IP ratings have two components: the first digit is for dust a debris ingress and the second is for water/moisture ingress. The “IP” in the rating stands for “Ingress Protection”.
IP54
With an IP54 rating, which is what 90% of all electric scooters have, the electric scooter is sealed against dust and water-resistant to infrequent light water splashes. It is nowhere close to being waterproof and not recommended to be used in wet conditions. Technically:
Protection against dust ingress sufficient to prevent the product from operating normally but not dust tight. Fully protected against solid objects and splashing of water from any angle.
Liquid damage is not covered under warranty. Splash, water, and dust resistance are not permanent conditions and resistance might decrease as a result of normal wear.
To prevent liquid damage, avoid:
- Riding your electric scooter in the rain or very wet conditions.
- Exposing your electric scooter to pressurized water or high-velocity water, such as using a hose to clean your electric scooter.
- Intentionally submerging your electric scooter in water, such as riding in puddles.
- Dropping your electric scooter or subjecting it to other impacts, which could compromise its IP54 rating.
IP55
IP55 presents a higher level of water resistance. It’s not what one would consider fully “watertight”, but it allows the e-scooter to be used more reliably in wet conditions. However, unless the battery and controller—the core of the electrical powertrain with a high voltage present—have this rating, we wouldn’t recommend using the electric scooter in inclement weather on a regular basis. IP55 means:
Protection against dust ingress sufficient to prevent the product from operating normally but not dust tight. Protection assured against water jets projected by a nozzle (6.3mm) from any angle.
Most manufacturers will still not cover water damage even with this rating. Only about 7% of all electric scooters have an IP55 rating.
IP67
The “6” in the IP67 rating represents the highest level of protection against dust and other solid objects, being fully dust tight. The “7” raises the level of protection against water as well, and starts to approach true “watertight” protection. When this rating is found on a scooter it’s typically for displays, lights and accessories like WingLights. IP67 means:
Fully dust tight and complete protection against solid objects. Protection assured against water immersion at a depth between 15 cm and 1 meter for maximum 30 minutes.
Less than 1% of all electric scooters in 2022 have this rating or above on critical components (the important and expensive ones), and it’s usually found only on very high-end e-scooters.
IP68
IP68 is the point at which the electric scooter component can be considered truly waterproof. We say “component” because some components are very difficult to engineer with this rating (like motors) and we’re not aware of any e-scooter that has an IP68 rating across the board. IP68 means:
Fully dust tight and complete protection against solid objects. Protection assured against long periods of water immersion at a depth of over 1 meter.
Something that’s rated IP68 should be expected to survive immersed in water at the bottom of a pool for instance. Modern iPhones have an IP68 rating.
An IP68 rating on the fully sealed battery pack and controller as well as an IP55 rating on the wheels which house the motor and drum brakes is what gives the Vig Yrsa the ability to ride in the rain. This includes riding throughout the particularly wet winters we have here in the Pacific Northwest.