When it comes to riding an ebike, having the right bike accessories can make all the difference. Every year more and more great products come to market and with so many choices for bike accessories, it can be hard to know what to buy! From helmets to phone mounts, there are a variety of items that can help you make the most of your cycling experience.
In this blog post, we share our top five ebike accessories for 2023 and why we think they are indispensable. By the end of this post, you’ll have a better idea of which bike accessories you need to provide the optimal experience while riding an ebike.
Our Top Accessories for 2023
- Best Helmet: VIO helmet from Nutcase – $74.93 (R.E.I. Sale)
The Importance of a Good Helmet
Though not the law in every state, it is highly recommended you wear a helmet while riding an ebike. This is because ebikes can travel at higher speeds than non motorized bikes and without the proper protection, serious injuries could occur. A helmet will protect your head in the event of a fall and could potentially save your life.
The Nutcase VIO offers an excellent fit with a MIPS system for added safety. The visibility is excellent with near 360-degree lighting, and the 200-lumen headlamp provides good illumination in low-light conditions. The three modes of light provide different levels of illumination to suit different needs, and the built-in rechargeable lighting system ensures that you have light when you need it.
The helmet features well-placed and generous padding. Its rigid peak is removable for easy cleaning and the fidlock magnetic clasp on the straps ensure that it stays securely fastened.
Portland-based company Nutcase was founded over 20 years ago to offer helmets people actually WANT to wear, without being told they should. Nutcase’s VIO helmet is just one of the many different collections it has developed over the years. Offered in six different colors and two sizes, the VIO is priced at $149.99. You can also find it on Amazon (Rated 4 out of 5 stars).
Phone Mounts to Stay Connected
A phone mount is a great way to keep your phone within easy reach while riding. This is helpful for accessing GPS directions, music and other apps. Additionally, a phone mount will help ensure that you are always connected in case of an emergency.
There are a variety of phone mounts available that fit most phones and bicycles. Some even allow you to charge your phone while you ride!
Founded in 2011 in Australia, the Quad Lock is a comprehensive mounting solution for cyclists, commuters, runners, skaters, industrial workers, and more. It offers a secure, rock-solid connection between your device and a wide variety of mounts and is easily attached and detached with one hand.
The system utilizes a patented 4-part locking mechanism which locks your device into the mount with an audible click, making it nearly impossible for the phone to accidentally twist out. The mounts can be rotated 90 degrees to change the screen’s orientation between vertical and horizontal, and a release button on the back of the case pops the phone out of the mount.
The Quad Lock is available in a wide range of products, including out-front bike mounts, handlebar mounts, stem mounts, dashboard mounts and more. Our choice, at only $39.99 is the Outfront Mount.
Using the included hex wrench, the Quad Lock handlebar mount can be installed in just a few minutes. The process of locking the phone into the mount and then releasing it again becomes automatic with a little practice. We also love that it comes with an optional action cam adaptor to attach your GoPro.
Aside from buying directly from the manufacturer, you can also purchase the Outfront Mount at Amazon where it has over 3500 ratings and an average of 4.8 out of 5 stars.
Rear Racks for Cargo Storage
If you’re using your ebike for commuting to work or just running errands, a rear rack is a must-have. Rear racks can hold up to 55lbs and are quick and easy to install.
Rear racks are great because there are a plethora of accessories that can be mounted on top of racks, like baskets, child seats, and even pet carriers! Ebike manufacturers like Lectric and Rad Power Bikes are leading the charge when it comes to ebike accessories and they have many, many, MANY options to help you configure your ebike exactly the way you want.
When it comes to racks, the Topeak Explorer Rear Rack delivers a durable, affordable and reliable option. The rack is made from 6061 T-6 hollow aluminum and is designed to be compatible with MTX TrunkBags and MTX rear baskets. The rack has a maximum weight capacity of 26 kg / 57 lb and meets EN 14872 / ISO 11243 standards.
This rack also includes a mounting bracket (26.5 cm) and comes with adapters for various taillight options. Installation requires minimal effort, which is one of the reasons we recommend this product.
