Tire Pressure Optimization
Tire pressure is the simplest way to optimize your e-bike's performance. Too low = sluggish and inefficient. Too high = harsh and slippery. Find your perfect pressure with these interactive tools.
1. Find Your Optimal Pressure
The formula: Optimal pressure depends on your weight, tire width, and terrain. Heavier riders need more pressure. Wider tires need less. Off-road needs lower pressure for grip.
👇 Calculate it: Enter your specs to get personalized recommendations.
🎯Optimal Pressure Calculator
Recommended Pressure
(5.8 bar)
🎯 Pro Tip: Check pressure weekly! Temperature changes affect it significantly. Lower pressure = more comfort and grip. Higher pressure = less rolling resistance and faster speeds.
🎯 Quick Rule: Start at the recommended pressure and adjust ±5 PSI based on feel. Too harsh? Drop 5 PSI. Feels sluggish? Add 5 PSI. Check pressure weekly!
2. Rolling Resistance Impact
The physics: Under-inflated tires deform more, creating drag. This wastes power and reduces range. Just 10-15 PSI too low can cost you 10-15% of your range!
👇 See the impact: Adjust pressure and speed to see how much power you're wasting.
🔄Rolling Resistance Simulator
🔄 Physics: Under-inflated tires waste 27W of power at 25 km/h. That's energy you could use for going farther! Proper pressure can improve range by 10-15%.
⚡ Power Savings: Proper tire pressure is free speed! It's one of the easiest optimizations with the biggest impact on efficiency and range.
Quick FAQ
How often should I check tire pressure?
Weekly is ideal. Tires naturally lose 1-2 PSI per week. Temperature changes also affect pressure—it drops when cold, rises when hot.
Should I use the max pressure on the tire sidewall?
No! That's the MAXIMUM safe pressure, not the optimal pressure. Most riders should be 10-20 PSI below the max for best performance and comfort.
Does pressure affect puncture resistance?
Yes! Higher pressure prevents pinch flats (when the tire compresses against the rim). But too high makes you more likely to hit sharp objects hard. Find the sweet spot.
Do front and rear need different pressures?
Often yes! The rear carries more weight (you + cargo), so it typically needs 5-10 PSI more than the front. Experiment to find what feels balanced.
The Bottom Line
Tire pressure is a simple but critical optimization:
- 🎯Optimize: Use the calculator to find your ideal pressure
- 📅Check Weekly: Tires lose pressure naturally over time
- ⚖️Balance: Lower = comfort/grip, Higher = speed/efficiency
- 🔄Adjust: Change pressure based on conditions and feel
Five minutes with a pump can improve your range by 10-15%. That's the best time investment you can make!
Calculate Your Range
Optimize your tires and see the impact! Use our E-Bike Range Calculator to plan routes with your optimized setup.
Also check out: Range Physics | Cargo Optimization