Fixing Flats On Electric Bikes: A Step-By-Step Guide

Fixing a flat tyre on an electric bike can be a tricky task, especially if the flat tyre is in a hub motor wheel. However, with the right tools and knowledge, it is possible to do it yourself. The first step is to turn the bike off and flip it over so it rests on the handlebars and seat. You should also consider taking out the battery to make the bike lighter and prevent it from accidentally switching on. Once the bike is in the correct position, you can begin to remove the tyre and inner tube, being careful not to damage the wire. After that, you can insert a new tube and slowly inflate it to the correct pressure. Finally, you can put the wheel back on the bike and check that the axle is tight and the wheel is spinning smoothly.

How to remove the wheel

To remove the wheel of an electric bike, first turn the bike off and flip it over so it rests on the handlebars and seat. You may want to take the battery out first to make the bike lighter and prevent it from switching on while you work on it. You could also lay down a blanket to prevent scratching the seat, rack, handlebars, etc. Don't forget to flip down any mirrors or other handlebar accessories that could get in the way.

Next, take the tire off the rim on the side opposite the wire, usually the non-chain side. Then, pull the inner tube out of the tire, including the valve stem from the rim. Now, you can work the new tube into the tire, inserting the new valve stem through the rim.

How to remove the inner tube

To remove the inner tube, start by turning the ebike off and flipping it over so it rests on the handlebars and seat. You may also want to take the battery out first to make the ebike lighter and ensure it doesn't accidentally switch on while you're working on it. Next, take the tire off the rim on the side opposite the wire, usually the non-chain side. Then, pull the inner tube out of the tire, including the valve stem from the rim.

How to insert a new inner tube

To insert a new inner tube, start by turning the e-bike off and flipping it over so it rests on the handlebars and seat. You may want to take the battery out first to make the e-bike lighter and ensure it doesn't accidentally switch on while you're working on it. Consider laying down a blanket first to keep from scratching your seat, rack, handlebars, etc. Don't forget to flip down any mirrors or other handlebar accessories that could interfere with the bars resting squarely on the ground.

Next, take the tire off the rim on the side opposite the wire, usually the non-chain side. Pull the inner tube out of the tire, including the valve stem from the rim. Get your new tube ready with a little bit of air in it, but don't inflate it enough to start stretching like a balloon. Work the new tube into the tire, inserting the new valve stem through the rim. Reseat the tire bead in the rim and slowly inflate the tire to the proper PSI, checking that the bead is seating evenly all around the wheel on both sides.

Make sure that your axle is tight, and that the wheel is spinning smoothly before riding. If everything looks and feels like it did prior to your flat, it's a good sign that you've successfully repaired your flat e-bike tire.

How to inflate the new inner tube

To inflate the new inner tube, you should first work the new tube into the tire, inserting the new valve stem through the rim. Then, reseat the tire bead in the rim and slowly inflate the tire to the proper PSI, checking that the bead is seating evenly all around the wheel on both sides. You should not inflate the tube enough for it to start stretching like a balloon. Once the tire is inflated to the appropriate pressure, you can put the wheel back onto the bike and check that the axle is tight and the wheel is spinning smoothly before riding.

How to reattach the wheel

To reattach the wheel, start by turning the ebike off and flipping it over so it rests on the handlebars and seat. You may also want to take the battery out to make the ebike lighter and ensure it doesn't accidentally switch on while you're working on it. Lay down a blanket first to keep from scratching the seat, rack, handlebars, etc. Don't forget to flip down any mirrors or other handlebar accessories that could interfere with the bars resting squarely on the ground.

Now that you've inflated your tire to the appropriate pressure, it's time to put the wheel back onto the bike. Make sure that your axle is tight, and that the wheel is spinning smoothly before riding. If the axle flats don't quite align, use a 10mm or adjustable wrench to rock the axle back and forth a bit until it slides down into the dropouts. Work the new tube into the tire, inserting the new valve stem through the rim. Reseat the tire bead in the rim and slowly inflate the tire to the proper PSI, checking that the bead is seating evenly all around the wheel on both sides.

If everything looks, and feels like it did prior to your flat, it's a good sign that you've successfully repaired your flat e-bike tire.

Frequently asked questions