How to Choose the Right Tyre Pressure for Your E-bike

Users who have been riding for a while will be aware of how crucial it is to select the proper tyre pressure for their e-bike. The tyre pressure will impact the life of the tyres as well as the speed and distance travelled so it should be appropriate. But selecting the proper tyre pressure is a confusing issue for a beginner. You may get some tips on picking the appropriate tyre pressure from this page.

What is tyre pressure 

The pressure in the tyres is known as tyre pressure. The two units used to measure it are typically the bar and Psi (pound per square inch), with the bar being more prevalent in Spain. The majority of manufacturers continue to use Psi as the preferred measurement system. 1 bar = 14.5 Psi.

The Psi value determines how hard or soft a tyre is; the higher the Psi, the more complex the tyre. Many tyre manufacturers mark the proper upper or lower pressure limit on the inner side of the tyre. For instance, Cyrusher marks the upper pressure limit on the side of the tyre: maximum inflation to 20 Psi 140 kPa 1.4 BAR. It is advisable to stay within this limit when choosing a tyre pressure to reduce the risk of a blowout.

How to measure tyre pressure 

Insufficient tyre pressure makes it harder for your electric assist bike to move ahead, which means you need more power to do so. Additionally, this implies that a significant portion of your battery capacity will be consumed which will reduce your riding speed and range. Greater tread wear and tear are also caused by increased road friction which can shorten tyre life. In light of this, it's crucial to check your tyres' air pressure periodically. It is important to note that using a tyre pressure gauge is recommended instead of feeling the pressure with your hands. Tyre pressure for Cyrusher models should be around 5 and 20 Psi (it is advised not to go beyond 20). It is encouraged that you monitor this using a pressure gauge because as tyre values rise, the tyres begin to harden and it becomes difficult to identify the difference by hand. The ride will be smoother when the tyre pressure is set within the proper range.

Why tire pressure is important

Reduce tire wear

Maintaining proper tire pressure helps prevent uneven tread wear and extends the lifespan of the tires. In the long run, you will save money on maintenance costs by reducing your tire investment.

Increase riding range

Correct tire pressure enhances energy efficiency during rides, allowing you to travel further on a single charge.

Maintain traction

Proper tire pressure ensures that the tires maintain optimal contact with the ground, providing the necessary traction for safe steering and braking. Conversely, over-inflated tires have less surface area in contact with the ground, which can reduce traction and negatively impact braking and handling.

Reduce tire blowouts

Incorrect tire pressure can lead to improper tread contact with the road. Under-inflated tires generate excessive heat, increasing wear and the risk of blowouts. Maintaining the correct pressure is crucial for safety.

Ensure a comfortable ride

Adjusting tire pressure based on road conditions is essential for a stable ride. Properly inflated tires effectively absorb road bumps, resulting in a smoother and more comfortable riding experience.

How to choose tyre pressure

There are several elements that might impact tyre pressure in addition to the fact that these differ from vehicle to vehicle and from manufacturer to manufacturer.

Weight

The bike frame, rider weight and cargo weight are among the most important things to consider. This is because weight has a strong relationship with tyre pressure. Typically, the pressure needed increases with weight. The speed and distance of the e-bike will be decreased if used by a larger rider or if a heavily loaded bicycle is set at a lower pressure. For a better riding experience, a heavier load will require a higher-pressure option even though the model is the same.

Additionally, lighter riders have a contrary experience. For example, for a rider weighing 150 lbs, you could set the tyre pressure on the Cyrusher e-bike at around 15 Psi. It may need to go up another 2-3 Psi as the weight increases.

For riders of different weights who have various perspectives on the riding experience there is, however, no specific fixed value. To get the most comfortable riding experience, you can increase or reduce the Psi according to the recommended tyre pressure.

In principle, you have the option of selecting two different tyre pressures for the two tyres. This is due to research demonstrating that the front and rear wheels do not carry an equal amount of weight. For instance, the rear wheel carries around 60% of the weight since the rider's weight is mostly distributed across it. The percentage  can even be higher than this if there is an additional load to bear. To make your journey more comfortable, you can opt to adjust the rear wheel's tyre pressure a little higher. The front wheels can be set at a lower pressure to improve the grip of the tyres and the stability of the vehicle.

