With the development of electric bikes, new specific accessories — essential or soon to become so in your eyes — are emerging: batteries, chargers, displays, tyres, chains, but also bike racks, lights or maintenance products. But how can you be sure to choose the right product? Probikeshop helps you see things more clearly.
The various accessories
- Electronic components: batteries, chargers and displays;
- Mechanical components: tyres, chains, cranks and chainrings;
- Safety and protection: lights, locks;
- Transport and maintenance: bike racks, maintenance products.
Batteries, chargers and displays
Whether to replace broken or worn-out equipment (a battery is designed to withstand approximately 1,000 charge cycles), or to upgrade in order to gain range with a more powerful battery and/or a second battery, changing a battery requires careful consideration. The most commonly used batteries are lithium-ion (Li-Ion) batteries. Their weight, size, capacity, range and management system vary from one manufacturer to another. In addition to the absolute necessity of choosing a battery from the same brand as the one on your bike, two points must be examined: the location and the power of the battery.
Regarding the location, two types of batteries are distinguished today: external and integrated.
External batteries still equip the majority of electric bikes currently in circulation. There are two types:
On e-MTBs and Electric road bikes, the external battery is systematically placed on the down tube (also called the diagonal tube) of the frame. The choice here therefore poses no problem.
On urban bikes, however, the battery can be placed either on the down tube or at rack level. This second battery is not the same shape. It is thinner and more elongated. Each battery is therefore designed for a specific location and cannot be installed elsewhere.
Integrated batteries are found on an increasing number of models, as they allow an aesthetic close to that of a muscle-powered bike and provide better protection against the elements. Some brands, including Bosch, offer different models depending on the constraints of the bike manufacturers. If yours is fitted with an integrated battery, be sure to check whether it is vertical or horizontal before ordering a replacement, as you will not be able to install a battery of the other type, since the connectors are reversed.
Regarding power, one piece of information allows batteries to be compared: their capacity, expressed in Watt-hours (Wh). The higher this value, the further you can travel on a single charge. Batteries with a capacity of between 250 and 600 Wh are the most common. However, if this value is higher, it means that a battery from the same brand will weigh more. The battery capacity is generally marked on the battery or expressed in the model name. You will also find the number of volts (V) and its capacity in Ampere-hours (Ah). The product of these two values gives the capacity in Watt-hours.
In place of or in addition to a second battery, intensive electric bike users may find it worthwhile to purchase an additional charger to leave one, for example, at their workplace.
Depending on the battery's power, the time required for a full charge varies from 3 to 6 hours. But beyond the battery's power, the charging time will also vary depending on the capacity of the charger itself. Standard chargers are 2A. However, brands have developed fast chargers of 4A and even 6A, making it possible to considerably reduce charging time.
It should be noted that this option applies mainly to e-MTBs and urban electric bikes. Indeed, for road bikes, manufacturers have often opted for the most discreet and lightweight solution possible, the idea being to complement this control unit with a standard cycle computer/GPS instead.
Tyres, chains, cranks and chainrings
With an electric bike, you can consider covering longer distances at greater speeds. This is a true revolution for cyclists, but it also generates faster wear on components that are subjected to greater stresses than on conventional bikes. In order to guarantee lasting riding pleasure, manufacturers produce parts specifically designed for electric bikes: they withstand greater loads and are more durable. As a result, they allow you to save on repair and maintenance costs.
It is not compulsory to fit your electric bike with special tyres, except for speed bikes (capable of reaching up to 45 km/h), which must be fitted with specific tyres approved to "ECE-R75" standard. For standard e-bikes (up to 25 km/h), you can in theory use any tyre model. However, we recommend choosing tyres specifically designed for electric bikes (often marked "E-bike ready"), which offer optimal road holding and significantly better longevity.
Electric bike chains are subjected to even greater stresses than those on muscle-powered bikes, with a higher risk of premature wear and breakage. We therefore recommend choosing a chain specifically designed to be fitted on an electric bike. These chains are made from reinforced, more resistant materials that make them stronger. They ensure smooth and precise gear changes and are easily recognisable by their logo or name.
Cranks and chainrings are essential spare parts whose replacement requires some care. Many manufacturers design their own cranks and chainrings. When purchasing, you must ensure that these two parts are compatible with the motor of your electric bike. Bosch motors, for example, have relatively small chainrings with 14 to 20 teeth, while Shimano motors use chainrings ranging from 34 to 38 teeth. Electric bike chainrings do not need to be replaced, but you can change them according to your preferences. Finally, it is advisable for committed mountain bikers to swap their cranks for shorter models to avoid striking the ground on technical terrain, as ground clearance is often lower on an electric model.
Safety and protection
Electric bikes, particularly those used in an urban or travel context, require special attention in terms of safety: lighting and protection against theft.
Regarding thelighting, the majority of urban electric bikes are fitted with specific e-bike lights. These draw their power from the bike's battery without reducing its range. In addition to continuous operation — that is, including when stationary — these lights have the advantage of adapting not only to ambient light levels to be effective both day and night, but also to the cyclist's speed. Some are even connected to the brake levers to signal braking. In all cases, compatibility with your motor system must be carefully checked.On electric bikes, lights are generally mounted at fork level at the front, and on the mudguard or rear rack at the back.
Regarding locks, e-bikes need to be protected more effectively against theft, as they attract more attention than regular bikes. Opt for thick-link chains (over 10 mm in diameter) and sturdy U-locks (with multiple locking points). Do not hesitate to use several to secure all the components of your bike (frame, wheels) and remember to remove any unsecurable elements (on-board computer). Check that they are compatible with the dimensions of your bike, in particular the down tubes, which are often of a significant size due to the integration of the motor and/or battery.
Transport and maintenance
Electric bikes, due to their greater weight and the presence of numerous electrical components, require specific accessories, whether for maintenance or transport.
Several brands have launched ranges of specific maintenance products for electric bikes, with formulations that do not damage the electronics and preserve your electric bike while ensuring perfect cleaning and polishing.
Finally, bike rack manufacturers have developed models dedicated to transporting electric bikes, capable of supporting both the significant weight of these bikes — often between 20 and 25 kg — and often a greater bulk, particularly for mountain bikes, with a down tube that can be prominent when the battery is fully integrated. More robust, these bike racks also generally feature a loading ramp to facilitate handling.
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