IP Ratings On Electric Skateboards Explained

In this week’s article, we’ll talk about IP ratings so you can understand what it means and what your board is capable of.

Electric skateboards are electric machines and, as such, are susceptible to water damage. Several electric components in electric skateboards, notably the battery and motors, are prone to water damage. In addition to being susceptible to water damage, electric components in electric skateboards can also be damaged by mud and grime, especially if the board has a low water resistance level.

With the increased demand for water-resistant electric skateboards, nearly all boards in the market today are resistant to light splashes (IPx4 rating). Several others can also withstand light rain or occasional puddles (IPX5), while several high-end boards can sustain deep puddles or heavy rain, i.e. IPX6 or higher.

However, even with the highest water resistance rating, it’s important to note that no electric skateboard is truly waterproof. There’s a clear difference between water resistance and being waterproof. Even electric skateboards with the best IP rating are still not technically waterproof.

Let’s bring some light to the meaning of IP rates.

What are IP Ratings?

Electric products, including e-skateboards, have electrical and electronic units/components i.e. motor, battery, sensors, electronic controls, wires, switches, etc. which can deteriorate and malfunction when they come in contact with dust or liquids.

Ingress Protection (IP) Ratings is a system developed by the International Electrochemical Commission (IEC) to standardize the grading of electric products based on their ability to withstand the ingress (intrusion) of liquids or dust. The system has been extensively adopted across the electronic products industry and functions to enlighten consumers about the capability of a particular product to withstand dust and liquids.

The IP rating is indicated by the abbreviation IP and a subsequent two-digit number. The first numeral after IP classifies the protection level pertaining to solid objects like debris and dust particles rated on a scale of X-6. For instance, 1 denotes little protection, while 6 indicates full protection from dust and debris.

The second digit in the IP rating indicates the product’s ability to withstand liquids. 0 indicates no protection from liquids while 9 indicates protection from more massive exposure, like water at high pressure and temperatures directed at the electronic from diverse angles, usually associated with steam cleaning. In certain instances, the letter ‘X’ can replace either numeral, as popularly seen on budget scooters with an IPX4 rating. In this case, IPX4 would mean that the scooter has only been tested for water resistance and not dust resistance.

The three main points of ingress protection in electric skateboards are the motor, the circuit board, and the battery. The circuit board is a very sensitive part of the board.

It connects to the accelerator, brake sensors, lights, and other parts, and will not function once water or dust penetrates. The motor also consists of electronic components which can be damaged by the ingress of dust and liquids.

First Numeral- Debris (Solid) Protection

If the first number is 0 (IP0) there is no protection from dirt, dust, rocks, or anything else.

1 > 50 mm

1 means protection against intrusion by body parts, measuring about 50 mm and over, such as hands or feet. However, it does not deter deliberate attempts at access.

2 > 12.5 mm

2 means protection against fingers or objects measuring 12.5 mm and above.

3 > 2.5 mm

This level denotes protection against thick wires, tools, etc. that measure 2.5 mm and above.

4 > 1 mm

Protection against wires, slender screws, bolts, etc., measuring 1 mm and above.

5 Dust Protected

At 5, the product receives partial protection against dust. It can therefore permit a substantial amount of dust that can damage or interfere with the normal operation of the product. With an IP 5 there’s pretty much no dirt can get in there at all.

6 Dust-tight

6 means that the equipment offers complete protection against contact (dust-tight). A vacuum seal is used to provide complete protection against entry of dust or any solid foreign substance.

Second Number (Liquid) Rating Table

1 Dripping Water

1 means the product is not susceptible to damage by dripping water i.e. vertically falling water drops

2 Dripping water from a source tilted at a 15° angle

At 2, the electronic is safe from water dripping from a source, tilted to a 15° angle from the vertical axis

3 Spraying Water

The electronics will not be harmed by water coming from any high-pressure source tilted up to 60° from the vertical axis.

4 Splashing of Water

The electronic is protected from water splashes directed at it from any direction. (Here we are starting to have decent protection)

5 Water Jets

Low-pressure water jets projected by a nozzle (6.3 mm) shall have no effect on the equipment. This rating can also sustain water directed from any angle.

6 Strong water jets

The equipment is resistant to strong (high-pressure) water jets, from any direction.

Usually, this is the maximum grade you can get with an electric skateboard.

7 Immersion in water bodies no deeper than 1 m.

No water ingress if the product is placed underwater up to 1m for a period of 30 minutes.

8 Prolonged and deeper immersion.

The product is protected against the effects of continuous immersion in water. 8 can withstand immersion at greater depths.

9 or K Extreme pressure and high temperature at any angle

The equipment is protected from water ingress caused by steam cleaning, high-pressure, and high-temperature jet wash.

Linky 1.0 has an IP55, but our R&D team is now working on improving its grade to IP65.

As always our goal is to give our customers a premium product that lasts as long as possible.

As you can read in the previous article, Linky 2.0 will have a new innovative electronic compartment, which will protect the system even more from the infiltration of water and dust.

How to maintain water resistance in your electric skateboard?

While a water-resistant electric skateboard will withstand light rain, you should still be willing to perform regular maintenance to keep it in top shape. Not only do these tips ensure you get maximum usage out of the skateboard, but it’s also vital for financial protection.

Here are some great tips for maintaining water resistance in your e-skateboard and protecting your warranty.

1. Perform regular inspections
2. Prevent and fix corrosion issues
3. Store the skateboard in a cool, dry place
4. Get a skateboard backpack
5. Know your warranty

That said, stay in touch with us to learn new features of Linky 2.0. We finally finalized the first prototype and we are starting the production.

Hand-tight riders, the next generation of electric riding is here.

Got questions? drop them below 😉