Electric mountain bikes open up trail access and make biking more accessible for more riders. While e-MTBs come ready to ride right out of the box, adding some key accessories can maximize your new bike’s potential and versatility.
Protect Your Investment
Your e-bike represents a significant financial investment. Protecting it should be a top priority.
Fenders help shield components from mud, debris, and water. Full-length fenders provide the best coverage, while partial fenders are lighter. Materials like plastic and carbon fiber are durable yet lightweight.
Transporting your e-MTB safely is also key. Hitch, trunk, and roof rack bike carriers allow stable, secure transport to the trailhead. Padded bike bags or hard-sided bike travel cases help protect your bike in transit when traveling by car or plane. Consider models with smooth rolling wheels for easy transport through airports or hotels.
Storing your bike properly at home helps prevent accidental damage. Consider wall mounts, ceiling hoists, or free-standing storage racks. Choose wide, padded hooks to prevent handlebar or frame damage.
Illuminate the Trail
Rugged and powerful headlights and taillights transform night rides. LED technology delivers maximum brightness from a small, bike-mounted package.
Headlights for handlebars or helmets focus a bright swath ahead reaching over 150 yards down the trail. Look for modes like wide beam and focused spot, plus features like ambient light sensors that automatically adjust output. Red flashing taillights attach to seats or rear racks to alert others on the trail or road.
Durable, waterproof construction stands up to weather, crashes and abuse. Rechargeable battery-powered lights offer brighter output plus convenience. Bring backup lights for longer rides or extenuating circumstances requiring ample backup lighting.
Tune Your Ride
Adjusting suspension, tires and other components maximizes an e-bike’s handling and control for specific riding conditions and terrain.
Suspension tools like hand pumps and shock pumps allow riders to fine tune front fork and rear shock air pressure for personal weight, riding style and trail characteristics. Adjustable compression lets riders firm up suspension for climbs and smooth sections or open it up for technical descending. Tools like multi-tools further adjust components like saddle height or brake reach.
Different tire models cater to everything from steep, loose terrain to smooth dirt roads. Wider plus-sized tires provide more traction and float through loose sections, while narrower tires feel faster on tame trails. Tire pressure gauges help set ideal inflation levels based on rider weight and terrain. Portable inflators and plug kits save rides disrupted by unexpected flats.
Stay Charged Up
Your e-bike battery powers the motor providing pedal assist. Monitoring battery level helps maximize range and prevent disruptive mid-ride power loss.
Simple display readouts provide battery level at a glance. More advanced cycle computers collect detailed data like mileage, speed, altitude and heart rate. USB ports even allow charging cell phones and other devices.
Portable batteries extend ride time when pedal assist runs low. Lightweight, compact batteries stash in bags and easily recharge home AC outlets or car chargers. Choose high capacity models rated at 10,000 mAh and up for the most power backup. With the right accessories, dead batteries don’t have to equal dead rides.
Communications and Safety
Safely navigating remote areas often means going off the grid beyond cell service. Two-way radios provide reliable communications across challenging terrain. Long range models transmit up to several miles in open country. Rechargeable batteries, microphones and headsets provide convenience and clarity.
For connectivity and emergency calls on the grid, smart watches capable of placing phone calls provide safety net insurance and peace of mind. GPS watches go a step further offering detailed topographical navigation, tracking and waypoint marking great for exploring new zones. Rescue beacons or satellite messengers provide SOS signaling anywhere with clear skies.
Gear Up
Specialized bags safely carry tools, food, water and extra gear wherever your ride takes you. Backpacks offer extensive cargo options with hydration bladders. Hip packs, top tube and frame bags provide quick-access storage during rides.
Look for key features like straps securing loads in rough terrain, external helmet carry options to limit interior contact and abrasion, padding protecting contents from hard hits and modular designs allowing numerous carrying options. Durable fabrics resist damage from debris, scrapes and weather while sealed zippers prevent leaks into bags
Hit the Trails Prepared
Electric bikes greatly expand mountain biking access and appeal for countless riders. While e-MTBs excel across diverse terrain, accessories help riders fine-tune setup, extend range, illuminate night riding and gear up for epic adventures anywhere. Protect your investment while maximizing safety and capability for authentic off-the-grid exploration. Use the power and range of e-bikes to discover new riding destinations. With the right gear, trails previously out of reach now welcome your wheels.