Electric Bikes Archives - eRide Guides https://erideguides.com/category/recommended-gear/electric-bikes-recommended-gear/ Everything you need to know on electric bikes and electric scooters Thu, 13 Aug 2020 21:52:01 +0000 en-US hourly 1 https://wordpress.org/?v=5.9.9 https://www.erideguides.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/06/Favicon.ico Electric Bikes Archives - eRide Guides https://erideguides.com/category/recommended-gear/electric-bikes-recommended-gear/ 32 32 The 8 Best Electric Bike Accessories To Up Your E-Bike Game https://www.erideguides.com/best-electric-bike-accessories/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=best-electric-bike-accessories https://www.erideguides.com/best-electric-bike-accessories/#respond Wed, 29 Jul 2020 13:00:48 +0000 https://erideguides.com/?p=1717 If you’ve recently purchased your first electric bike, then you may already know how overwhelming the search for the best e-bike accessories...

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If you’ve recently purchased your first electric bike, then you may already know how overwhelming the search for the best e-bike accessories can be.

That’s why we’ve put together a list of top-tier additions that are sure to make your e-bike even better.

Here you’ll find a handy guide to some of the best electric bike accessories on the market, including: 

  • Helmets
  • Phone Holders
  • Mirrors
  • Cargo Carriers and Bags
  • Lights
  • Speakers
  • Alarm Systems
  • GPS Trackers

From important safety gear to fun add-ons, we’ll give you the low-down on the best brands and designs for your e-bike accessory needs. 

Whether you’re planning on using your new e-bike for your daily commute, camping, or hardcore trail riding, you’ll discover must-have accessories for every kind of rider.

Picking The Perfect Helmet

Before you hop on that brand new e-bike and set out to conquer the streets, it’s important to make sure you’re equipped with a great helmet.

By far the most important electric bike accessory you’ll buy, having the right helmet can help protect you from both accidental spills and distracted drivers.

Which type of helmet you should choose depends a great deal on how fast you plan to travel. If you’re just starting out and plan to keep things below 20 mph, then a standard bicycle safety helmet should do the trick.

We listed out some fashionable and affordable helmets in our “Electric Bike Safety Gear for Fashionable Riders” piece, but we’ll expand upon that further here.

Photo Courtesy: [Amazon]

If you’ve got a motor capable of cracking things up a bit, however, you should definitely look into either a light motorcycle helmet with DOT approval or a bike helmet that meets NTA 8776 e-bike safety standards. Among our personal favorites are Giro’s Caden MIPS Urban Commuter Helmet.

Not only does it have a rear light for added nighttime visibility, but it’s also equipped with a Multi-Directional Impact Protection System, which offers greater support and protection in case of an impact.

Hold The Phone

If you’d like to keep an eye on your phone while riding, then there are plenty of great accessories that have your back.

Whether you’re expecting an important call, using your GPS navigation system, or tracking your ride on a fitness app, securing your phone to your e-bike should be a snap.

Among the trustiest and most universal phone accessories is Roam’s Co-Pilot Bike Phone Mount. It can securely grip any handlebar up to 1.25 inches in diameter and works with any phone up to 3.5 inches wide.

Best of all, it comes with a lifetime guarantee, so you can get a refund or exchange in case anything goes wrong.

Photo Courtesy: [Amazon]

Another great choice is Opamoo’s Bike Phone Front Frame Bag, which can easily be attached to most bikes via velcro straps. Your phone rests securely beneath a touch-sensitive see-through TPU film, complete with a hidden hole for earphones.

Underneath, you’ll find a handy waterproof zipper bag where you can store your keys, sunscreen, and other gadgets. For right around $30, it’s a great value for such a handy accessory.

Never Look Over You Shoulder Again

If your electric bike didn’t come with rearview mirrors, then they’re a great option to look into. Fortunately, there are plenty of them on the market in all different shapes and sizes.

German company Busch + Müller makes several great options, including the Cycle Star E model. It not only offers shatterproof protection and a large mirror face, but it can also be mounted either with brackets or handlebar style.

Photo Courtesy: [Hafny]

They even fold away in case of a collision with a sneaky pole or other inanimate object.

Hafny is another great company that offers plenty of high-quality e-bike mirror options. They’ve got both bar end and handlebar mounting mirrors that offer special perks like anti-glare protection, stainless steel construction, and 360-degree rotation.

While a great set of rear mirrors may seem a little pricey, opting for a quality pair is an investment that will last you years.

