Top 5 Electric Bike Accessories

Some ebikes are expensive and others target value but all can be customized to offer a more comfortable, useful experience. Here are the top five electric bike accessories according to Sam Townsend from Myron’s Extreme Machines in Fullerton California. Sam has been in the ebike business for over a decade and carries a wide range of products. He has observed trends and come up with a general list of the top 5 most popular extras.

- The saddle (the bike seat), pedals, handlebars and grips are very popular upgrades. These are the parts of the ebike that people interface with directly and can be dialed in for comfort, light weight or some combination of the two.
- A bell, horn or electronic beep can improve safety by alerting other riders of your presence but choose something friendly and not so loud that it will startle people or hurt your own ears when used repeatedly
- To carry extra gear (say, for commuting) and improve the utility of an e-bike many owners will add a rear carry rack. These are usually compatible with trunk bags and panniers or even bottle cages. Consider beam racks, under-seat bags, frame bags (that use straps or velcro to secure to the frame structure) and front racks if you need even more space or have a full suspension bike that isn’t compatible with rear racks. Many times you can bring along a charger or extra battery to extend your range.
- For extended use (be it commuting or cross-country riding) you may need a tool kit for moments when parts on the bike come loose or fail. Flat tires, loose spokes and dropped chains are common when going off-road and having the proper tools can keep you going. Consider taking your cell phone along so you can call for help if needed.
- To secure your bike bring a lock and consider adding a seat leash and longer cable so that wheels won’t be removed. There are a wide range of options here and the trade off seems to be in weight and price. Some link-locks now fold to become super compact. You can also buy bicycle insurance which not only covers the bike but also accessories and injuries (much like car insurance).
- For even more visibility, consider adding a set of lights. This is especially important if you ride at night. As seasons change the morning commute or evening rides may get dark and catch you off guard. In some places it is illegal to ride at night without lights. Many lights are now USB powered or rechargeable and some ebikes have USB outlets so you can charge your lights as you ride.

[Gregoriob]

Bought three electric bikes from Sam (EMotion brand) and he's been fantastic every time I need something. Can't imagine a better dealer. He is as he seems.

[fastblock]

I'd buy a bike from that guy. He's down to earth and shows he cares.

[oleg]

I like how he is not just for his shop and tells the truth and how and where and advice in all not many sails people like that ! Especialy at the high end they tend to try to make you upgrade ! Top vids !

[frankhooper]

I just watched this as a potential e-bike buyer in the UK and had a double-take at the end when he mentioned the shop was in Fullerton...my home town from 1953-73!

[michaelanderson]

it's good to hear a bike shop owner say online parts are ok

[harindergill]

Sam Your unbiased frank views and suggestions are really refreshing. Thanks. Many thanks to Court too

[neilchapman]

I didn't even consider that there were usb ports on some batteries. I just checked my battery and, yep, I HAD ONE. BRILLIANT. Thanks for the really useful info.

[jamesdewer]

I really like this bike post. What makes this guy legit, he isn't pimping his shop every 10secs. The bell is critical. Ringing it once is sufficient the "ding, ding" is often misconstrued

[waterbottle]

"Someone stole her seat" I had that issue exactly four days after buying an expensive non electric bike. And ever since I use a large U lock, a chain lock, and an armored cable lock. Knowing my bike is safe.... PRICELESS. xD

[pugmalley]

One of the best locks to get is the New York U style locks. The Chain one with the small U lock is good against cut off wheels. People should really look at the Lock Picking Lawyer on youtube as he goes into this stuff.

[robertbennett]

Thanks so much for the timely info Court.
And Sam, “Now THAT’S a Harley man !

[philbuglass]

Been binge-watching videos about ebikes since hearing about the RadRover a few days ago.   There seems to be much less of this sort of thing here on the East coast - not even a regular cycle shop closer than 10 miles from my home...    One thing I am surprised about, is that nobody seems to put a mirror on their bike!  Even at 20mph, you are going to be passed much more than you are going to be passing...   I used to cycle a lot, back in my younger days, and a decent mirror was always one of the first things I added.

[troyp]

Topeak also makes a crate for that same rack. All their accessories can use the same rack. The crate is fantastic. I pack my groceries into it and ride home. It’s better for rainy climates too as it’s all plastic and no cloth. I could see using that bag he demonstrated if I was in a dry climate but I’m in the Pacific NW and we ride in the rain six months out of the year.

[dementedone]

Stem post to raise handlebars is my fav after market accessory.

[mickyb.]

Sams one heck of a genuine guy, If I was in the shop id be sold on whatever he showed me haha😅 great guy, id rather be served by a guy like him than a person who you can tell just hates being there, or is rude.

[andyberry]

Nice vid.. Thanks! I never thought of the insurance for my new bike.. good call! Appreciate your time to do this. Cheers!

[robertcaffrey]

I just love the name of that saddle ARS Classic there is a silent E there for sure. ARSE Classic ha ha. Nice looking saddle though.

[CrazyAlvis]

After 9 years of nursing I knew exactly what the seat cut out was for
It is to reduce pressure on the coccyx/tailbone
The same cut out is seen on many wheelchair cushions

[sylar]

That bag that has the folding out panniers is a great idea, im looking to get something like this for my ebike. At the moment I have an old milk create but its a bit of an eyesore on my ebike. Really good idea.

[bindibindi]

Genuine bike review. Would definitely buy off this legend!