IP ratings define how effectively an electric scooter is protected from the environment, and provide a standardized scale for dust and water resistance. The Electric Scooter IP Rating Table provides the worst riding conditions that the scooter can withstand based on its IP rating.
IP Ratings
IP D W
IP Ratings Referred to as “international protection” or “ingress protection” (IP) codes, the first digit relates to a scooter’s protection from debris and the second digit relates to a scooter’s protection from water, with an X in either position meaning that no data has been collected.
Electric Scooter IP Rating Table
| IP Rating | Riding Conditions |
| None | Possibly some water resistance, but not guaranteed; not advisable for wet conditions |
| IPX4 | Wet ground, mist/fog; light, infrequent rain |
| IPX5 | Light, constant rain, puddles |
| IP34 | Infrequent dusty, rocky roads; wet ground, mist/fog Light, infrequent rain |
| IP54 | Occasional off-roading; wet ground, mist/fog Light, infrequent rain |
| IP55 | Occasional off-roading; puddles, light, constant rain |
| IP65 | All-terrain; puddles, light, constant rain |
| IP67 | All-terrain; heavy, constant rain, some immersion |
Water and Debris Resistance
Nearly all electric scooters are tolerant to normal dust and dirt conditions even when they are not given an IP rating, though extreme environments like dust storms are not advised. However, not all electric scooters are water resistant and it is not advisable to ride them in the rain.
Of over 200 scooters in our database, two-third of scooters do not carry an IP rating. About half of the scooters with a rating have an IP54 rating, and are suitable for riding in light rain, on dusty terrain, and can withstand most commuting conditions.
The popular Xiaomi M365 has an IP54 rating and high quality construction, with beautiful welds and a non-slip deck.
The EMOVE Cruiser has an IP67 rating, the highest we’ve tested, and it’s particularly well-made for weathering and riding in all conditions. Not only is the Cruiser built to go underwater (we don’t recommend it), many of the cables are plug-and-play, making it simpler to replace the lights, LED display, or other components should they malfunction.
Note: Take IP ratings, and lack thereof, with a grain of salt. Some manufacturers build rock solid scooters but don’t take the time to run their products through dust and water resistance testing. If you ride regularly in rainy, wet conditions, it’s best to have a scooter with an IP rating.
Debris Protection Table
Debris The first digit ranges from X to 6. If the first digit is 0, the device has no protection against human contact or ingress of objects. If the first digit is 3, it is completely protected against human contact and some tools, but not against dust. If it’s a 6, it’s “dust-tight” or completely protected from debris.
| Level | Effective Against |
| X | Not tested |
| 0 | No protection against debris ingress |
| 1 | Large objects > 2 inches |
| 2 | Medium object > 0.5 inches |
| 3 | Small objects > 0.01 inches |
| 4 | Very small objects > 0.04 inches |
| 5 | Strong protection against dust |
| 6 | Dust tight |
Liquid Protection Table
Water The second digit ranges from 1 to 8. If the second digit is 0, the device has no protection from water. At 4, it is protected from splashing water. At 7, it can be immersed in up to 1 meter of water.
| Level | Effective Against |
| X | Not tested |
| 0 | No protection against water ingress |
| 1 | Dripping water |
| 2 | Dripping water up to 15 degrees from vertical |
| 3 | Water spray up to 60 degrees from vertical |
| 4 | Water spray at any angle |
| 5 | Pressurized water at any angle |
| 6 | High pressure water at any angle |
| 6K | Very high pressure water at any angle |
| 7 | Immersion up to 1 m of depth for 30 min |
| 8 | Immersion up to 3 m |
| 9K | Extreme pressure and high temperature at any angle |
Frequently Asked Questions
My scooter has an IPX4 rating. Does that mean I can’t take it off-roading?
The X in the IP rating means that the device was water resistance tested but not dust resistance tested, which doesn’t mean it can’t withstand debris — it just hasn’t been recorded.
Scooter durability and weather resistance varies model to model. If you’re commuting in a wet or rugged environment on a regular basis, the scooter’s IP rating and build quality make a significant difference.
My scooter doesn’t have an IP rating. How can I tell if it’s waterproof?
Many manufacturers, like Kaabo, the brand behind popular beasts like the Mantis above, do not provide an IP rating. That does not mean the scooter is not water resistant or protected from debris. Often, scooters without an IP rating can travel in light rain for short periods and are protected from touch and dust (similar to IP54), but it is not recommended to ride for long periods in heavy rain.
Before riding, take a close look at all of the components on your scooter and how they’re put together. Examine how the cables route into or along the stem, if there are any open holes along the deck, where parts seam together and how tightly. This can help you determine the weather resistance of your scooter.
For those who are mechanically-inclined, many scooters can be weather-proofed with silicone caulking and other fairly simple modifications that can make them more suitable for inclement weather.
Can you ride an electric scooter in the rain?
Most electric scooters are rated IPx4 and can be ridden in light rain without problems. Even those without an official rating can often tolerate at least light rain. Few scooters can actually survive being submerged in water. To determine if it is safe to ride your electric scooter in the rain, it is best to look up its IP rating, which should be provided in the instructions or you can look it up in our electric scooter database. If the scooter is rated at least IPx4, then you can ride it in light rain. If it is rated higher such as IPx5, IPx6, or IPx7 if can tolerate more rain for longer or even full submersion.
If you do end up riding your scooter in the rain, it is important to exercise extra caution as braking distances will increase and tires will have less grip.
Do warranties cover water damage?
Counterintuitively, no warranty will cover water damage — even if you have an electric scooter with an IP rating.
The explanation is that the retailer (or warranty provider) doesn’t know if you exceeded the IP rating or not.
This is not only standard in the electric scooter industry, but in others as well. Not even Apple covers water-related damage, despite having phones rated up to IP67 and beyond.
Check out our current ESG Editor’s pick of the best electric scooters on the market!
