Explore Ebike Wheels: What You Need to Know

One of the most important decisions that you will have to make when choosing an electric bike is deciding what tyre size you will get.

The type of tyres that you get will have a significant impact on the comfort, performance, and safety of your ride. However, the right choice for you will depend on your rider height, riding style, physical capabilities, and the terrain that you ride on.

In this article, you will learn about the fundamentals of ebike wheels, including why ebike size matters and the pros and cons of using different tyre sizes.

Understanding the Basics of Ebike Wheels

Before we help you decide which ebike wheel size is right for you, it’s good to understand the basics of ebike wheels first. That’s because there are so many factors to consider. This includes not just the tire diameter and width but also the wheel construction, such as the spoke count.

Rim

The rim is the part of the wheel that the tyre wraps around. It is usually made of highly durable material, such as aluminium or carbon fiber. Ebike rims come in different widths, where wider rims can accommodate for wider tyres. They are strong yet lightweight, contributing to rider stability.

Spokes

Spokes are thin, long rods that connect the rim to the hub. They help the wheels maintain their structural integrity, preventing warping and cracking.

Ebike wheels can have different spoke counts and thicknesses. The more spokes a wheel has, the stronger it will be. However, this will increase the ebike’s weight. Thicker spokes will also produce a similar effect.

Hub

The hub is the centre of the wheel, where the spokes connect. A hub ebike will have the motor placed on the front or rear wheel, supplying torque to the wheel. Mid-drive ebikes have the motor secured to the bottom centre of the frame. A strong hub will enable the ebike to handle the stress of riding on uneven terrain.

Tyre

The tyre is the rubber portion of the wheel that wraps around the rim. Ebike tyres are generally sturdier than non-electric bike tyres, due to carrying the additional weight of the electric motor and battery.

Larger and wider tyres provide the best support on rough terrain, including gravel, sand, and even snow. They can more easily roll over obstacles and reach higher top speeds. Smaller and skinnier tyres ensure fast acceleration on smooth terrain.

Does Ebike Wheel Size Really Matter?

Yes, the size of your ebike tyres does matter. The size of your ebike tyres will determine the frame size, your ability to ride on rough terrain, and your acceleration and top speed. That said, the electric motor does help in the performance department.

Choosing an ebike wheel size that complements your riding style is incredibly important. If you plan on riding on rough terrain, then you’ll need large and wide tyres to absorb the harsh impact of debris. However, if you plan on riding on mostly flat, smooth terrain, then you’ll want smaller and skinnier wheels to cruise effortlessly in urban settings.

Which Ebike Wheel Size is Right for You?

To help you determine which ebike wheel size is right for you, refer to the following table below so that you can compare each tyre size.

	Rider Height	Frame Size	Inseam
20 inch	5’1” to 6’	12”	85cm
26-inch	5’ to 6’4”	15” to 21”	88cm
27.5-inch	6’ and over	21” and over	90cm
29-inch	6’ and over	21” and over	92cm

20-Inch

20-inch tyres are ideal for commuting on flat terrain and light off-road terrain. They are larger than 16-inch tyres, meaning they require fewer rotations to accelerate and maintain speed. The result is faster performance with less pedalling effort.

Pros

• Faster performance on flat terrain than 16-inch tyres
• Ideal for compact folding frames where ease of use and portability are crucial
• Easy to handle in tight situations like riding through congested areas

Use Cases

Ideal for riding on smooth, flat terrain like major roadways, sidewalks, and well-maintained bike paths. The Heybike Galaxy K is particularly suited for daily commuting, with its compact frame and 20-inch tyres making it easy to manoeuvre in tight situations.

26-Inch

26-inch tyres are larger than 16 and 20-inch tyres, making them suitable for riding on rough terrain. They also provide greater stability and comfort than smaller tyres. This means they can support a wider variety of riding styles, from daily commuting in the city to leisurely rides.

Pros

• Great balance of speed on flat terrain and stability on rough terrain
• More comfortable ride on bumpy terrain
• Reduced risk of tyre punctures

Use Cases

Ideal for urban commuting and light off-road riding. Provides a great mix of speedy performance on flat terrain and reliable support on rough terrain.

27.5 Inch

27.5-inch tyres provide a great mix of speed, comfort, and stability – especially on rough terrain. The large tyre size means you can cover more distance with less pedalling effort.

The wide and thick tyre profile also helps absorb bumps more easily, resulting in a more comfortable ride. You’ll also be able to commute for longer, especially with a comfy saddle and front hydraulic suspension.

Pros

• Excellent comfort and support on rough terrain
• Ideal for taller riders who need a larger frame to ride comfortably
• Able to cover more ground with less pedalling effort

Use Cases

Riding on rough terrain, including gravel, sand, and snow. Particularly well-suited for endurance riding on off-road adventures.

29-Inch

29-inch tires are the largest possible tyre size that you can find on an ebike. They provide the smoothest ride on rough terrain, enabling you to glide effortlessly across obstacles. The large tyre size also helps you achieve incredible top speeds. Simply put, they’re the perfect companion for off-road adventures and endurance rides.

Pros

• Offers the smoothest possible ride and support on rough terrain
• Perfectly suited for extra-tall riders who struggle to fit into smaller frames
• Able to achieve higher top speeds than any other tyre size

Use Cases

Ideal for off-road adventures and endurance rides on unpredictable terrain. 

How to Keep Your Ebike Wheels in Top Shape

There’s more to ebikes than just choosing the right tyre size. You also need to keep your wheels and tyres in great shape. This will ensure that you can ride safely and comfortably without fear of injury. Follow these tips below to care for your beloved wheels.

• Regularly inspect the wheel rims and spokes for any signs of wear and cracks.
• Clean the wheels and tyres with warm water and a gentle cleaning solution after exposure to mud, sand, dirt, and other debris.
• Adjust the spoken tension regularly to prevent warping and wobbling, which you can do by following the manufacturer’s guidelines and using a spoke wrench.
• Grease the wheel bearings to ensure smooth rotation and minimal wear.

Final Words

Choosing the right tyre size is vital to enjoying a comfortable ride on your ebike. Whether you are into endurance riding in the outback or daily commuting in the city, the right tyre size will make all the difference. It’s just a matter of choosing a size that complements your riding style and physical capabilities.

To discover your next riding companion, explore the full range of Heybike electric bikes today.