Here's what I carry on Angus (my
ECV) when I am in the parks for rainy weather:
- Poncho (get the cheap Coleman ones at Walmart or Target; they are folded into a nice small package!) I always carry AT LEAST 2 (one for me, and one for the ECV) I have also used a cheap clear shower curtain from the $1 store when our local stores were out of ponchos!!!
- Binder clips or clothes pins (to make the poncho "fit" my ECV better, and help keep it on when it is parked)
- Clear plastic shower cap (for light rain/showers) to cover the tiller & controls
- 2 "travel scarves" (think large pashmina) that are rolled tightly in ziplock bags, and tucked in the bottom of my bag - for chillier than expected evenings, or to go under ponchos on cool rainy days (I use elasticized hair ties in the place of rubber bands; handy for a quick pony tail if needed!)
- microfiber towel (rolled tightly in a ziplock bag, and tucked in the bottom of my bag) to dry off the seat and/or people if needed
- compact folding umbrella
- "flat packed" wide blue painters tape
I am one of those folks who simply has to be prepared at all times LOL! I also have a toolkit for my ECV, a small penlight flashlight, spare battery for the ECV, charger for the ECV and external battery to charge my cell phone - all in a bag that tucks under the seat of the ECV!
Main thing with
ECVs and wet weather is to try and keep the tiller and it's electronics dry, and if the battery connection is exposed, ideally, keep that dry too. I use the blue painters tape to cover the connection point on my ECVs battery on park days (regardless of weather) simply because I don't want someone to accidentally spill a beverage (or worse!) into that connection. My ECV battery is removable, so there is also a snap-together connector that I cover with the painters tape as well, again just for protection. I also have an extra shower cap to cover the battery, but most ECVs won't need that.
As Gilrond said, there is a point at which we really need to just park under cover, and wait - either for the rain to pass completely or lighten to a point where it is safe to use the ECV. Covering with plastic and using an umbrella can help, but if it is really pouring, you'll find us "taking a break" somewhere indoors!