Tyre choice makes a large impact on how your bike handles and rides.
Choosing the correct electric bike tyres is more important on an ebike because they spend a lot more time riding at higher speeds than a standard cycle.
A good electric bike tire can also help you avoid flat tyres which is even more important because on a hub motor wheel it can be a real problem.
When choosing the right tyre consider the type of ground you’ll be riding on.
Most people ride their ebikes on hard surfaces like roads. This type of riding requires a smoother tread meant for those hard, flat surfaces. Commuter style tires are best.
Commuter tires have flat, smooth tread patterns with just enough all-weather tread to allow for safe riding in wet conditions. Look for a nice commuter tire with a balance between slick tread and grooves for water dispersal.
Otherwise anyone who does most of their riding off-road on surfaces will want a knobbly tire with an aggressive tread for grabbing the earth and getting maximum traction.
BMX tyres generally have a light tread pattern which can be good for packed dirt. If you do serious trail riding you’ll want something closer to a downhill tire for max grip.
Size matters
The next thing is tyre size. They are measured in two ways. A standard 26 x 1.95 tyre is approximately 26″ in diameter and has a width of approximately 1.95″. Generally speaking, a wider tyre will give you more cushion and act like additional suspension for your bike. A 26 x 2.5 tyre will feel a lot nicer than the 26 x 1.95 tyre when you hit bumps or pot holes.
The downside to wider tyers is that they can reduce your speed and range. Which is why road tyres are narrow. The narrower the tyre and smaller the contact area, the faster and more efficient it is.
Even with wide tyres though you can increase your range by keeping your tyre pressure higher. This reduces the contact area and increases efficiency. If your pressure is too high though it can harm your ride, causing bumps to feel more jarring.
