10 Ideas for Modding Your E-Bike

Idea #2: Replace the saddle

Shop or home. Many of our suggestions will be aimed at increasing a rider’s comfort, and replacing the saddle is one of the two best ways to improve a rider’s comfort. That’s because most of a rider’s weight is supported by the saddle. Just how and where the rider’s weight comes down on the saddle can seem like heaven … or that other place. Many shops offer a saddle demo program where a rider can try a saddle for a day or two before making a purchase. Failing that, a liberal return policy is a good way to go. We do recommend working with a shop because it’s possible to purchase the right saddle, but if it isn’t adjusted right, it can still be uncomfortable for the rider. For those inclined to DIY in their garage, our advice is to position the saddle so that it is level.

Idea #3: Swap out the bar/stem

Shop or home. This is less an upgrade than a change. For riders who are uncomfortable with the reach to the handlebar on their e-bike, whether the bar is too far away or too close to their torso, the bar and stem can be changed to either increase or decrease that reach. Working with a bike shop is the best way to go about this because they can help figure out what size stem and/or handlebar can be installed. (There are a variety of different diameters used in handlebars and fork steerers.)

Idea #4: Upgrade the grips

Home. Some e-bike makers will include simple rubber grips that can twist or even slide off the handlebar. This isn’t a common occurrence, but even a slight twist can make a rider nervous. Those cheap grips can be replaced with “lock-on” grips that secure the grip to the bar with a small clamp in the grip. Some grips include a small “wing” which provides extra support for the heel of a rider’s hand and are great for anyone who may experience occasional numbness or tingling in their hands.

Idea #5: Add a rack and cargo bag

Home. A great many e-bikes ship with a rear rack included in the e-bike’s complement of included accessories. For those who purchased an e-bike that didn’t include a rear rack, they can be added easily enough. Most e-bike companies sell racks that they have already established will fit on a given frame design. The big selling point on a rack is the ability for a commuter to attach a cargo bag with a laptop, lunch, etc., instead of a backpack, which tends to result in a sweaty back.

Idea #6: Add lights

Home or shop. Riders need not ride at night for lights to be necessary, or even a good idea. Daytime running lights help alert drivers, stroller-pushing moms and others to a rider’s presence. Also—and this may be a surprise—when riding at dawn or dusk, riders need lights lights that are brighter than what is necessary to ride safely in darkness. That’s because at sunup and sundown a bike light must overcome the ambient light in order to make a difference. A bike shop can be handy in selecting lights because they can often help a rider find a better light that will work with their e-bike’s wiring so that they can run the lights off of the battery, rather than the more limited internal battery found in many lights.

Idea #7: Replace the rotors

Shop. Replacing the brakes on an e-bike can run hundreds of dollars and may be a bigger investment than some riders are willing to make. There is a shortcut to better braking, though. Simply replacing the existing rotors with larger rotors will increase the brake’s leverage on the wheel, giving the brake more bite. For an e-bike with 160mm rotors, that means going to 180mm rotors and for e-bikes with 180mm rotors (the most common size), the next size up would be 203mm rotors. In addition to mounting the new rotors, a spacer will need to be inserted between the brake caliper and the frame/fork. The shop can then realign the brake.

Idea #8: Replace the suspension fork

Shop. All-terrain e-bike in the $1000-$2000 range often come with suspension forks that feature a steel coil spring. These forks don’t permit the fine tuning possible in a suspension fork with an air/oil design. Air springs are smoother and these forks allow for a rider to dampen rebound so that the rider doesn’t feel like their front wheel is mounted to a pogo stick. A good shop can walk a rider through the choices in compatible suspension forks and then handle installation.

Idea #9: Replace the brakes

Shop. We don’t often see e-bikes with brakes that aren’t up to the job, but we do come across them on occasion. Some larger riders may want a more powerful brake that will give them a reduced stopping distance and better brake modulation in corners and when going downhill. Upgrading from mechanical disc brakes to hydraulic disc brakes or from two-piston hydraulic disc brakes to four-piston hydraulic disc brakes will make a big change in how the e-bike stops.

Idea #10: Purchase a second battery

Home. Sooner or later nearly everyone forgets to charge their e-bike’s battery after a ride. That can result in a change of plans for a morning commute or the run to the grocery store. Most e-bike manufacturers include batteries in their, uh, battery of accessories. Pro move: Riders with a long commute might consider purchasing a second charger to keep at work.

Conclusion

Any time someone buys an e-bike, the key to making it a part of life is to make sure that it is as suitable to the rider’s needs as possible. Comfort, accessories and ease of use are big factors. While no one needs to pursue all of these options, each one has the ability to make the riding experience easier, more comfortable and more enjoyable.