The Topeak Explorer Rack has a 4.6 out of 5 rating on Amazon with over 3,739 ratings. You can purchase one for as low as $49.95 if your bike has rim brakes. The version that works with disc brakes is $62.02.
Rearview Mirrors for Safety
Mirrors are a common safety tool that can be used in many different situations. They give you a larger field of view, which can help you see cars or fast-moving cyclists coming up from behind you. Mirrors also help cyclists signal to other cyclists and drivers. Finally, mirrors can be helpful in avoiding accidents with pedestrians, especially when pulling into shared bike paths.
Hafny has been producing high quality bike mirrors since 2012 and have pioneered the use of automotive-grade, anti-glare blue lenses into their mirrors. These mirrors are designed to reduce vibration, give a wider field of view and are easily adjustable. They are also lightweight with a universal design that will fit most handlebars. The lenses are made of convex steel that is designed to give a clear reflection.
Hafny Handlebar Bike mirrors that include anti-glare glass can be found on Amazon for $25.00. Although you can get away with one handlebar mirror (left), they also offer a set for $47.99. Additionally, you can find their handlebar mirror (left side) at Juiced Bikes
Illuminated Pedals for Night Riding
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced ebike rider, it’s important to have good pedals. Pedals are essential for power and control in your ride but aside from turning the bike’s crank they can also double as an additional source of visibility.
The ARCLIGHT LED PEDALS from Redshift Sports, offer one of the most effective and innovative ways to add tons of visibility while riding. We had a chance to review them earlier this year and night rides are many times more fun when you have the added peace of mind that comes with being highly visible to oncoming vehicles.
The Arclights are 57% more visible than with traditional stationary tail lights. The natural circular motion of pedaling signals to oncoming cars that they are approaching a cyclist, as they provide 360-degree visibility from the front, back, and sides. Smart sensors even change the LED color automatically based on what direction you’re going: cars in front of you will see white lights approaching while cars behind you see bright red lights.
They also come with three different battery life settings: solid light mode lasts 3 hours; flash mode lasts 11 hours; strobe mode lasts 36+ hours! The Arclight LED Pedals are also water and dust-resistant, making them easy to clean after a ride in wet conditions. The LED modules snap into place magnetically, so they’re easy to install on any type of bike with a standard 9/16″ thread pitch. Since they’re modular, you can take them off and you can put them somewhere else like on frame tubing, backpacks, and helmets.
Order these amazing pedals directly or find them on Amazon for the same price- $139.99.
Horns To Alert Pedestrians
Some states legally require a horn on an electric bike. If you’re in one of these states, it’s important to be aware of this and use the horn accordingly. A horn is a great way to make your presence known to other cyclists and vehicles on the road. It can help to avoid accidents, and can also help to warn people about traffic conditions or dangers ahead.
The Juiced Horn, manufactured by Juiced Bikes, is fairly priced at $59. It is a bicycle-mounted alarm that alerts people with an ear-piercing 118 dB alarm and has a USB rechargeable lithium battery that lasts up to 2,000 beeps. The “Horn” is made from anodized aluminum and is IP67 water-resistant. The Juiced Horn also acts as an alarm when used in combination with the key fob remote which easily attaches to a keychain. Once armed, with any movement the alarm will go off, hopefully deterring would-be thieves.
At only $59 this bike horn is like two products in one and offers really great value.
Although Juiced Bikes is most recognized for its ebikes, the company has also created a wide range of ebike accessories, such as pannier bags, portable air pumps, and seat upgrades to name a few.
To Summarize
Ebikes can attain high velocities and, without the proper headgear, riders expose themselves to incurring concussions or other serious injuries. A phone mount affixes your device within proximity, proving beneficial for GPS navigation, listening to music, and other applications. If you want to augment your bike’s storage capacity, a rear rack provides an excellent solution–they can hold up to 55 lbs and are easy to install.
Additionally, having great pedals confers stability and steadiness while pedaling, allowing you to go faster without tiring as quickly. Lastly, a horn blares your presence, useful for preventing collisions and for alerting others of perils or obstacles ahead.
Having the right set of bike accessories will enhance your rides greatly so take the time to pick up whatever you need for safe cycling practices no matter where you’re headed!