Saddle Up

There’s nothing worse than feeling like you have to chose the car over your bike simply because you don’t have enough storage space. The easiest way to kick such problems to the curb is to accessorize your electric bike with a few well-placed cargo add-ons.

Buying saddlebags can be a bit trickier if you have a rear-mounted battery rack, but rest assured that there are several great bags that take that into consideration.

If you’re interested in hauling big loads on your e-bike rides, make sure to check out our list of “The Best Electric Cargo Bikes For Every Type of Rider” where we break down the best electric cargo bikes.

Photo Courtesy: [Bikesmart]

Bike Smart’s DoubleWide Pannier is a great choice for saddlebag style storage. Made from water-resistant nylon construction, they provide plenty of room for storage and feature reflective accents to help enhance your visibility.

BV also offers a great double bag pannier with shelf straps and adjustable bungee hooks to help ensure a secure hold. Each of the two bags features large roomy compartments for books, laptops, or gear, as well as smaller zip pockets on the front.

Photo Courtesy: [Ibera USA]

If you prefer more of a trunk style setup, then be sure to check out Ibera’s PakRak Commuter Bag. It only takes about 3 seconds to attach and has a huge amount of storage space with easy zipper access. It even comes with a taillight hanger for night riding and a detachable shoulder strap so that you can turn your trunk into a shoulder bag.

Finding The Right Lights

If you plan on riding at night (and seriously, who isn’t?), then it’s important to have the right lights to make sure you can see and be seen. Fortunately, there are plenty of lights out there that can get the job done without breaking the bank.

Vont’s LED Scope Light is made from military-grade, weather-resistant materials and features a super-bright adjustable beam. Great for city streets and low-key trails, it’s a killer value for less than $20.

Photo Courtesy: [Amazon]

For hardcore night trails, then you’ll want to look into getting a light that’s closer to 2000 lumens. That said, if you want to turn night into day and are willing to drop a little cash to do it, then the Monteer 6500 will not disappoint. This bad boy boasts 15 different lighting modes and “can outshine the landing light on a passenger airliner.” Score!

More concerned about safety features? Then Garmin’s Varia RTL510 Radar Tail Light may just be the light for you. This little tail light is equipped with its own radar unit that can detect when a car is approaching you from behind from up to 153 feet.

It will also guarantee that the car in question sees you, with 220-degree illumination that can be seen from up to a mile away.

When you pair it with a Garmin head unit, watch, or pair of eyeglasses, it will give you a solid indicator of how far behind you a car is and how fast it’s approaching, so you never have to take your eyes off the road.

Pedal Into Your Favorite Tunes

Choosing to ride your electric bike no longer has to mean forgoing the audio perks offered by most cars.

These days, you can get Bluetooth enabled audio devices that will pair straight to your phone, allowing you to listen to the radio, your favorite music, or even incoming phone calls.

If you’re looking for a rich, 360-degree sound that can travel anywhere, check out the Boom 2 from Ultimate Ears. Designed to last, this tough little speaker can handle mud, snow, water, or anything else you throw at it.

Photo Courtesy: [Ultimate Ears]

It’s accompanying app offers features like a remote On/Off switch, tab controls, and other customization options. Boom 2’s rechargeable battery lasts for up to 15 hours of continuous play and can pair to two different devices from up to 100 ft.

It’s also capable of playing incoming calls so that you can continue enjoying a hands-free ride.

If you’re looking for something smaller and a little less pricey, then Bose’s SoundLink Micro is a great choice.

This little guy measures in at 1.40 x 3.90 x 3.90 inches and weighs less than a pound, making it an effortless accessory to take on along on any journey.

Photo Courtesy: [Amazon]

It comes with a tear-resistant strap that easily attaches to whatever part of your bike you prefer and it’s made of rugged, waterproof materials. It pairs with any Bluetooth device from up to 30 ft and will give you 6 hours of playtime between charges.

Its built-in mic also takes phone calls like a boss and for such a small speaker, it boasts an impressively crisp sound.

Keep Your Bike Secure

Let’s face it, an electric bike is not necessarily a cheap investment and it’s definitely one that’s worth protecting.

Though one of the cheapest electric bike accessories on the list, an alarm system is also one of the most valuable in the long-run.

Secure your peace of mind with a remote control security system like the Mengshen Bicycle Alarm. Just attach the alarm to whatever part of your bike you prefer with the included straps or double-sided tape.

Photo Courtesy: [Amazon]

When you get to your destination, arm it with the included remote control, which is similar to the keypad that you’d use to lock a standard car.

Should a thief make the mistake of attempting to steal your bike, they’ll be in for a very unpleasant surprise.

