Biking is a time-honored form of exercise, competition, and enjoyment, and lately, a new trend has been gaining traction – the E-bike. While differing from regular bikes in some aspects, some things remain the same – including the need for careful tire maintenance.

Before you take a ride, it’s important to check and, if necessary, adjust the pressure in your bike tires to provide maximum comfort and safety.

To get the best results when checking tire pressure on your E-bike, here are the steps you absolutely should take.

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Tire Pressure Checks for E-Bikes

When checking the tire pressure of your E-bike and making the necessary adjustments, here are the steps it’s important to follow:

Check the recommended pressure for each tire
Check the valve type and condition for each tire
Check the condition of each tire.
Use a pressure gauge to determine the air pressure in each tire
Is the tire pressure within acceptable range?

If the tire pressure is not within acceptable range, you’ll need to continue with the following steps:

Remove valve cover
Use an air pump, and adapter if needed, to inflate or deflate the tire
Regularly check air pressure until it reaches an acceptable range
Make sure the air pressure in each tire is balanced – should be about the same pressure in each tire
Replace valve cover

All of these steps are important to ensure maximum comfort and safety during your ride. Likewise, keeping the tire pressure at optimum levels ensures your tire will last longer and take less damage, no matter what surfaces you’re riding on.

Checking Recommended Pressure

The first thing you need to do is identify what the pressure in each tire is supposed to be. This information should be marked on the tire wall in raised lettering.

In the event that you can’t find the notation, you can look up the tire’s specifications. As a general ballpark:

Road tires usually hold 80 – 130 psi (Pounds per square inch)
Mountain bike tires are usually 25 – 35 psi
Hybrid tires usually require 40 – 70 psi

Each individual tire model has its own requirements, but this will give you a good starting point.

Some bikes, especially E-Bikes, have a pressure listed in the bar, rather than psi. If you see a notation for the recommended bar, follow those directions.

Can’t I Check By Squeezing the Tire?

While it is possible to get a general idea of the tire pressure by squeezing the tire with your hand, a tire gauge is recommended to get a completely accurate idea of your tire’s condition.

Difference Between Bar and PSI:

5 Bar = 70 psi.

Note: Many E-bikes have a recommended tire pressure of 3 to 5 Bar, so 42 to 70 psi.

Checking Valve Type and Condition

Once you know what pressure the tire is supposed to have, then you need to check the condition of the valves, as well as what type of valves they are.

E-bikes usually have one of two types of valves: Presta or Schrader.

Presta VS Schrader Valves:

Most tires, including bike tires, have a Schrader valve. It’s recognized by the rubber tube you usually see on car tires.

Some bikes have a Presta valve. This valve has a longer, thinner valve stem than a Schrader valve, and a knurled, tapered end.

Because most tires have a Schrader valve, if your bike has tires with a Presta valve, then you’ll need an adapter to attach the tire gauge and the air pump when performing tire maintenance.

Valve Condition:

A broken or leaking valve can be hard to find, and it can let the air out of your tires in no time if it’s not taken care of.

The easiest way to check for a valve leak is to soak the valve in soapy water. If there’s a leak anywhere, then bubbles will appear, indicating it’s time to replace the valve.

Check The Tire Condition

Once you’ve checked the valve, check the rest of the tire. You should look for:

Overly worn tread
Holes
Bald Tires

Tread worn smooth, or to the point you can see the inner lining of the tire, are signs of a tire that won’t get good traction and needs to be replaced.

To check for holes, apply the same method you use for checking valves to the whole tire. Apply soapy water, and see if bubbles appear.

Using a Pressure Gauge to Determine Air Pressure

Once you’ve determined that the tires and valves are in good condition, you need to check the pressure. For those with Presta valves on their bikes, you may need an adapter before using the pressure gauge.

Set the gauge firmly over the open valve, flush with the nozzle, and press down over the valve. Read the gauge.

Retest if necessary to be sure of accurate results.

Is The Pressure In The Acceptable Range?

The pressure in the tires should be within the range of Recommended Pressure – 4 psi (or 3 bar)

If the pressure is below this range, add more air

If the pressure is above the recommended pressure, you may need to let some air out of the tires.

Inflating or Deflating E-Bike Tires

The process for regulating your E-bike’s tire pressure is fairly simple:

Remove the valve cover – These usually just unscrew. You’ll want to make sure you put them in a safe place so they don’t get lost.
Attach your air pump – for bikes, a hand pump or portable electric pump is considered optimal, because it’s easier to regulate pressure
Inflate or Deflate Tire – To inflate, use the pump in the normal manner. To deflate, open the valve, but don’t activate the pump.
Regularly Check Air Pressure Until Acceptable Pressure is Reached – Some air pumps have an automatic gauge that tracks the tire pressure as you pump. If yours does not, then you’ll need to remove the pump and check the pressure with your tire gauge every so often.
Make Sure Air Pressure Is Balanced – For the most comfortable riding experience, both tires should have similar air pressure requirements, and should be at about the same pressure.
Replace Valve Cover – Make sure the valve cover is fully and securely screwed onto the valve, to prevent any air from leaking out.

Once this is done for both tires, then your E-Bike should be ready to ride.

Why Tire Pressure Matters On An E-Bike

Why is it so essential to check and maintain tire pressure on an E-bike?

Comfort – Too little or too much air makes for a bumpy ride and hurts the rider
Safety – A tire with too little air may go flat at a bad time. A tire with too much pressure may blow out.
Tire Durability – Tires where the pressure isn’t maintained can wear out faster, and take more damage during regular activity.

Final Thoughts

When it comes to E-bike maintenance, keeping your tires at a proper pressure is of paramount importance. Fortunately, it’s a fairly easy process and doesn’t take more than a few minutes.

Just follow the steps above, and you’ll increase your chances of enjoying the best ride possible while decreasing the danger of any accidents.

Read Also: The Complete Guide to E-Bikes: Tips, Tricks, and Maintenance

Reference Sources

How to Tell if a Bike Tire is Full Enough? – Link
Ebike Tire Pressure Best Practices – Keep Your Wheels in Tip-Top Shape – Link
Do You Check Your Valve Stems? – Link

A Complete Tire Pressure Check Guide For E-Bike Owners (2024)