Tires

Tires

As with any bicycle, tires will make a difference in how an eBike handles and performs. Remember that eBikes will typically be subject to more torque and weight than acoustic bikes. Tires come in different sizes (diameters), different widths, different pressure levels, and different tread patterns. Each factor can provide different benefits and trade offs to specific biking styles.

Generally speaking, a large diameter tire will offer more speed and efficiency (you will be able to go further and faster with less effort). For inexperienced riders, the larger diameter wheels will feel harder to control or more unstable. Similarly, higher pressure tires will roll faster.

Low pressure/Fat (wide) tires will absorb lots of bumps in the road, and thus offer a very comfortable ride. They are also generally smaller diameter and feel more stable. Low pressure/fat tires do not go very fast, and will consume more battery power to go the same distance.

The tread pattern on the tire will also determine a how the bike feels on the road. Knobby tires work well in loose gravel, but are loud and inefficient on paved surfaces. Smooth tire treads work well on paved roads.