So, here are our top picks for must-have accessories for your next or latest e-bike.

A Heavy-Duty Lock

E-bikes are prime targets for theft. Secure your frame with a durable and reliable lock. If you’ve not already seen it, we’ve already done an in-depth analysis of bike locks and named our top picks. Whether it is the rare earth metals in control electronics, motors, and batteries, or the bike as a whole, a lock is not a creature comfort but an essential item. 

Consider buying the Kryptonite 1515 Legend if you have no weight or size restrictions. Consider investing in the Hiplok DX1000 for a portable, relatively lightweight lock. The 1515 is a heavy chain lock that is hard to cut through for obvious reasons. The DX1000 is famous for its design to cut through angle grinder discs when attacked by them. 

Alarms & Trackers

We’ve also featured GPS trackers in our deep dive into steps you can take to safeguard your e-bike. But the summary is fairly simple: an AirTag or its equivalent is affordable but removable, especially if the thief has an iPhone, which will always recognise AirTags travelling with them. However, we recommend the slightly pricier rechargeable GPS tracker that you can stick onto the frame under the battery system. 

Additionally, consider registering your bike in global registries to expedite identification. If the worst happens, an online registration will aid in identification. Certain companies, like Datatag, offer stickers and stamps that are invisible to the naked eye but visible under UV light for identification. 

Also featured in our theft-prevention article are alarms and alarm systems embedded in bikes. If you can, buy a bike with an integrated alarm system, like that of Bosch’s. Alternatively, buy an external rechargeable alarm system, such as the ABUS alarm system. 

High-Power Lights 

Your new e-bike will share the streets with vehicles of all sorts, some with brighter lights than others. While that may boost visibility, given the right circumstances, it can also make you invisible. So, investing in a bright, controllable light system is an effective way of keeping yourself visible on the road. Most e-bikes, especially premium and flagship models, already come with a full light system. So you generally wouldn’t need to upgrade to a dedicated light system. If you purchased an older model or one with only reflectors, then you should really consider upgrading. 

If you’re looking for an easy-to-install light system, look at the CUBE Acid Light Pro 30 set, which has both front and rear lights. CUBE also sells a range of power banks to keep you going for longer. If your bike already features one of the two lights, CUBE also offers individual front and rear lights, with varying levels of brightness and battery capacity. 

Helmets 

Helmets are featured further down the list because they are not an accessory; they are a legal requirement. But - in the interest of convenience, we’ll still include it here. We have an extensive guide on them, so go check that out for a detailed analysis of various types of helmets. But our overall pick was the Bell SuperAir R, a convertible helmet that goes from a full-face helmet to a head-only helmet in a matter of seconds, with a removable chin bar. 

Manufacturers design helmets to an NTA 8776 standard, so look out for that specific rating on the advertisement. Don’t rely on phrases like “long-lasting” or “heavy-duty,” as these don’t need to be backed by testing. In contrast, an NTA 8776 helmet undergoes rigorous testing to check its durability and effectiveness. 

 A Convertible Backpack/ Pannier

Rear racks are not standard on e-bikes; some are tiny but there for name's sake. Regardless of your rear-rack situation, consider investing in a pannier backpack. These sleek-looking backpacks come with a locking system that snaps onto your rear rack, so you don’t need to carry one on your back during commutes. A good pannier doesn’t have to be name-branded. Look for a waterproof, heavy-duty pannier. 

You could buy the Rhinowalk Pannier for around $56, which is waterproof, rainproof, lightweight, and tool-free to assemble or install. It is essentially a 22-litre backpack that you can snap on and off your bike. 

Looking for a premium version? The THULE Paramount will set you back $184 and offers a similar capacity of 27 litres. It is also weather-resistant and lightweight, and it offers all the organisational prowess a premium daily-use backpack could, except for the detachable rear mount that turns it into a compartment on the back of your e-bike. 

A Suspension Seatpost

E-bike suspensions are not standard. We would love them to be, but they aren’t. In fact, having a suspension fork at the front tyre is considered a “premium” feature that most manufacturers don’t include on their basic models. That, combined with the heft of the average e-bike, makes for a bumpy, jarring and uncomfortable ride on uneven surfaces, gravel paths, or when you hit the odd pothole. 

To mitigate that discomfort, we recommend investing in a quality setpost suspension. That way, whether or not the entire cycle’s frame moves with the bumps, you do. By absorbing shock and vibration, the seatpost makes the major point of contact between you and the bike far more comfortable. 

We recommend the Suntour SP12 NCX, a highly popular, budget-friendly seatpost compatible with most name-brand bike seats. It will set you back nearly $99, but for that price, you get a durable suspension post with 50mm of travel, which we think is adequate for most gravelly and poorly maintained roads. 

E-Bike Chain Lube

E-bike motors deliver high torque, so applying chain lube once a year during your annual service might not be enough. Consider buying weather-specific chain lube and applicators. The lube will ensure you have a quiet, comfortable ride and help protect the bike’s parts. 

We recommend the Muc Off lube. It comes in dry, wet, and all-weather variants, keeping your bike’s chain healthy for longer, irrespective of weather conditions. They are relatively affordable, ranging from $14 to $16, depending on size and retailer. Muc Off also offers a range of chain-health products you might want to check out. Crucially, if your e-bike features a carbon belt drive, check to ensure that the product you’re buying is compatible, or speak directly to your local retailer. 

There you have it, the 7 most important accessories and accompaniments to your e-bike purchase. As we’ve mentioned, we have in-depth analyses on several products that we’ve mentioned here - bike locks, helmets, alarms, and trackers - to name a few. Be sure to check those guides if you liked what you read here today!