Upon sensing unsanctioned shakes or vibrations, the alarm will blare out a 113 dB warning that will send the prospective thief running for the hills. It can be adjusted to 7 different levels of sensitivity and can be easily armed and disarmed with the remote from up to 20m away.

Tracking Time

If you want to get even stealthier with your security or just want to keep track of your kids when they take out your bike, then a GPS tracking system is a great way to go. Among the hottest upcoming trackers is the See.Sense Air, a Kickstarter funded product which is set to be released in October 2020.

This lightweight device is designed to attach securely to the underside of your seat and only needs a recharge every 3 months or so. When you download the accompanying iOS or Android app, the Air kicks into action, monitoring both how close you are to your bike and where it’s located.

Photo Courtesy: [See.Sense]

If you now pre-order, you’ll even get the first year of service for free. Should your bike be stolen, just contact the authorities and tell them you’ll be able to lead them to its precise location.

Another popular favorite is the Tracki GPS tracker, which comes with a magnet, velcro attachment, and belt clip.

Slip it into your cargo bin or attach it under your seat and you’ll get alerts and GPS monitoring that will keep you up to date on your bike’s location.

The only downsides to the Tracki are that it requires a monthly subscription of $9.99- $19.99 per month and needs to be recharged at least once a month.

But, considering how much money it could save you if your bike was ever stolen, it’s still not a bad investment to consider.

Got any questions or comments?

Feel free to get in touch!

And be sure to check out our other articles, like “6 of the Best Electric Bikes for Commuting to Work or School and “How to Ride an Electric Bike Safely“, for more in-depth info on electric bike accessories and care!

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Electric Bike Safety Gear for Fashionable Riders https://www.erideguides.com/fashionable-electric-bike-safety-gear/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=fashionable-electric-bike-safety-gear https://www.erideguides.com/fashionable-electric-bike-safety-gear/#respond Tue, 28 Jul 2020 17:00:43 +0000 https://erideguides.com/?p=1635 Electric bikes are a whole lot of fun, but it is important to keep in mind that, like any other bike, there...

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Electric bikes are a whole lot of fun, but it is important to keep in mind that, like any other bike, there are risks involved with riding them.

The last thing you want is to come off and end up with an egg on your head.

With that in mind, today we will be looking at some stylish safety gear to keep you looking your best while keeping yourself in one piece!

Helmets

The number one thing you need to keep safe is a helmet. If you’re anything like me, however, you probably find that most helmets you come across look pretty dorky on their best day.

Fear not!

I’ve compiled 5 helmets that will make you look great.

#5. Smith Signal MIPS Bike Helmet


This stylish piece of headwear will keep your skull intact when you’re out on the road, but will also turn plenty of heads for all the right reasons!

Not only is it lightweight and breathable, but it also comes fitted with an easy to use adjuster wheel to make sure the helmet fits tightly on your head!

This particular helmet comes in 6 different colors, so you can match it to your e-bike, backpack, or anything else!


#4. Generies Baseball Cap Style Bike Helmet

Hey, maybe you just don’t like the look of helmets all together? No biggie, this list has you covered too! What better way to disguise your helmet than making it look like a hat?

Not only will this keep your head safe, but it comes with all the benefits of wearing a regular hat as well! Do you face a grueling morning ride into the sun? Well, the brim of this helmet will do a great job of blocking the glare for you!

The black and chrome combo is a pretty nice look and it really makes this a stylish choice for anyone looking to avoid anything resembling a traditional helmet!


#3. Lazer Street Deluxe Helmet

This helmet takes a more traditional approach to its design, but that doesn’t mean they skimped on features and beauty. It includes a brim just like the last design, but unlike the last one, the brim on this helmet is removable which can be very useful if you’re riding in the evening.

It has plenty of vents for breathability too, so you won’t have to worry about your head overheating if you’re riding in hot summer weather!

It has a very nice dark wood finish, which really sets this helmet apart from those like it and adds an amazing style to it that will never go out of fashion!


#2. Segway Ninebot Bike Helmet


Segway has been a staple of the electric transport world for almost 20 years now, so you can be sure that their helmet will benefit from that long legacy in the field!

Stylish, breathable, and almost futuristic looking in design, this helmet brings functionality and style together and marries them together perfectly. This helmet comes with moisture wicking fabric to quickly cool your head and keep you sweat-free!

Coming in matte black, you have the added bonus of not blinding everyone who is turning to marvel at your unparalleled style on the street!


