What should you include in your electric bike repair kit? Read more to find out the best tools and things to carry when you go on a bike ride.
Unless the rider is constantly in a position to summon a buddy with a vehicle or a taxi when their bike needs a fast repair on the road, every bike that is used for transportation or on long journeys needs at least an electric bike repair kit and the knowledge of how to use it.
If you seldom go more than a few miles, this may be overkill, and contacting a buddy or a taxi may be sufficient, but if you want to be more independent, you should give this serious thought. This list may seem like a lot of items to carry, but it only weighs a few pounds and fits in a compact, under-seat bag that I can remove quickly if I'm concerned about theft.
If you often carry a standard rack top bag, you may also put all of these items in a tiny nylon bag and toss them in there, but I prefer an under-seat bag.
What's in an Electric Bike Repair Kit?
Multi-tool
Multi-tools put everything in one place and avoid the loss of specific pieces. They are simple to obtain and use, and they reduce the need to choose and acquire distinct tools.
Mini Pump
Some individuals prefer to carry a CO2 inflator, which is quicker and simpler to use but requires disposable cartridges; each time you have a flat tyre, you will need at least two of these cartridges.
Patch Kit
Patch kits are simple to use, lightweight, and compact. If you have many flats during a ride (which occurs more often than you'd think), it can rescue you when you've already used your spare tube. In addition, on a rear wheel, patching a tube may be quicker than replacing it, since it is often possible to do it without removing the wheel. A subsequent article will demonstrate how to repair a tube.
Sometimes a tube is just too damaged to be patched or has had a failure such as a valve stem breaking off, which cannot be fixed. To conserve weight and storage space, carry a lightweight version of the correct size bicycle tube.
Tire Levers
Tire levers are required to remove a tire for mending. Dedicated levers are inexpensive and lightweight yet. In addition, they are often longer and have more leverage, making them simpler to use if you have limited hand strength.
Wrench
If your bike's front and rear wheels are quick-release, you don't need this, but if you have an internal hub on the back, a wrench that fits is a must. It's a 15mm wrench 99 percent of the time, but you should double-check your bike.
A 6-inch adjustable wrench may also be used, but it will be heavier and more care must be taken not to round off the nuts when using an adjustable wrench. A fixed wrench is an optimal option. Some multi-tools have a 15 mm wrench, but if you have limited hand strength, a tool with more leverage is preferable.
Zip Ties
It is helpful to have a few zip ties in case anything comes loose. I typically carry a dozen 8-inch-long ones and six 4-inch-long ones. They are very weightless and have a vast array of applications!
A Pair of Disposable Latex Gloves
This is not required but is useful for preventing oil and filth from sticking to your hands during a repair. Also useful in an emergency when it begins to rain and the temperature drops 20 degrees and you don't have any conventional gloves. Just keeping your hands dry and preventing the wind from blowing directly on them makes a substantial difference in comfort.
Pencil and Paper
In case I need to make a note of anything, such as a license plate number or the phone number of the closest taxi after receiving it from directory assistance, I will store these in a tiny ziplock bag to keep them dry.
Change & £20 Bill
It's wonderful to be able to use a payphone if necessary in the event that your mobile phone's battery fails. This requires a £20 bill and some spare change.
Also, the £20 is a fantastic item to have in the event that you lose your wallet or have some other misfortune. If it begins to rain while I'm waiting for my buddy or a taxi, I'd rather be able to wait in a coffee shop or fast-food restaurant with a hot cup of tea or coffee or the beverage of your choice and a snack.
Remember that this is just for emergency usage, and if you use it, replace it immediately!
Fundamental First Aid Supplies
Several bandages of different sizes; aspirin, or your preferred over-the-counter medication; and a couple of alcohol pads in foil-sealed packets, essential for cleaning grease and grit off the bike, as well as cleaning wounds if you take a tumble. Wrap them in aluminium foil and store them away. It might possibly save your life.
Trash Bag
In the event of an unanticipated downpour or if you're stuck out after dark, this is useful. Covering up might be the difference between slight discomfort and shivering, freezing cold journey home!
Keychain-Style LED Headlamp or Flashlight
The keychain design is small and lightweight, while the headlamp type is heavier but simpler to use. They are available for two dollars or less at the local big-box hardware store. The LED ones are lighter, more robust, and have a much longer lifespan. It is extremely helpful if you need to do a repair at night!
Conclusion
A repair kit for an electric bicycle may seem cumbersome to many riders, and on occasion, I ride without the whole package. Patch kit, tyre pump, and multi-tool are the very bare minimum items I will take on a ride if I don't want to have to walk home. If the distance exceeds three miles, I want the complete toolset.
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