Choosing E-bike Tire Size: Balancing Efficiency and Comfor

When choosing an e-bike, many consumers may wonder about tire size: Are bigger tires always better? Or, which size is more energy-efficient? Vanpowers interviewed several professional e-bike owners to hear their thoughts.

David.Z! Living in a small town in California, with 5 years of riding experience, he recently purchased the Vanpowers UrbanGlide-Ultra model. He embarked on a 656-mile journey along Highway One, riding 80 miles with friends. The Kenda® 27.5" *2.2"* tires provided excellent grip, whether for sudden braking or turning, and he felt comfortable even after long rides.

Alice.Zhou! An energetic outdoor cycling enthusiast who rides weekly, Alice is petite, so she chooses smaller tires, 27"*20". This enhances her agility and reaction speed. However, she mentioned discomfort after riding 100 miles, likely due to the seat. She prefers high-density foam material for better shock absorption and comfort.

Sharon.Ancell! A lively youngster who loves off-road biking. The Rubicon Trail in Nevada was her most challenging ride, a 22-mile journey taking about 2 hours. Her biggest takeaway was the comfort provided by her fat-tire e-bike with 27.5"*2.2" tires, Zoom® 30mm Suspension seat post and Zoom® 80 mm hydraulic suspension.

E-bike Tire Pressure (psi/kpa)

In fact, bicycle tires need more frequent checks than car tires, and narrow tires require more pressure than wide ones. Road tires typically need 80-130psi (544-884 Kpa), mountain tires range from 30-90psi (204-612Kpa), and hybrid tires are between 40-80psi (272-544Kpa). Heavier riders need higher pressure. If you weigh 72kg and ride a mountain bike, 30psi should be comfortable. A 90kg person might need about 5psi more, while a 60kg person might be comfortable at 25-27psi. Remember, ideal tire pressure can vary with conditions, terrain, weather, and tire size or brand. Regularly check your tire pressure to prevent leaks.

In conclusion, choosing the right e-bike tire size should be based on riding needs and environment. The ideal tire size should balance comfort, stability, and efficiency. So, do your research when buying an e-bike.