Helmet: Choose a full-coverage helmet or one with visors to prevent rain from directly hitting your face and obstructing your vision.
Gloves: Waterproof and warm gloves; fingertips should be sensitive enough to operate the brakes and throttle.
Reflective/Lighting System: In the UK, it gets dark around 4 pm in winter, so a headlight (at least 300 lumens) + taillight + reflective side decals are essential.
Professional Raincoat: Not only waterproof, but preferably with bright colors and reflective stripes.
Waterproof Shoe Covers: Keep your feet dry.
Waterproof Phone Pouch: Can be attached to the handlebars for operation.
Mini Wipers: Helmet with anti-fog spray visor or a helmet with built-in wipers.
Increase braking distance by at least 50%, brake gently and earlier.
Avoid metal manhole covers, painted zebra crossings, and areas with piles of fallen leaves – these places are extremely slippery in the rain.
When traversing puddles, maintain a straight and constant speed, avoiding sharp turns or braking.
Small electric scooters typically have a wading depth of no more than 3-5 cm; do not take risks.
When temperatures are below 3°C, be wary of "black ice" on bridges, in shaded areas, and on country roads.
Tire Selection: In winter, consider tires with deeper treads to increase grip.
Riding Posture: Shift your weight slightly back, bend your knees slightly to absorb shocks.
Slow down to walking speed when turning to avoid leaning the scooter.
When crosswinds are strong, bend one knee slightly to lower your center of gravity.
Be prepared for sudden gusts when passing between buildings.
Consider wind resistance and increase your battery budget accordingly.
Private e-scooters can only be used on private land in the UK.
Rental e-scooters are only permitted on public roads (in some pilot cities).
Purchase third-party liability insurance; the risk of accidents increases due to slippery roads in the UK.
Check if your city is participating in the government's pilot program.
Winter range decreases by 20-30%, plan charging points in advance.
Use Google Maps' bike route function to avoid steep slopes and dangerous sections.
Download the Met Office weather app and set precipitation alerts.
Prepare backup transportation plans, especially during yellow snow/ice warnings.
Brake sensitivity test (moisture affects braking performance)
Tire pressure check (tire pressure drops by 1-2 bar for every 10°C drop in temperature) (PSI)
Lighting system is working properly.
Remove mud and salt to prevent corrosion.
Brake pad wear check (wears out faster in winter)
Bearing and bolt tightness
Battery connection cleaning to prevent oxidation
In the UK's damp and cold environment, avoid battery temperatures below 0°C.
If parking outdoors for more than 2 hours, it is recommended to remove the battery and bring it indoors.
Let the battery warm to room temperature (approximately 1-2 hours) before charging.
Keep the battery charge between 20-80% in winter to extend battery life.
Beware of slippery grating surfaces on Thames bridges.
During peak hours, areas around subway stations are crowded; slow down in advance.
Use the Santander Cycles bike path network.
Sudden rain and salt spray from sea breezes.
Cobblestone areas (such as Albert Dock) are particularly slippery in winter.
High risk of icing in hilly terrain; plan a flat route.
Use Holyrood. Bike paths around the park, not steep streets.
Stay calm and release the throttle.
Avoid sudden braking – this will lock the wheels.
Try shifting your weight in the opposite direction of the skid.
If you can't regain control, jump off in a safe direction.
Portable power bank (charges quickly in cold weather)
Small first-aid kit + thermal blanket
Taxi company number in your city (backup)
£20 in cash (for emergencies)
Do you have winter cycling experience in the UK? Or are you planning to try it? Feel free to share your questions or stories—our little cycling community needs to support each other, especially during those rainy British winters. Stay dry and ride safely! 🛴💨