How to Replace an E-Bike Tire

In plain English

Tires wear faster on e-bikes, especially the rear. Replace one when the tread is flat or squared off, there are cuts or cracks, or you can see threads. The size is printed on the sidewall, like 26 x 4.0 or 27.5 x 2.4, often with a second number like 100-559. Matching both numbers is the surest way to get a tire that fits.

Watch how it's done

Video by Park Tool. It may show a regular bike: on an e-bike, switch off and remove the battery first, and unplug the motor cable before taking off a hub-motor wheel.

Work from the top. Steps go from free and easy to shop jobs. Switch the bike off before touching any connector. Tick each step as you go. Your progress is saved on this device.

1. 1Check for wearFree Look for flat or squared-off tread, cuts, cracks in the sidewall, bulges, or visible threads. Any of these means it's time.
2. 2Read the sizeFree Write down the size on the sidewall (for example 26 x 4.0) and the second number in the format like 100-559 if there is one. Buy a tire with the same numbers.
3. 3Switch off and remove the batteryFree Turn the display off, then take the battery out of its mount (or unplug it). Do this before touching any wires, brakes near the motor, or the rear wheel.
4. 4Remove the wheel and old tireModerate Take the wheel off (see our hub-motor wheel guide for the rear), let the air out, and lever both sides of the tire off the rim.
5. 5Fit the new tireModerate Check for a direction arrow on the sidewall. Fit one side, put in a slightly inflated tube, then push the other side on, finishing at the valve. Inflate slowly and check the bead line sits evenly all round.
6. 6Have the wheel checkedShop job A shop can true (straighten) the wheel, replace spokes and check the hub bearings.

Parts you might need

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. These links go straight to Amazon.

Only buy a part if the free steps didn't fix it. Always match the voltage and connector type to your bike.

• E-bike tire

  Match the size printed on your old tire's sidewall. Tires sold as e-bike rated handle the extra weight and speed better.

  Link coming soon

• Inner tube

  Must match the tire size printed on the sidewall and your valve type (Schrader or Presta).

  Link coming soon

• Tire levers

  Plastic levers that pry a tire off the rim without damaging it.

  Link coming soon

• Floor pump with gauge

  Soft tires make the motor work harder and cost range.

  Link coming soon