How to determine the right pressure for your electric bike tires
A burst tire or a lack of grip: these are just two possible consequences of poor tires pressure on an electric bike. To ride safely and comfortably, it's essential to understand the factors influencing pressure on tires and how to find the optimum pressure level for your electric bike.
Why is tires pressure important for bicycles and electric bikes?
Many cyclists inflate their tires on instinct and then go for a ride. However, whether on a conventional or electric bike, the pressure of the tires directly influences riding performance.
Excessive pressure can cause :
- A loss of comfort, as tires no longer properly absorbs road irregularities.
- Difficulty taking corners optimally.
- A risk of instability and splintering of tires.
On the other hand, too little pressure can lead to :
- Premature wear of tires.
- Reduced grip and stability.
- Increased risk of inner-tube pinching or rim damage.
- Increased rolling resistance, reducing the electric bike's range.
In short, comfort and safety depend directly on the correct pressure of tires. To avoid accidents, breakdowns or premature wear, it's essential to regularly adjust the pressure of tires to suit your electric bike and your needs.
How to determine the ideal pressure for your electric bike - Factors to consider
1. Width and size of tires
The optimum pressure depends on the size of the tires. In general, the narrower the tire , the higher the pressure. In addition, as the rear wheel carries more weight, the pressure should be slightly higher than that of the front wheel.
Here is an indicative table of recommended pressures for different types of electric bicycle tires :
| Width of tires (mm) | Front wheel pressure (bar) | Rear wheel pressure (bar) |
|---|---|---|
| 20 mm | 9.0 bar | 9.5 bar |
| 23 mm | 8.0 bar | 8.5 bar |
| 25 mm | 7.5 bar | 8.0 bar |
| 30 mm | 5.5 bar | 6.0 bar |
| 40 mm | 4.0 bar | 4.5 bar |
| 54 mm | 2.5 bar | 3.0 bar |
| 60 mm | 2.0 bar | 2.5 bar |
| 70 mm | 1.3 bar | 1.8 bar |
2. Total weight
The pressure of the tires must also take into account the total weight, which includes the weight of the bike and the rider, as well as the weight of any luggage or trailer (which must also have an appropriate pressure).
The above table is based on a body weight of 75 kg. If the rider weighs more, or is carrying luggage, we recommend increasing the pressure by around 1% for each additional kilogram.
In addition, as e-bikes are generally heavier than conventional bicycles, they require slightly higher pressure. However, as these bikes are often equipped with wider tires , the values given remain valid.
3. Type of land
The type of surface you drive on also influences the pressure of tires. On flat, asphalt roads, a higher pressure provides a more comfortable ride. On the other hand, on uneven or soft ground, a lower pressure offers better grip. This is also true if you use your electric bike in winter.
4. Driving feel
The question "What pressure for an electric bike?" is not just a question of guide values. Your personal comfort is also an important criterion. That's why you can adjust the pressure of tires slightly to suit your personal preferences, and try it out for yourself. However, it is essential to follow the manufacturer's recommendations on tires. If in doubt, consult experts such asUpway customer support.
Recommended pressure for MTB and other electric bikes
The various factors mentioned above make it possible to give recommendations for various types of electric bikes:
- MTB electric: For an electricMTB , pressure should be around 2 bar, with a slight increase (0.1 to 0.2 bar) for the rear wheel. With wider or tubeless tires tires, the pressure can be even lower. The right setting absorbs shocks and vibrations, taking the strain off arms and hands.
- Electric city and mountain bikes: These bikes are often used on varied terrain. A medium pressure is therefore recommended, generally between 3 and 4 bar for electric city bikes, and a little more for mountain bikes.
- Electric road bike: For this type of bike, designed to reach high speeds, rolling resistance must be kept to a minimum. Pressure should be between 6 and 8 bars, depending on the width of tires. A rule of thumb is to divide the rider's weight by 10 to get an approximate indication.
How to check and adjust electric bike pressure tires
To guarantee safety and comfort, it's essential to regularly check the pressure of your electric bike's tires and adjust it if necessary. Even a tire in good condition can lose around 1 bar per month. We therefore recommend checking the pressure every few weeks.
For this, a pressure gauge is essential - a simple touch test is not enough. Many foot and hand pumps, also available from Upway, feature an integrated pressure gauge. By placing the pump head on the valve of the tire, you can immediately check the pressure and adjust if necessary. When inflating, make sure the valve is positioned at the bottom, in the center of the tire.