#1. Salomon Brigade+ Audio

This one is a little different, as it was designed with snowboarders in mind. But don’t be deterred, because this piece of head protection is a great choice for those of us that love music just as much as our eBike!

This helmet comes with an inbuilt sound system so you can jam out on your morning commute or when you’re riding around town to relax.

It also has an adjustable vent so you can control airflow through the helmet to avoid all the nasty sweat that comes with a lot of helmets. It comes in either black or gunmetal grey to really add to the futuristic, techy aesthetic that it’s aiming for!

Gloves

Whether its the weather or falls that you’re worried about, gloves are some of the most important, and most overlooked pieces of unobtrusive safety gear.

When the temperatures drop, and it’s frigid outside, your hands will really feel the chill when you get up to speed. The same applies when it gets very hot, and the handles of your eBike feel like they’re on fire!

When you come off, your first instinct is to put your hands out to catch yourself, and the last thing you want is skinned hands and bruised knuckles when you have places to be!

This section will cover some stylish choices to protect you from falls, as well as unpleasant weather!


#5. Pearl Izumi Elite Gel Cycling Gloves

If you are in a relatively mild climate, then you might enjoy the added flexibility that these fingerless gloves offer. With comfortable, ergonomic gel padding you will be well protected without having to worry about an uncomfortable riding experience.

Another great bonus is that you’ll be able to interact with your devices when you’re stopped, without having to remove your gloves and put them back on before you go.

This has a further edge on gloves with touch screen sensitive fingers in that it is far more precise, and you can still use fingerprint biometric features.


#4. Dakine Covert Gloves

For people in a hotter climate, these gloves might be a good choice for you! These gloves are very lightweight and breathable, while at the same time offering full hand protection from falls or incredibly hot parts of your eBike!

One incredibly handy feature is the microfleece thumb panel to take care of any sweat on your brow, or the occasional runny nose.

These gloves come equipped with touch-sensitive thumbs and fingers so you can keep in touch with everyone on the go, even if you can’t use your fingerprints to unlock your phone like the previous pair!


#3. CoolChange Winter Bike Gloves

If you are in a cold climate, fear not, you are covered too! I mean, just look at these stylish gloves. They come in a few different colors, so don’t fret if red isn’t your favorite!

These gloves have plenty of gel padding to cushion your ride and your falls, and the thicker fabric will keep your fingers from freezing off in the cold winds.

These gloves also come with touch-sensitive fingers, so you won’t be forced to weather the cold when you want to check your phone during your commute!


#2. The Bird Glove v2


If leather is more your style, then this glove has you set. It’s made with soft but durable leather to ensure comfort and safety during your ride, while still looking great!
It has reinforced knuckle protection so if you do happen to come off, you’re not going to do any serious damage there. And if someone cut you off and caused the fall, the namesake and highlighted finger that gives this glove it’s namesake might come in handy!

Unfortunately, this glove is not touch-sensitive, so if you happen to get a call or text while you’re out on the road, you will have to remove the glove to take it.


#1. INBIKE Core Full Finger Gloves

These gloves are the epitome of what makes all the gloves on this list great. They’re gel-cushioned, breathable, and touch-sensitive, all wrapped up in a stylish package.

The palm has a slip-proof design, which comes in especially handy for eBikes that come with a twist throttle, and will help keep you speeding along in rain, hail, or shine!

The easy velcro seal makes putting these gloves on super easy which is always a plus, and the reflective logo will help keep you visible at night!


Other Safety Gear

There is plenty of other safety gear that you can use, though, for casual riders or commuters these items aren’t essential.

One great piece of safety equipment to invest in if you’re worried you’ll come off is a pair of knee pads. The knees are, aside from the hands, the part of your body most likely to be impacted.

#1. ZENHOX Heavey Duty Knee Pads

Kneepads like these are great because they are super easy to put on and take off over the top of whatever pants you’re wearing, so you’re not stuck wandering around in bulky kneepads when you get to your destination.

Another item that may not jump to mind when you’re thinking of safety gear is sunglasses.

One of the best things you can do to avoid accidents, and thus keep yourself safe is to invest in a pair of sunglasses to ensure you can see where you’re going and what obstacles are ahead on a bright day!


#2. Black Cycling Sunglasses

Glasses like these cycling glasses by Hawkers will fit neatly underneath your helmet and keep you from being blinded by glare. They also offer wrap-around lenses to protect you from peripheral light as well!

With this list, you are now equipped to keep yourself safe and stylish no matter where your eBike takes you!

If you’re looking for exactly which electric bike to pair with these fashion choices or have any questions about eBikes, take a look around the site for all the information you might need!

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