In biking, you might already know there is so much information to obtain! This is especially true if you are starting your biking journey. However, the tires are one of the most significant parts of biking, especially when riding on an e-bike.
Because several out there might not be suitable for your bike when riding on different terrain, it is imperative to research beforehand. So, what are the best e-bike tires, and why are they so great?
There are many fantastic options, but we have narrowed them down to these specific ones:
- Michelin Wild AM Performance
- Maxxis Minion DHF
- Schwalbe Magic Mary Evo Faltreifen
- Kenda Kwick Journey Bike Tire
- Schwalbe Pick-Up Performance E-Cargo Reifen
- CST Metropolitan Palm Bay
- Continental Ride Tour
- MICHELIN Protek Max Bicycle Tire
- SCHWALBE Marathon Plus HS Wire Tire
This article provides the ultimate guide for figuring out what to get. For example, there are many types to consider, like riding in the mountains, which requires different tires than regularly commuting from work to home or carrying cargo. Continue reading for more information.
What Are the Best Ebike Tires?
Although there are many fantastic options for e-bike tires, we have done a massive amount of research and are led to believe these are the best ones for you!
Mountain Ebike Tires
The first bike tires we will discuss are for mountain biking.
1. Michelin Wild AM Performance
Michelin Wild AM Performance is an excellent choice if you want to go deeper into the trenches and push yourself to the limits! Because of its optimized puncture resistance, it offers more protection and provides an excellent grip due to the lug height.
These wheels provide precision with every turn you have to face and help you gain control even when the turns are looser. The Michelin Wild AM Performance was built for longevity and enables you to go through rough trails without the fear of gaining a flat tire.
2. Maxxis Minion DHF
The Maxxis Minion DHF does not disappoint. It provides many features that help your mountain biking experience run smoothly. The EXO provides abrasion and cut technology on the sidewall of the tire itself. It is highly durable for riding on gravel, downhill, and trails.
These wheels provide traction, balance, braking abilities, and rolling speed. Lastly, the Maxxis Minion DHF is tubeless, creating many benefits, including fewer chances of a flat tire because no tubes are involved.
3. Schwalbe Magic Mary Evo Faltreifen
Suppose you want to save money in the long run. In this case, the Schwalbe Magic Mary is perfect. It is highly durable and will last a long time. It is the go-to for aggressive riders, providing the ideal cushion between robustness and stability. The Magic Mary is excellent when going downhill and provides a lighter approach than the classic downhill tire.
Cargo Ebike Tires
The next type of tire we will discuss is specifically for hulling cargo.
1. Kenda Kwick Journey Bike Tire
The Kenda Kwick Journey bike tire is perfect for riding in dry and wet conditions. You can confidently hit the road while the knurled shoulder knobs grip any corners and turn you may have.
These tires also have reflective sidewalls, which are perfect when you are carrying cargo in the evening. Lastly, they have high tire durability, enhanced tread longevity, and low rolling resistance. Due to their longevity, they are perfect for any rider who wants to go the extra mile while saving money in the long run.
2. Schwalbe Pick-Up Performance E-Cargo Reifen
Each tire can hold up to 374 pounds, meaning you can carry up to 748 pounds on your e-bike! Because of this, these tires are highly durable and will help you with any side hustles, such as Doordash, Instacart, or anything similar.
These tires have a double carcass and provide excellent puncture protection, ensuring they last a long time. They are also more affordable than many of the others mentioned in this article, making them worth the investment.
3. CST Metropolitan Palm Bay
Suppose you are on a budget but wish to transport cargo. In this case, the CST Metropolitan Palm Bay is going to be your best friend, as it will help transform your riding experience from casual to hauling objects around. This is also great if you want a good workout for your legs.
These tires feature an APL-reinforced layer, which helps if you ride over glass shards, thorns, loose debris, and much more. The sides also act as a shock absorber, so you would not need to worry about your knees as much.
City & Commuter Ebike Tires
Lastly, we are going to discuss the city and commuter e-bike tires.
1. Continental Ride Tour
For those who live in urban settings, like a large city that requires a lot of walking or bicycling, look no further than the Continental Ride Tour.
These tires provide a smooth ride while still being durable and lasting. They also have ample traction when cornering, helping your ride become smoother. They are ready for higher speeds on e-bikes and provide long-lasting treads for all rides.
