58:49 pmIt's surprising to me that bike manufacturers don't offer a snap-on weatherproof cover for the battery bay and/or connection points. Since transporting bikes on the back of vehicles is a universal practice, why aren't they addressing the need for moisture protection when batteries are not in place?Andy,They want us to innovate :-) on a serious note I have seen few models where battery and connection points/electronics are inside the central tube which of course create more work to disconnect the battery to reduce the weight. As for transporting on the back of vehicle being universal fact, I will attempt for something this couple discussed and try to roll the tupperware in SUV cargo area ... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=98AhtVkH7RQ .. not rushing, carrying 70 lb will take all the fun out.
Re: Ebike protection in the rain Reply #9 – June 29, 2021, 05:14:42 am Hi,Digressing but Just want to keep the record straight ... I was looking at Rad Mini and comparing it with Lectric ebike (I think Debra has it or at least had it couple of years ago) and though Rad Mini is $500 more expensive I was going to go with it. I was not sure being novice cyclist difference of 500W to 750W motor and battery with 50% addition juice will be noticeable or appreciated but numbers looked good :-) I was even willing to go with propriety tire size for Rad but in the last stage of putting in the order I realized Rad collect sales tax and I knew Lectric is not big enough yet and is still protected by law to not charge sales tax ..... I saw prices going up for all the companies during my research and I don't think waiting for any significant sale will be wise. Even US companies are not making enough ebikes and you pay now for two months shipment promise and saw this getting worse in last few weeks as well.Now I will need to find a big enough Tupperware to slide two of them in Equinox cargo area and bigger challenge would be to teach Sophia how to cycle ... yes in the country where we grew up girls are not allowed the cycle ... but then I left that country in 1984 and my mindset is still what I saw growing up ..... oh well, another digression, sorry.PS: There was a nice thread of 7-8 pages long couple of years ago about ebike which was revived few months ago. Information shared there is very valuable but things are changing very fast in this market place. I never though I will be able to get ebike under 1K delivered with 500W motor and brand name battery and some kind of shock absorbers. I was hoping for hydraulic brakes as well but then not sure what it will do to us, our usage ... well I don't know yet how much we will use new bikes.Be well my friends ... after Maidan trip and almost done with my maintenance we are planned for trip to Shenandoah and Smokie Mountains for Summer and NH and upstate NY for fall. Not sure our Africa trip will go as planned in winter but working on 10 weeks long trip to FL and TX as plan B. Youngest one is graduating next year and Alaska has to wait till 2023. Reluctant better half is also excited with RV trips ... and yes another digression :-) Cheers,Edit: If you allow me to share one more piece of information ..... I was recovering from multiple infusions and had nothing better to do, I started talking to folks in Alibaba ... even taking the risk of working with unknowns, shipping two bicycles here are around $700-800 which wipe out any cheap labor advantage. To my surprise these companies will keep twice as much sales tax as NJ rate. They were using European term VAT and guess they were using the tax rate for other countries.Quote from: Muhammad - June 28, 2021, 05:56:54 pmlooking for ebike and this discussion is very helpful I was worried about weight but guess weather and theft is also an issue ...We tow Equinox and putting the back seats down will yield enough space to have two folding Rad Mini4. Each Rad Mini is around 65 pound and putting them in trunk is easier compared to roof but still .... 3 Likes
Re: Ebike protection in the rain Reply #10 – June 29, 2021, 11:37:24 am "We protect the exposed battery bay with piece of silicon mat (custom cut) and held in place with Velcro straps. We don’t use a cover while underway."That's a simple, well done solution!Bill 2 Likes
Re: Ebike protection in the rain Reply #11 – July 01, 2021, 07:10:42 pm If anybody else is struggling with ebike weight and determined to keep it inside small suv, perhaps this video will help ... just fast forward to around 3.5 minute .... https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pVW3Ve7UY-M ... not sure how long my bike will take to arrive but i will give this method a try. I saw folks using different type of containers and ramps and am wondering what is wrong with this simple method.Quote from: Muhammad - June 29, 2021, 05:14:42 am... Now I will need to find a big enough Tupperware to slide two of them in Equinox cargo area ...
