If the time has come to replace the wheels of your e-bike because they are worn and damaged, you are probably wondering if there is a criterion to follow in order to choose the most suitable ones.
Should we focus on specific materials? Are some details more important than others?
Here we want to delve into the topic of electric wheels for bicycles, trying to identify the right tires for periodic maintenance.
Here’s what you need to know.
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Contents
Differences between electric and traditional bikes
Before talking about electric wheels for bicycles, it would be better to clarify the main differences between traditional bicycles and electric bikes.
We all know traditional bicycles, they are the classic mechanically driven two-wheeled vehicles that almost all of us learned to use as children.
E-bikes, on the other hand, being equipped with an engine, lower the pedaling effort levels (especially uphill and when moving off), allowing the cyclist to be able to pedal for longer and to tackle even longer routes than usual and at a higher speed.
For this reason, it has been found on several occasions that those who have purchased a pedal-assisted bicycle are inclined to use it more, compared to cyclists equipped with a city bike or a classic mountain bike.
Speaking in practical terms, however, there is more than one detail that distinguishes an electric bicycle from a traditional bike.
The e-bike is equipped with:
- of an engine;
- of a battery;
- of a screen for control;
- of the various components that associate the function of the aforementioned devices with the operation of wheels and pedals.
All these components make electric bikes heavier than classic ones, and this is not a detail to be overlooked.
It must also be considered that the electric bikes that are born as such generally have the standard motor between the pedals, while the classic ones that have been transformed are usually equipped with electric wheel kits for bicycles.
Now that we have clarified the main differences between electric and non-electric bikes, we can move on to the topic of wheels.
Wheels for electric bicycles: details make the difference
As you could read in the previous chapter, pedal-assisted bicycles are heavier, reach higher speeds than traditional bikes and, by limiting fatigue, lead to more kilometers being covered.
All this translates into faster wheel wear.
So can’t traditional bike tires be used on e-bikes?
In reality, using them would be completely legal, but for the reasons mentioned above, their wear would take place very very quickly.
A better solution could be to choose classic tires, but of higher quality than the average, or to buy specific e-bike tires.
In fact, due to their weight and their different use compared to classic bikes, e-bikes need slightly wider and sturdier tires.
Here are the main characteristics that typical electric bike tires should have:
- puncture protection;
- stronger rubber compounds;
- reinforced side walls.
Naturally, the larger size of these wheels and the added details mean they are heavier than those of classic bicycles.
The slightly higher weight of the tires, however, is immediately compensated for by the strength of the engine, therefore it does not decrease the performance of the e-bike in any way.
Therefore, if you make the right choice, your bike’s tires will be able to better withstand curves or the stress of uneven terrain, even when traveling at the high speeds typical of pedaling on e-bikes.
Naturally, the choice of wheels must also be made on the basis of the type of e-bike :
- if you have an electric mountain bike you will need an e-bike tire with well-defined knobs, the ideal choice to be able to tackle even the most irregular routes with the right grip on the ground.
- if, on the other hand, you have a city e-bike, to be used for urban journeys on asphalt, you should opt for an e-bike tire dedicated to hard and flat surfaces, but also suitable for use on wet surfaces (in case of rain).
In short, as you can see, the details regarding the choice of wheels can really make a difference in the pedaling experience and in the frequency of maintenance of your e-bike.
Changing the tires on electric bicycle wheels
In the previous paragraph, we explored the characteristics that the wheels of an electric bike should have, to ensure maximum performance and ideal durability.
But in addition to this, another clarification must be made: are you dealing with a standard e-bike or a classic bicycle with electric wheels?
If your case is the latter, it is clear that your bike’s engine has been integrated into the structure, with the replacement of the front or rear wheel.
In this case, it is essential that you make sure that even the “original” wheel can be fitted with e-bike tires, which are wider and have greater protection against the rapid wear and tear typical of this category of bike.
If this is not the case, in addition to the tire you will be forced to replace the entire wheel structure.
As regards the tire change on the electric wheel, on the other hand, we advise you to pay close attention to the way you handle it, to avoid compromising the functioning of the motor and battery.
Replacing the tires of a standard e-bike is certainly simpler than the modified ones and leads to much fewer complications, in fact, also for this reason, if you want an electric bike, the best choice is certainly buying one. -series bikes.
Wheels for e-bikes: in conclusion
In conclusion, we can say that the right choice of wheels for e-bikes is crucial for obtaining both optimal performance and their ideal duration.
Remember to choose tires based on their resistance, but also on the basis of the contexts of use, so that you can feel safe and be able to pedal with maximum comfort.
Speaking of comfort, we remind you that in our Botteroski.com online store, you can buy all the cycling equipment you need and you will also find a wide selection of electric bikes from the best brands.
Choose the bike, equipment, and spare parts you need today, and explore the world of cycling with our products, which you can receive comfortably at home!