2. MICHELIN Protek Max Bicycle Tire
In any city, you will encounter broken glass shards, sharp plastic pieces, and loose surfaces (like broken concrete). However, the Michelin Protek Max bicycle tire is perfect for helping you reach your destination without any flat tire issues.
These tires allow you to spend less energy pedaling, which helps you go on longer rides due to their rolling resistance. Their textured grip also helps provide better traction when turning corners without losing balance.
3. SCHWALBE Marathon Plus HS Wire Tire
The last tire we will discuss is the Schwalbe Marathon Plus HS wire tire. This tire is made out of 5mm elastic puncture protection without worrying about the ride quality going down. It is perfect for use on paved bike paths, city streets, and hard-packed dirt trails. Also, if you travel at night, the reflective side lights make it extremely easy for others to see you coming and going, ensuring a safer ride for you.
What Are the Different Types of Ebike Tires to Consider?
Before making a purchase, one should consider the different types of e-bikes. This is important because if you are biking in the city or suburbs and need to get to your relative’s house or work, you will use different tires than you would for casually riding in the mountains.
However, another thing to consider is if you like mountain biking but live somewhere like the city, then consider getting them both, as you can easily switch the tires out once you get the hang of it.
1. Mountain Bike Tires
Suppose you love the outdoors but want to adventure off into the wilderness. In that case, we recommend getting mountain bike tires, as these bad boys are thicker and can withstand much more than your average Joe. Some examples include mud, dirt, roots, rocks, and uneven surfaces.
Mountain bike tires provide reinforced sidewalls that add durability, which is essential when facing challenges by trips taken off-road.
Another perk about these tires is that they offer tubeless compatibility, which allows the rider to run on lower tire pressure, which helps improve their grip and reduces the risk of any flat tires.
2. Fat Tires
Flat tires contain larger widths than traditional bike tires. They are also flat, perfect for riding on loose gravel, snow, sand, mud, or similar terrain.
These tires provide enough traction for unpredictable surfaces while allowing the rider extra cushion and comfort.
3. Road Bike Tires
Road bike tires are made specifically for the road. They are lower to the ground, allowing you to gain more traction and, inevitably, go faster but smoother. These tires are designed to maximize contact with the road, helping you not use up so much energy while still using good pedal power.
Road bike tires come in multiple widths, which help the rider customize optimal performance. Some models also provide puncture-resistant features that help enhance reliability on open roads or city streets.
4. Cargo Tires
Cargo tires are tires that can withstand a lot of pressure or weight. Suppose you work for Instacart and deliver groceries to people.
In that case, you will need tires you know will hold up instead of worrying about them not working correctly within a few months and investing in new tires.
Cargo tires are broad, which helps them have good traction and stability. They are also made with a sturdy design. Lastly, the sidewalls are often reinforced, helping these tires stay afloat.
5. City or Commuter Tires
A city or commuter tire is smoother than the other tires mentioned above. These particular tires are designed for daily commuting in urban environments. They will often withstand debris on streets, sidewalks, and other areas.
City and commuter tires are smoother and hassle-free as they contain low rolling resistance for more efficiency. Also, the tires are very reliable in the designated areas where they are meant to be used. Some models may contain reflective strips so you can be more visible in the evening, ensuring more safety for riders in traffic.
6. Trekking or Hybrid Tires
Suppose you want to avoid paying for separate bike tires or continuously changing the tires depending on what you want to do with the bike. In that case, we recommend searching for trekking or hybrid tires, which provide the best of both worlds, meaning they are versatile options for multiple riding situations.
These tires have a tread pattern that combines mountain bike and city or commuter tires. This helps provide traction on hard-packed trails or light gravel. They are perfect for those looking for an on-road-off-road experience!
What Factors to Consider Before Purchasing Ebike Tires?
When shopping for new tires, consider some things beforehand. For example, what size and compatibility do you want in a tire? Do you live near the beach and want to ride on the sand? Does your job require you to haul heavy equipment around town?
Write down specific features before randomly selecting a tire that looks good. We also recommend that you take the time to do research beforehand. Nothing is worse than spending a ton of money on something you did not need!
