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Reading time: 4 min | Category: Riding Guides
Yes. Fat tyre electric bikes are designed to be ridden in wet conditions. The motors and electronics are sealed for normal riding in rain. The fat tyres provide better wet-weather grip than standard bike tyres. Rain does not stop you riding.
The Electronics Are Sealed
Every fat tyre electric bike from the brands we stock — Fatboy, Super73, Ampd Brothers and FlightRisk — has electronics designed to handle rain and normal wet riding conditions. The motor housing, controller, battery connections and display unit are sealed against water ingress at the level you encounter in typical riding.
What they are not designed for: submersion, riding through deep water, or jet-washing the electronics with a high-pressure hose. Riding in rain and through typical wet-path puddles — completely fine. Power-washing the motor and controller housing — do not.
Fat Tyres in the Wet
One of the genuine advantages of fat tyres over narrow tyres in real Melbourne conditions. The wider contact patch provides more grip on wet surfaces. Wet tram tracks — one of Melbourne's most unpleasant cycling hazards — are significantly more manageable on fat tyres than on narrow tyres. Wet gravel, wet footpaths, wet painted line markings — all better on fat tyres.
Ride with some conservatism in wet conditions. Braking distances are longer on wet surfaces regardless of tyre width. Take corners with more care. Cross tram tracks at close to a right angle where possible.
After Wet Rides
Wipe down the frame and components with a cloth — road grime and salt from wet paths accelerates corrosion on metal components. Pay attention to the chain — rinse off any grit and re-lube before the next ride. A dirty, wet chain accelerates drivetrain wear significantly. Let the bike air-dry. Check tyre pressure after any wet ride that involved rough surfaces.
What to Wear
The bike handles rain. You also need to. A waterproof jacket and waterproof pants make the difference between a wet commute being fine and being unpleasant. Waterproof overshoe covers protect your shoes and feet. Waterproof gloves if temperatures drop. Melbourne's rain is rarely cold enough in the riding season to be genuinely miserable with the right gear. Most regular commuters find that once they have sorted their wet-weather kit, rain stops being a reason not to ride.
Lights
Legally required in Victoria when visibility is reduced — which includes heavy rain and dusk. Front and rear lights. We stock lighting options suitable for all the bikes we carry.
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Last updated: July 2026 | 435A Bridge Rd, Richmond VIC 3121 | 03 9421 2293
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Fat tyre electric bikes from the brands we stock — Fatboy, Super73, Ampd Brothers and FlightRisk — have electronics designed to handle rain and normal wet riding conditions. The motor housing, controller, battery connections and display unit are sealed against water ingress at the level you encounter in typical riding. Fat tyres also provide better wet-weather grip than narrow bike tyres. Rain does not stop you riding.
The electronics are sealed for normal wet riding conditions — rain, puddles, typical path flooding. They are not designed for submersion, riding through deep water, or jet-washing the electronics with a high-pressure hose. Riding in rain and through typical wet-path puddles is completely fine. Riding through a flooded underpass requires your judgment. Power-washing the motor and controller housing directly should be avoided.
Yes, significantly safer than standard narrow-tyre bikes. The wider contact patch provides more grip on wet surfaces. Wet tram tracks — one of Melbourne's most unpleasant cycling hazards — are much more manageable on fat tyres than narrow tyres. Wet gravel, wet footpaths, wet painted line markings are all better on fat tyres. Ride with conservatism in wet conditions regardless — braking distances are longer on wet surfaces, so take corners carefully.
Wipe down the frame and components with a cloth — road grime and salt from wet paths accelerates corrosion on metal components. Clean and re-lube the chain before the next ride — a dirty, wet chain wearing against the drivetrain accelerates wear significantly. Let the bike air-dry rather than storing it wet in a confined space. Check tyre pressure after any wet ride that involved rough surfaces.
Yes. Lights are legally required in Victoria when visibility is reduced — which includes heavy rain, dusk and night riding. Front and rear lights are required. If your commute involves early mornings or evenings in Melbourne winter conditions, fit quality lights. We stock lighting options suitable for all the bikes we carry at our Richmond store.
A waterproof jacket and waterproof pants make the difference between a wet commute being fine and being unpleasant. Waterproof overshoe covers protect your shoes and feet. Waterproof gloves if temperatures drop. Melbourne's rain is rarely cold enough in the riding season to be genuinely miserable with the right gear. Most regular commuters find that once they have sorted their wet-weather kit, rain stops being a reason not to ride.