Re: Ebike protection in the rain Reply #12 – July 02, 2021, 04:43:46 pm I keep my eBike on a rack made for the ladder. I never gave moisture much thought, and I will consider when traveling to wetter climates. Removing and replacing the bike to the rack becomes a weight lifting event. Exercise right? LOL. But seriously, it is not too difficult and this rack keeps the bike away from the taillights. I only have one bike. Not sure how two bikes would hold up. Also, since the motor is heavy, the bike tends to shift on the rack. I found the bike only sits well in one specific position. Amazon.com: Camco RV Ladder Mount Bike Rack - Easily Installs on Standard RV... As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Ebike protection in the rain Reply #13 – July 03, 2021, 09:43:23 am Don't own an ebile but (smile) that will not stop me from having an opinion. RAD is a Seattle company so I guessing they know or understand abit about using their ebike in rain and wet weather. Maybe give them a call -- glen
Re: Ebike protection in the rain Reply #14 – October 23, 2021, 12:32:09 pm A quick follow up.On a recent four-week trip (central CA), we switched from uncovered bikes and silicon covers over the empty battery bays (see Reply #5, above) to leaving the batteries in place, covering the bikes (Amazon.com : Pro Bike Cover for Outdoor Bicycle Storage - Large - Heavy Duty...) and then covering the cover with netting (Amazon.com: CARBONLAND Heavy Duty Cargo-Net 60"x90" Truck-Bed Stretches to...). The netting totally secured the cover, eliminating all flapping and shifting. After using the system 3 or 4 times it became a quick and easy procedure. While in transit, the bikes still got dusty but never wet or muddy. On the negative side, the rear signal and brake lights are somewhat obstructed to a vehicle following closer than 20 feet. Further back is not a problem. Still, the law and best safety practices argue for returning to uncovered bikes and the silicon battery bay covers, or adding lights to the bikes rack, or getting smaller bikes, or...Jim As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Ebike protection in the rain Reply #15 – October 23, 2021, 12:36:56 pm The covered taillights is an excuse to get pulled over by the local police, besides, it isn’t safe.On my bike racks, I add a second set of lights to the bike rack itself, using the trailer plug LD provides for power.Larry 1 Likes
Re: Ebike protection in the rain Reply #16 – October 23, 2021, 01:29:25 pm "The covered taillights is an excuse to get pulled over by the local police, besides, it isn’t safe."---I agree that having the taillights blocked from view is not safe. There are a lot of "distracted" drivers loose on the roads, and following drivers may not pick up on a slowing/stopping, lane-changing/turning vehicle in front of them without seeing the brake lights flash or the turn signals blinking. I every "warning light" on the rear of my rig in full, unobstructed visibility.YMMV, as ever. 2 Likes
Re: Ebike protection in the rain Reply #17 – October 23, 2021, 01:44:26 pm BTW, the net is a good idea. Larry
Re: Ebike protection in the rain Reply #18 – October 23, 2021, 04:51:53 pm I have a Bagi folding step thru....bought used with 40 miles on it...degrated battery...new battery cost 440.00 bike and battery together cost less than Rad city...and it came with fenders, rack, turn signals,brake light, headlight, leather seat and grips. Thumb horn and power horn. I did buy a mirror..lolOne soluction is make you own cover from clear plastic and it wont hide the tailights. Buy heavy mil plastic or a hotel grade shower curtain, a groment kit and you are set. I have been lifting mine into the suv..after removing the battery first. I found using a bungee cord with bubble wrap to secure the bike closed helps...or else its like a sleeper sofa flying open . Also i use card board to keep bike and chain from rubbing leather and plastic in the suv. Tie it down to floor hooks in case of an accident...sure would not want it coming up front with me . Good luck
Re: Ebike protection in the rain Reply #19 – October 23, 2021, 07:44:40 pm I have a Blix folding e-bike. I keep it inside my 24ft TK. I roll it up the steps fold it inside the rig and slide into its carry case. I always remove the battery. It fits perfectly between the 2 sofas and I used bungee cords and pool noodles to keep it in place while traveling. 2 Likes
Re: Ebike protection in the rain Reply #20 – October 23, 2021, 10:44:29 pm Jim Langley, a forum member and Lazy Daze owner, recently wrote a review of the Formosa bike cover in the Road Bike Review online publication that he writes for. He used the cover to cover his two bikes on the back of his Lazy Daze, driving from the California coast to an east coast destination and back. I contacted him and queried if and how his opinion had evolved after his trip. He reported that he was still very positive about the cover.Amazon.com: Formosa Covers Bike Cover for Car, Truck, RV, SUV Transport on...I purchased one, based on Jim's recommendation, and used it on our recent 1000 mile trip along the California coast and am really impressed with the durability and workmanship. It is robust and waterproof. The translucent panels on each side easily allow the brake and tail lights to be seen from the rear. The cover zips shut all the way to under bottom of the bikes, and the cover even includes a rack condom to enclose the trailer hitch and bottom of the bike rack. I put the cover on the bikes every night protecting the bikes from moisture and completely out of sight, keeping the honest people honest.Harold 2 Likes As an Amazon Associate Lazy Daze Owners' Group earns from qualifying purchases.
Re: Ebike protection in the rain Reply #21 – October 25, 2021, 09:25:41 pm This setup on a receiver hitch cargo carrier along with a tarp would do the trick.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RGwFlNH0fkMaybe even a second tote inverted rather than the tarp.Steve
Re: Ebike protection in the rain Reply #22 – November 02, 2021, 08:01:00 pm Quote from: Steve TK - October 25, 2021, 09:25:41 pmThis setup on a receiver hitch cargo carrier along with a tarp would do the trick.https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3RGwFlNH0fkDeadlifting a 65-lb e-bike in and out of the box and then lifting the box into the back of a car is a task for those with a strong back, a lot of us could never load or unload it. E-bikes are heavy. The young man shown struggled with it.Larry
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