When it comes to maintaining your e-bike or trike, tyre pressure is one of the simplest yet most crucial factors to consider. Properly inflated tyres ensure a smoother ride, improve battery efficiency, and reduce the risk of flats. In this guide, we’ll explain why tyre pressure matters, how to check and adjust it, and what you need to know about different valve types.
5 Reasons Why Correct Tyre Pressure Matters
1. Battery Efficiency:
Under inflated tyres create more rolling resistance, meaning your motor must work harder. This can drain your battery faster and reduce your overall riding range.
When your tyres are at the correct pressure, they roll more efficiently, allowing your motor to use less power and extend the life of your battery. Keeping your tyres properly inflated means you'll get more distance out of every charge.
2. Handling & Safety:
The right tyre pressure improves grip, cornering, and overall stability, helping you stay safe on the road or trail.
If your tyres are too soft, they can feel unstable, especially in turns. On the other hand, over inflated tyres can reduce traction, making it harder to stop quickly or navigate rough terrain. By keeping the right pressure, you ensure your bike handles and responds well in all conditions. Keep you both safe and comfortable on your cycling adventures!
3. Preventing Flat Tyres:
The wrong tyre pressure increases the likelihood of punctures, sidewall damage, and premature wear on your tyres.
Under inflated tyres are more prone to pinch flats, where the tube gets punctured on both sides by the edges of your rim. Over inflation puts excess stress on the tyre, making blowouts more likely. Keeping your tyres at the right pressure helps them last longer and reduces the risk of unexpected damage and punctures.
4. Cost Savings:
Good tyres last longer, reducing the number of replacements and saving you money on maintenance.
When tyres wear out too quickly due to the wrong pressure, it can get expensive replacing them all the time. Keeping your tyres in good shape means fewer repairs and breakdowns - so you can spend more time riding and upgrading your accessories instead of being stuck in the workshop!
5. Potential Damages:
Damage to wheels and spokes.
Riding with your tyre pressures too low can result in bending rims, snapping spokes, or cracking the rim entirely. This can result in costs way higher than a standard flat tyre, as you may need a full new wheel rebuild, rim, and tube!
How to Find Your Tyre Pressure
Believe it or not, your tyre has a heap of information on it! All the information you need can be found straight of your wheel. For tyre pressure in particular – you’re looking for the PSI range. These numbers may be difficult to read, try using your mobile flashlight or camera to zoom in!
In some cases, you may find a big range such as 30-55 PSI. The general rule of thumb here: If you’re riding on softer terrains like gravel or sand etc. you go for a softer tyre which means the lower end of that psi range, if you’re riding on hard urban roads – pump it up! Stick closer to the upper end of that psi range.
If you’re still unsure, give our servicing team a call on: 0409 126 669 Option 2.
Understanding Different Valve Types
1. Schrader Valves:
These are the same valves used on car tyres and are compatible with most standard pumps.
2. Presta Valves:
These are narrower and often found on higher-performance / international made (European) bikes. They require a specific pump head or an adapter.
Knowing which valve your bike has will ensure you use the right pump and avoid air leaks while inflating.
Keep Your Ride Rolling Smoothly
So – to conclude tyre pressure is really important! Check your rims to know the right pressure and try to check on your tyres often! If you’re riding and notice a difference in the quality of your ride – check it.
If you ever need help with tyre maintenance or a tune-up, our team at Everybody eBikes has you covered.