10 Must Have E-bike Accessories
Getting a new electric bike is an exciting event as you’ll suddenly be able to bike faster and farther – opening up a whole new cycling range. However, before you hit the road, there are a few e-bike accessories that you should strongly consider to make your ride safer and more comfortable.
There are many recommended accessories for e-bikes, and parsing through every suggestion can get exhausting. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed when figuring out what you should and should not buy right off the bat. This is why we’ve compiled a list for you of must-haves, accessories to make your ride safe and comfortable and to protect your bike.
The list below is a good start for new owners. As you continue in your cycling journey, you may find you need more specialized equipment to suit your needs. However, almost every rider will find the below accessories useful.
Safety Equipment
Before you start using your bike for your morning commute, you’ve got to make sure you’re prioritizing your own safety. No one – not even the most experienced riders – should hit the road without the equipment below.
A Helmet
A helmet is an absolute must. Even if your area does not have helmet laws, you should under no circumstances ride an e-bike – or any bike – without a helmet. Even a minor fall can be quite serious if your head is not protected from impact.
Make sure your helmet fits properly. You can find your head circumference by wrapping a tape measure around the largest part of your head, which is found about an inch above your eyebrows. Bike helmets should provide sizing charts, just like clothing, so you can select the size that best fits your head.
Lights And Reflectors
Even if you don’t plan on riding at night, you need to invest in lights and reflectors. A foggy, overcast day could reduce visibility for drivers, leaving you vulnerable to collisions.
When it comes to bike lights, e-bike riders have many options. You can get a front and rear light set powered with their own battery pack, or one powered directly by your e-bike’s battery. The latter is far more convenient for e-bike riders, and also safer as you don’t risk running out of light battery life on a long trip. However, make sure your bike battery is compatible with any lights you select.
A flashing light reflector is also vital, especially for those who ride at night. It’s the easiest way to get a driver’s attention. In fact, in some areas reflectors are legally required. Reflectors can fit on many parts of the bike frame – like the stem, handle bar, and even the tire spokes. You need both front and rear receptors to maximize visibility.
Rearview Mirrors
Being aware of your surroundings is just as important on an e-bike as it is on a car, which is why rearview mirrors are not optional. You should have both a left and right rear view mirror, both of which you should scan frequently as you ride.
Remember, just because you have rearview mirrors installed does not mean you don’t have to check over your shoulder when turning a corner or switching into a bike lane. Much like riding a car, you’ll still have blind spots you need to check closely for your own safety.
Theft Prevention
E-bikes are expensive, so you don’t want to leave one near a bike rack without adequate protection. Before hitting the road, there are a few e-bike accessories you should invest in to keep your bike secure.
A Lock
This is a basic accessory for any bike, not just an e-bike. Every bike owner should invest in as sturdy a lock as possible. While cable locks are convenient and cheap, they’re incredibly easy to cut through.
Instead, go for a sturdier option like a U-lock or a chain lock. These are very difficult for potential bike thieves to cut through in a timely fashion, which greatly reduces the risk of anything happening to your e-bike.
Anti-Theft System (With GPS)
This might seem like overkill, especially with a good lock, but e-bikes are a very expensive investment. It’s worth a little extra money to invest in a second layer of protection against theft.
An anti-theft system, which includes GPS, keeps tabs on your bike for you. Some even send text alerts if they detect movement. In the event your bike is lifted, you’ll be able to track its location and – hopefully – get it back in one piece.
Comfort and Convenience
A Water Bottle
E-bikes do have pedal assistance to help you go faster and farther with less effort, but you still burn calories pedling – especially during warmer months. Therefore, a water bottle you can easily attach to your bike is a must if you want a comfortable ride.
In addition to a water bottle, get an attachable bottle cage. This can be clipped onto your bike’s handlebars or frame, letting you grab water conveniently as you ride.
If you plan on using your e-bike as a mountain bike, a water bottle isn’t just about convenience – for intense physical activity, hydration is a must. Going without water too long could cause conditions like heatstroke.
A Suspension Seat Post
Bikes are a great mode of public transportation, but they’re notorious for causing soreness, especially for novice riders. If you’re using your e-bike daily for particularly long commutes, a suspension seat can help reduce discomfort and give you a smoother ride.
A suspension seatpost helps absorb shocks from big and small bumps, and even protects against mild discomfort from riding on flat pavement. Make sure you check the correct diameter of your seat post before ordering, information you should be able to find somewhere in your bike’s instruction manual.
Riding Shorts
Even the most well-cushioned bike seat can get uncomfortable. That’s where quality riding shorts come in handy. They can help prevent chafing and rubbing as you pedal, and are especially important for e-bike riders who plan to travel long distances on their bikes.
Padded cycling shorts come in all shapes, sizes, and fashions. While many associate them with a traditional rider look, many come with attractive designs. This means you can wear them to a range of events without feeling like you’re showing up in workout clothes.
Cycling Gloves
Cycling gloves protect your hands against blisters and calluses when you’re riding long distances. They also add protection in the event of an accident and can even protect the nerves running through your palms.
To ensure cycling gloves fit properly, check the webbing between your thumb and index finger. It should be loose enough that you can grip a handlebar without chafing, but tight enough that the material does not bunch up.
A Basket
A basket is a great way to get the most out of your e-bike, and it also comes in handy for holding e-bike accessories like your lock. Many people purchase e-bikes as an alternative to cars, so a basket can help hold bags after shopping trips.
A basket can also add to the recreational aspect of an e-bike. It can double as a picnic basket for outdoor activities.
Conclusion
Thinking of getting an e-bike? Our bikes are affordable, high quality, and energy efficient. Our step-through bikes, road bikes, and commuter bikes combine classic design with modern technology to give you a smooth, safe ride every time. Plus, for every bike we sell, we send a bike to a student in Zimbabwe.
If you’re interested in investing in an e-bike, browse our collection here and please feel free to reach out with any questions.
