My wife and I each own an electric bike. I have the EVO City Wave and she has the EVO Street. We plan on traveling from Pittsburgh Pa, to Hilton Head South Carolina later this summer. We are carrying the bikes on a trailer hitch type Thule 9032 EasyFold Carrier rack which designed for two ebikes.

I am concerned about the high probability of encountering a rain storm during our travel, and what damage could result on the ebikes. What are your thoughts on covering the bikes, added weight of covers, whipping of covers, or don't worry about covering?

Thanks for your input.

Frank

I would carry a cover and a bunch of bungee cords in the car, just in case. If you see yourself running into a storm you can always stop and cover the bikes really quickly using bungee cords, and be on your way. If you didn't want the bike cover to be flapping in the wind, find a parking lot somewhere to sit and wait out the storm. Or a McDonald's. Once you are out of the storm you can uncover the bikes if you want.

Personally, I wouldn't worry about a cover flapping. If it does it too bad, then stop and bungee cord it tight(er). I would much rather my e-bike be covered then left unprotected to the elements. I have invested too much money in the electronics to be cavalier about any damage wind driven rain could/would cause to a bike riding behind a car.

I commute daily in Seattle on an e-bike, and have had no problems even though we just had the wettest winter in 122 years.

I suspect a cover would be a hassle, and possibly cause issues for little if any benefit. Maybe cover the console with a plastic bag if extensive rain is expected.

Yep, better have some cover. Just in case.

My sweetie and I got soaked on a group ride this past Friday riding e-motion bikes. No problems.

-SP

From what I've read as long as you don't submerge motors most are fine in rain. For security's sake, you can cover a battery... my set-up I've read just the throttle is the weak link in terms of waterproofing so I always have a sandwich bag and rubber bands handy in case of torrential downpour.

I always carry my e-bike on my car with the battery removed, but then I have an easily removable battery with the cradle bolted to the downtube. Are the EVO bike batteries removable at all? That would alleviate any and all potential issues from rain exposure, although I have also ridden my e-bike in the rain several times with no issues.