The Venn Diagram between essentials for an ebike vs an acoustic bike is a circle lol.
In all seriousness, it’s a good list of accessories to consider from day 1, for starting off with any bike, electric or otherwise. I grant you that this community might be a tad more familiar with ebike basics already, but I think it’s occasionally good to have content aimed towards people who haven’t ridden a bike since childhood.
If nothing else, it’s an easy link to send to someone who just bought/received their first bike this holiday season.
There are lots of people who pick up and ebike, have no cycling, experience, and quickly get into trouble because of predictable, preventable things like a lack of maintenance, riding beyond their ability, riding inappropriately, etc.
I would add a suspension bike seat if it doesn’t have rear suspension.You can get a basic one for $25 online. Saves your butt and spine from bumpy roads and trails.
Stand over big bumps and drops FYI, even with a suspension because it can still bottom out. Seatpost suspensions are OK for tiny bumps, but you really need to stand and make your legs the suspension for bigger stuff.
I’ve found fingerless gloves indispensable, for a surprising reason: sun protection. If you’re going to ride for several hours in the middle of the day (not something that typical lazy e-bike users do, admittedly) you’re gonna need protection for arms between elbow and the metacarpophalangeal finger joints (you’re welcome), which is all horizontal and primed for roasting. Needless to say, a sleeved jersey will not go all the way, but fingerless gloves do. Also, they look cool and allow you to pose as a serious cyclist.
I usually opt for suncreen or a sun hoodie, but I definitely wear gloves in the winter.
Aside from a helmet, lights, lock, and storage, I’d recommend a rearview mirror and riding gloves. It significantly improves your blindspots without you having to take your eyes off the road. The gloves can slightly help with the cold, but are primary in case you crash. Once you get in a crash where your gloves get torn up once, you realize how important they are. They also prevent sand/gravel from getting in your hands.
