Electric bikes (e-bikes) are becoming increasingly popular as an environmentally friendly and cost effective mode of transportation. With an e-bike, you get the power assist of a motor to help make cycling easier and expand how far you can go. As more people purchase e-bikes, the demand for useful accessories has also grown. In this article we talk about Top 5 Accessories Every Electric Bike Owner Must Have In 2024.
Upgrading your e-bike with accessories can enhance comfort, convenience, safety, storage, and style. But with so many options on the market, it can get overwhelming determining what’s essential. That’s why we’ve put together this guide on the top 5 must-have accessories for every e-bike owner.
Helmet
A helmet is by far the most important accessory you should own if you ride an e-bike. E-bikes allow you to ride faster and farther than regular bicycles. While this is part of the fun, it also means that if you get into an accident the impact could be more severe.
Wearing a properly fitting bike helmet significantly reduces your risk of serious head and brain injuries in the event of a crash. When shopping for one, look for a Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) sticker inside ensuring it meets safety standards. The helmet should also fit snugly and be level on your head.
Using a helmet is not only about your safety but setting an example for others. Normalizing helmet use encourages friends, family, and even strangers to follow suit every time they ride.
Bike Lock
Investing in a high quality lock is a must to keep your e-bike secure when parked in public areas. E-bikes are often targets for theft since they are more expensive than traditional bikes. With the rise in e-bike popularity, bike theft has unfortunately also been increasing over the last few years.
The best bike locks use thick, cut-resistant materials making them difficult to cut through. For maximum security, use a U-lock in combination with a cable lock. Thieves would have to come prepared with both bolt cutters and cable cutters to be able to steal your locked-up e-bike.
You’ll also want to make sure you’re using the lock properly. Always secure through both the rear wheel and frame whenever possible. Be sure to lock to an immovable object like a bike rack rather than a small tree or wooden post as well. Taking these extra measures will help deter potential thieves from targeting your e-bike.
Phone Mount
A phone mount allows you to attach your smartphone to your e-bike’s handlebars. This accessory has become a must-have for many e-bikers who use apps for music, fitness tracking, navigation, making calls, and more while riding.
The main benefit of a phone mount is keeping your phone secure while also making it visible. Handlebar mounts allow you to see turn directions, control music playback, and monitor speed and distance traveled. This is much safer than constantly taking your phone in and out of your pockets while riding.
When selecting a mount, opt for one that fits various phone sizes and models. It should expand to hold your phone snugly without scratching the sides. Also look for a mount with vibration dampening technology. This will reduce shake and bounce over bumpy terrain.
For the best phone integration, choose an electric bike with a built-in mount. Many models now have this as a standard feature or an add-on option. This allows you to charge your device right on the handlebars while using it.
Bike Computer
A dedicated bike computer is another convenient accessory that takes your e-biking experience to the next level. Bike computers attach to your handlebars providing key speed and trip metrics like a speedometer for your car.
The main benefits of bike computers over phone apps is that they don’t drain your phone battery and they are easier to view while riding. Bike computers have displays designed specifically for cycling data. This allows you to track your stats no matter how bumpy the trail gets.
Basic bike computers show your current, max and average speed, total distance, ride time, and sometimes even cadence. More advanced models add navigation, heart rate monitoring, and the ability to customize display fields. Additional perks include wireless connectivity to share ride data and sync between devices.
When choosing a bike computer, consider display size, battery life, connectivity options, weatherproofing, and any other features that could enhance your rides. Take some time to determine what metrics are most valuable so you can narrow in on a computer that tracks precisely what you want.
Bike Lights
Investing in a good set of bike lights is crucial for safely riding at night or in low light conditions. Most areas legally require front white and rear red lights to make your e-bike visible to traffic.
Bright LED lights greatly reduce the risk of accidents when natural light is low. They also help you see road debris, potholes, and other hazards on paths ahead. This prevents crashing due to poor visibility.
Look for rechargeable USB lights with multiple brightness modes. Having options like low, medium, and high lets you adjust based on lighting needs to conserve battery. Also consider additional safety features like flashing or pulsing settings, side visibility, and wide beam angles for maximum visibility.
For even more protection, adding reflective elements is recommended. These could include stickers for your frame, helmet additions, and even full reflective tire sidewalls. Any reflections will help you stand out to drivers and other cyclists at night.
The Right Accessories Enhance Your Rides
Upgrading your e-bike with must-have accessories transforms the overall riding experience. A quality helmet, lock, phone mount, computer, and lights make journeys more secure, comfortable, and enjoyable. Investing in the right add-ons tailored to your needs and riding style lets you get the most out of your electric bike.
With this list, you can determine which accessories should be top priorities right now. Then over time you can mix and match other upgrades. Customizing your e-bike for maximum function ensures you’ll keep using and loving it for years to come. The more accessories you have, the more uses you’ll discover which makes e-biking even more beneficial and fun. I sincerely hope you find this “Top 5 Accessories Every Electric Bike Owner Must Have In 2024” article helpful.
Captain Colyer is an expert in sustainable transportation with a Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering. With over 9 years of experience, he is dedicated to advancing eco-friendly commuting solutions. His work focuses on the latest advancements in electric bike technology and promoting sustainable living practices. At ElectricBikePlanet.com, Captain Colyer shares his in-depth knowledge and practical insights to help readers make informed decisions about electric bikes. Join them on their electric journey for the best e-bike advice and recommendations, and connect on Facebook, Pinterest, and Instagram.