1. Tread Patterns for Different Terrains
Some tires look more rugged, whereas other tires have a smoother look. It is essential to consider which tire you need for what occasion or terrain. Doing so allows your tires to give you more bang for your buck.
For example, if you want tires that can be used in different weather conditions, like water, consider looking for tires with deep groves and channels that help the tire contact the path despite the water being an obstacle.
Another example is finding tires with aggressive lugs that create better friction on loose gravel or dirt areas. If you are riding in a rocky area meant for intermediate or expert riders, we recommend specific types of wheels as well.
2. Tubeless vs. Tube Tires
Eliminating tube tires will help you get a better feel for the trail you are going into. Tubeless tires have become extremely popular over the last several years.
They have many advantages, including better overall traction, more comfortability, and running at lower pressures. They also help increase speed and traction.
Conversely, they can be challenging compared to tube tires, requiring special sealant and tape. With a bit of time and effort for installation, tubeless tires are an extreme advantage to your biking experience!
3. Rolling Efficacy & Resistance
Rolling efficacy and resistance are essential because they allow you to optimize your speed. If your tires are flat, the ground where they hit contact will be higher, leading to higher resistance. In contrast, if the tire pressure exceeds the recommended amount, the rolling resistance will be minimized.
4. Puncture Durability & Resistance
If you have ever had a flat tire in anything, whether from your bike or car, you know puncture durability is essential when picking out a tire.
Puncture durability is how long a tire can withstand sharp objects on the road. To prolong the life of your e-bike tire, tires with additional protection and reinforced layers are essential.
This means you will not need to replace them as often, helping you get your money’s worth. However, although these tires last longer, it is imperative to still take care of them, as nothing is indestructible!
5. Compatibility & Size of the Tire
There are many ways size and compatibility affect the way you ride. They are as follows:
- Construction
- Rolling resistance
- Grip
- Width
- Tire pressure
Because of this, it is imperative to ensure the bike tire you choose fits the size of your bike’s framework. Otherwise, it will be considered unsafe and not work well.
As you have seen above, many of the tires we mentioned come in multiple sizes but double-check before purchasing. If you need more clarification, we recommend contacting a professional or your bike’s manufacturer to determine what size to get.
In addition to this, make sure to consider the width and tire pressure as well. The width will impact how stable your bike is and the shock absorption. Although wide tires provide more stability, they also increase rolling resistance.
Tire pressure also plays a large part in how your e-bike rides, as it affects durability, traction, and comfort. Properly inflated tires minimize punctures and give a better grip on specific surfaces.
Tire Care & Maintenance
Suppose you bought the tire you want after reading this article. In that case, you will want to know how to take care of it properly so it lasts a long time!
1. Number of Times to Replace Tires
Experts recommend replacing tires every 2000 to 3000 miles or when there are obvious signs of wear and tear.
Some worn-out signs include bumps, bubbles, cracks, and worn-down tread patterns. Other specific factors to consider are the type of tire you invest in, riding conditions, and maintenance practices.
Although having frequent replacements may seem like a lot of money upfront, it is imperative to do so to ensure your safety, and so you can enjoy your ride more.
2. Wear & Tear Inspections Regularly
Inspecting any wear and tear your bike’s tires may have is essential as it can show you if your bike will perform optimally. Also, it will help add to your tire’s longevity. For example, suppose you just returned from a long biking trip with your family or friends but did not inspect.
If something happens, it can lead to a more significant problem. Look for any bald spots, excessive wear, cuts, bulges, punctures, or holes your tires might have acquired during that time. We also recommend getting a tire tread depth gauge to understand better where your tire is at.
3. Maintenance Tips for DIYers
Here are some tips for those who love to fix things themselves:
- Check your brakes regularly and make any necessary adjustments to ensure your bike is running safely.
- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions on how to charge and store your e-bike’s battery.
- You should always have the necessary tools and equipment for your bike, such as a chain cleaner, Allen wrenches, and a tire pump.
- Regularly lubricate your chain to extend its life and reduce friction.
- Clean your e-bike using gentle cleaning techniques to improve its performance and remove the grime and dirt it has acquired.
Final Thoughts
We know there is a lot of helpful information out there about e-bikes and the type of tires you need for a specific purpose. Knowing this information helps you better understand what you can pick and choose. We hope this article and information were helpful. If you need more useful information, please check out our other articles!
