Knowing how to change e-bike back tires gives you an advantage on the road. Read this guide and learn how to handle tire issues like a pro.
What would happen if your e-bike’s rear tire suddenly went flat in the middle of nowhere? Can you remove the wheel on an electric bike? It doesn’t matter if you’ve got a traditional or hybrid e-bike model, knowing how to change your e-bike tire is useful and convenient knowledge that can help you get back on the road.
Moreover, you must have certain tools on hand, especially if you like going on extended trips.
So, how do you change a rear tire? Join Gin e-bikes as we share the signs you need to look out for and the steps you must take to change an electric bike tire like a pro.
Poor-quality tires can reduce your ride’s traction, grips, safety, and functionality. Continuing to use them after they’ve become degraded can make your e-bike slide on surfaces and affect your ability to balance, possibly leading to difficulty navigating and accidents.
But if you know how to change your rear tire, you can make your e-bike safer while making your ride more pleasant.
Here are some signs that it’s time for a tire change:
Are you seeing the raised dots or patterns that have been moulded into your tire’s tread? That’s your tread wear indicator. They’re there so you will know when your tire is sufficiently worn out. As the rubber gets worn down, the markers can be seen underneath.
If you’re feeling uncertain, you can also use tools like a tire tread gauge to more decisively tell if the depth of the tread has become too shallow for safe driving.
A tire is designed to be curved to help with handling and cornering when you turn and perform fast manoeuvres. When the outer layer of the tire becomes flatter in the center and more angular towards its edges—not curved—that’s your sign to install a new one.
The shape changes gradually with time due to friction when the tire touches the ground as you bike.
You need to visually inspect your tire’s circumference fully for any flat spots that may indicate that the tire needs changing. Fixed-gear bikes are likely to have multiple flat spots instead of the full tire circumference so it’s best to check your tire proactively.
One obvious sign that your tire needs replacement is when it often gets punctured. This means that your tire is thinning due to wear and tear and therefore needs changing.
Regardless of how old or new your rear tire is, it’s still vulnerable to large cuts if it is punctured by something sharp or pointed during your trip. Should the cut happen to the wheel’s sidewall, you may notice the inner tube peeking out. The size of the cut can grow and deflate your tire.
If you somehow find yourself in this situation, perform a tire change right away. If the cut is large enough, it may not allow the tire to be patched up.
Sometimes, the inner edge—or the part that touches the wheel rim—gets destroyed. If this type of damage takes place, change your tire ASAP. This can loosen the rim’s grip on the tire, affecting ride safety.
Want to learn how to change tires on an electric bike? It isn’t rocket science. Just follow these recommended steps:
Turn off your bike and unplug the motor from the e-bike. Fixing your bike while the motor is still turned on can negatively affect its electrical parts.
Your e-bike should remain steady while you tinker with it. A bike stand makes it easier to work on your e-bike and prevents it from accidentally falling.
Release the brakes and loosen the axle nuts using a wrench to disengage the rear hub motor. You need to push the rear derailleur so you can raise the chain from the cog and release the tension. With the lever, uninstall the wheel or unscrew the axle nuts so you can take away the axle. You can then remove the wheel from the frame.
Once the wheel is removed from the frame, release any leftover air in the tube. Push the bead toward the centre of the rim to dislodge the tire bead. Lift the bead up and over the rim with the opposite side of the valve stem as your starting point. Then, work your way around the wheel’s circumference.
Lift the bead and unseat the tire halfway through to expose the tube. Dislodge the tube and keep raising the bead until the tire has been completely removed. Wipe the inner side of the tire to get rid of any materials that caused its puncture or cut.
Locate the rotational arrow on the tire and align it with the rim. Next, align the brand logo with the valve stem hole. Using a lever, push one side of the tire onto the rim. Place the valve stem inside the rim’s hole. Put the tube inside the tire. On the opposite side of the valve stem, push the rest of the tire onto the rim.
Follow the specific minimum PSI shown on the side of the tire and inflate the tire accordingly. Use an e-bike pump or a portable air inflator.
Align and reconnect the chain with the smallest cog and reinstall the rear wheel into the drop outs. Make sure the disc brake rotor lines are aligned between the brake pads. Check for any loose components and secure the wheel, making sure that it spins normally.
After inspecting for alignments and proper movements, plug the battery back and turn the bike on. Do a test drive in a non-busy area before hitting the road.
Got more questions? Check out this FAQ.
You can customise your tires but they have to be compatible with your e-bike’s structure and components.
Make sure that they are compatible with the frame, rim size, brake, motor and electrical components so the new tire doesn’t affect the bike’s performance. Check ISO markings for tire-rim compatibility. Also, note that modifications will void your warranty.
Typically, e-bike tires can be ridden from 1,000 to 3,000 miles. Their longevity is affected by where they’re ridden and how they’re used. Off-road riding will obviously wear your tires out faster than paved streets. Note that the rear tire wears out more quickly than the front tire because it experiences more stress, load, grip, and traction.
Technically, you can use the wheels of regular bicycles for your e-bike. However, e-bikes are heavier, faster, and produce greater torque so you’d be better served by more durable e-bike tires.
It pays to have your tools for tire replacement ready. At Gin Ebikes, we provide accessories and gizmos for easy e-bike repairs and maintenance such as pumps, inflators, and chargers.
Contact us today for more information on caring for your tires and other e-bike components. Equipped with the right knowledge and tools, a responsible rider can go a long way without worry.