Tyre size

Psi is impacted by tyre width as well. Narrow tyres require a higher-pressure setting and the Psi on a traditional bike is often set between 45 to 60 Psi. In comparison,  wide tyres require a lower setting.  More air is contained in a tyre because of its wider width. Given this, they may travel at a lower tyre pressure — typically around 15 Psi is suitable for flat roads, increasing the rider's forward traction and riding comfort. The riding is pleasant on a Cyrusher as it employs fat tyres.

Temperature

The idea of heat expansion and cold contraction is well known. When the tyres are exposed to colder surfaces throughout the winter, the air gets more compressed (0.1 bar for every 10 degrees of cooling). Air expands when it is exposed to higher temperatures. Consequently, when riding in different seasons the tyre pressure will fluctuate. For instance, you may adjust the Psi to be lower in the hot summer months and higher in the chilly winter months.

Another factor to think about is the weather. Choosing a lower pressure will enhance the tyres' grip and friction which will help you avoid slipping on wet roads. This is especially important on rainy days when the roads become more slippery. Too high a tyre pressure contributes to a lot of collisions and skids on rainy days.

Road surface

Tyre pressure must be adjusted depending on the kind of road surface. 

Road riding： You can set the tyre pressure to the recommended level. On smooth roads, there are not many obstacles. Therefore, you may enhance your speed by setting the tyre pressure higher. However, higher tyre pressure also reduces traction so you must be vigilant at all times to maintain the balance of your electric cycle.

Mountain biking： In rough and rocky terrain, using higher tyre pressures is not recommended since it increases the risk of riding accidents. To avoid getting cut by road debris, it's also crucial to avoid lowering the tyre pressure too much. Therefore, remember to adjust your tyre pressure lower to improve traction while avoiding obstacles like rocks and branches. To assist you in better absorbing the road bumps on twisting routes, you may also opt to lower the pressure by roughly five Psi.

Soft surface riding: You must set a lower pressure when riding on unstable terrain like mud, sand and snow. Typically, in these conditions fat tyres are more advised. You have the option of decreasing the pressure for Cyrusher models by roughly five Psi. 

Set an ideal tyre pressure for yourself：

1. Avoid exceeding your maximum tyre pressure according to the rated tyre pressure range given by the manufacturer. Estimate the right tyre pressure value for you and use it as a standard and adjust it according to the above conditions.
2. Carry a pump and tyre gauge with you at all times when you are out riding. When you feel a significant bump during the ride, adjust the tyre pressure down a bit. And, if you feel your ride is straining and the battery is consuming power abnormally fast, you can choose to check if your tyre pressure is too low.
3. You can also test out various tyre pressures on different terrain to help you decide which pressure is best for you. To choose the proper tyre pressure more quickly, Cyrusher riders may exchange their experiences with other riders in the FB group.
4. Don't overinflate your tyres. Although the Cyrusher's fat tyres boost riding pleasure, they also provide a higher level of riding resistance. While a bike's resistance to travel is not largely influenced by the pressure of the tyres on the vehicle, it’s best to avoid using very high tyre pressure settings on your fat tyres. This will support  riding comfortably.

Check tyre pressure regularly

Check the tyre pressure periodically. Tyre pressure depletes with time whether there is a problem with the tyres or not. How quickly you lose pressure can depend on whether there are small holes in the tread, the rate of wear on the tyres or the wear between the tyres and the wheels. Inadequate tyre pressure may also hasten the deterioration of the wheels, increasing your replacement costs. So, be careful to top off your tyre pressure before you begin your ride.

Going on more rides is the best way to figure out your ideal tyre pressure. Experience is the best teacher. The suggestions in this article are based on certain fundamental principles. Don’t forget that  you can jot down notes or communicate with other experienced riders about your experiences.

Check Cyrusher to discover the right all-terrain e-bike for you

Cyrusher hopes everyone gets to know their Cyrusher e-bike better and makes sure they are riding with the proper tyre pressure. Replace your worn out tyre parts in time. Remember, accessories are available on the Cyrusher website. If you enjoy riding, check out a Cyrusher all-terrain ebike to help you open up more riding possibilities.