Cycling is an incredible sport. Thanks to electric bikes, we can all enjoy it. Electric bikes are the future, and there’s no denying that with general city traffic levels increasing and the price of fuel becoming pretty high. Many people who turn to E-Bikes are pretty new to cycling, and because of this, we get asked quite a few questions.
One of the most popular requests that many people ask us is what accessories I should buy alongside my electric bike. In this article, we’ll tell you all about the best accessories to make your cycling experience the best it can be.
Why is it essential to have the right gear?
Having the right gear can be the difference between having a good cycling experience and a bad one. Unfortunately, many cyclists tend to give up cycling because they think it’s not the sport for them when they just don’t have the correct gear.
The proper clothing can ensure you stay at the right temperature and protect your behind. Tools can help you fix your bike, and a frame bag can carry enough food and water to get you home.
Read also: What to take with you on a longer e-biking ride? And, Top travel destinations by electric bike.
The Gear
Here’s our list of the most essential gear for riding your electric bike. All are very important, but if you are limited on budget, we recommend starting with equipment that will improve safety before anything else.
Helmet
A helmet is the most crucial cycling accessory you can buy, and it is vital you wear one in our recommendation. Helmets have been proven to protect your head in case of an accident, and in many countries, now it is the law to wear one.
Helmets in recent years have become much better with technology like MIPS (Multi-directional Impact Protection). They are not only safer but lighter, much smaller, and more comfortable. For more information, check out this post from The Cyclist.
Clothing
The first thing and most important accessory when it comes to cycling is having the correct clothing. Cycling clothing isn’t like typical fitness clothing. It is designed to help you heavily while riding. You will find padding in the shorts, the jerseys are designed to be longer at the back, and even the rain jackets are designed to be waterproof while still breathable. Here’s what we recommend;
- Bib Shorts (Padded)
- Base layer (Short or long sleeve)
- Cycling Jersey (Pockets at the rear, long back)
- Windproof Jacket (Waterproof if possible)
- Cycling Shoes (Cleats can be used)
- Arm and leg warmers
- Gloves and overshoes
We highly recommend wearing bright colors for cycling clothing, especially high-visibility clothing. The more you can be seen, the safer you will be.
Read also: Equip yourself for cold and rainy weather. And, Can I ride my electric bike in winter?
Sunglasses
Although sunglasses might seem like just another cycling accessory, they are much more important than you might think. The first thing about sunglasses is that they keep the glare out of your eyes while riding, meaning it’s easier to see on those sunny days.
Secondly, they are excellent at stopping things from getting into your eyes. You would be surprised how much it can happen when you’re not wearing glasses. Bugs, mud, dust, and even water. You don’t have to spend much on glasses; they can typically be held in your helmet easily.
Read also: Tips for using your e-bike on sand. Can I ride my e-bike in winter?
Tool Kit and Spares
Although your electric bike can do almost everything, it might still need your attention on the road. Issues like punctures can soon interrupt a good ride, and you will need the tools to fix them. We recommend taking the:
- Multi-tool
- Pump
- Spare inner tubes
- Puncture repair kit
- Tire levers
- Chain Link
- Tire Piece
- Bike oil
We also highly recommend learning how to change an inner tube at home. You will likely need to do this as it is the most common repair.
Lighting
Many electric bikes nowadays have lighting installed on them already. If not, we highly recommend getting some lights for your bike. We highly recommend the use of lights even during the day. The more you can be seen, the safer you will be.
Excellent light sets are now very affordable. You can find them for as little as $30, and they are USB rechargeable and have multiple settings. Some modern lights even react to the amount of brightness and adjust themselves automatically. If you are interested in some great lights, check out this from the guys at 333Fab.
Read also: Selection of our favorite e-bike accessories to help you find the right gear for your needs.
A Bell or Horn
In many countries, having a bell on your bike is a requirement now. It’s a great way of letting other road users know where you are, and also, if you’re on a path shared with pedestrians, it’s vital to ensure they don’t step out in front of you.
A Frame or Saddle Bag
With all this gear mentioned above, you will need to find somewhere to store it. A frame or saddle bag is ideal for storing your goods without keeping them all in your pockets. They cost as little as $15, and it’s great to keep everything you need on the bike and not in your clothing or a rucksack where it can get lost or be annoying.
Read also: Can e-bikes get wet? And, How to clean an electric bike?
Cleaning kit
Another excellent recommendation from us is an electric bike cleaning kit. Having the tools to wash your bike correctly will go a long way to keeping it clean. We completely agree that a clean bike is a happy bike. An electric bike cleaning kit will offer tools to keep it in the best health and prolong its life. Muc-Off makes an excellent kit you will find here MUC OFF E-Bike
A few words in conclusion
We hope you enjoyed our list of all the gear you need to go along with your electric bike. Although it might look like a lot, having all this stuff will give you the best possible cycling experience. If there’s anything you think we should add, let us know.
