E-Bike
Do you have questions about E-bike tyres
Do I need special tyres for an e-bike?
No special e-bike tyres are prescribed by law for e-bikes and pedelecs up to 25 km/h pedal assistance. The situation is different for the faster S-pedelecs with pedal assistance up to 45 km/h, which are subject to authorisation. For this, the tyre requires ECE-R75 approval which is valid throughout Europe. However, as normal e-bikes also demand a lot from tyres, many manufacturers use their own labelling systems such as "e-bike ready up to 25 km/h" or "E50". This makes it easier to find your way around and avoids frustration caused by tyres that wear out too fast. According to the Zweirad Industrie Verband ZIV, this is the only way to ensure that the CE marking of the e-bike is retained after a tyre change.
What do I need to consider with regard to tyre pressure for e-bikes?
For e-bike tyres, it is advisable to select a slightly higher air pressure than for normal bike tyres. This allows you to take into account the higher weight of the e-bike and the stronger drive forces. With e-bikes in particular, you should always ensure that the tyre pressure is sufficient so that floating tyres do not become a safety risk when cornering or the tyres age prematurely due to the high loads.
Can I vary the tyre size on e-bikes?
E-bikes are designed by the manufacturer as a complete system with suitable components for the intended use. You should therefore also stick to the size of the tyres that were originally fitted. While the diameter is fixed by the rim, there is usually some leeway with the tyre width. For example, you can generate additional comfort with wider tyres or reduce rolling resistance with narrower tyres.
How important is the rolling resistance of an e-bike tyre?
The tyres are largely responsible for the rolling resistance of a bike. Added safety and comfort almost always means more rolling resistance, which in the case of road tyres is usually caused by:
- Wider tyres
- Stronger casings
- Lower air pressure
- Deeper tread pattern
With an e-bike, you can compensate for this rolling resistance with motor power. However, this increases battery consumption and reduces the range. With narrower tyres and optimum air pressure, you can increase the range of your e-bike by several kilometres.