The accessories I wish someone had told me were essential before buying my electric bike—my honest lessons after two years

If you think riding an electric bike is just plug-and-play, think again! After two years in the saddle—both on an e-bike and a traditional one—I’ve realized some things would have made every commute and joyride so much simpler had I known about them from day one. Spoiler: it’s not just about going fast without pedaling. It’s about comfort, safety, and a dash of clever gear. Here’s my honest take on the must-have accessories, freshly learned the hard way, so you don’t make the same rookie mistakes I did.

The Real Essentials: Lessons From the Road

It all started with the tires. Inflating e-bike tires is a never-ending task, especially if you’re a regular cyclist. While manual pumps exist, they make you feel like you’re trying to power a steam locomotive, all for a five-minute commute emergency. If you ever get a flat or your tires deflate right before work, fiddling with a manual pump is an unwelcome cardio session. Enter the portable electric air compressor. I picked the Xiaomi model, which managed to be both powerful and compact enough to keep in a frame bag. The adjustable inflation modes and real-time LCD pressure reading make it so user-friendly, even total newbies can use it. And yes, it is affordable and doesn’t require you to be a tech whiz. Bonus: it’s not just for your bike; cars, motorcycles—basically, anything with a tire can benefit from this multitasking device.

Smart Storage and Secure Lockdown

With great (electric) speed comes great… accumulation of stuff. Phones, keys, documents, tools, maybe a snack or drink—it can all weigh you down unless you’ve got the right bag. During my first road trip, I stumbled upon the Rockbros frame bag and never looked back. It has a dedicated spot for your phone (secured and perfectly positioned for easy GPS checking without risking your device diving off the handlebars), and its size and water resistance take away much of the usual storage stress. The intelligent, organized layout means you always know where things are (including that sneaky energy bar), and it won’t get in your way as you ride.

Security is non-negotiable when your bike is also a valuable tech investment. The ABUS Bordo Combo folding lock is perfect for e-bikes or traditional models. It combines the muscle of a U-lock with the flexibility of a cable lock, thanks to its reinforced steel and foldable design. It resists picking and cutting attempts—music to any city cyclist’s ears—and is easy to stow away. Both code and key versions exist, but my money’s on the coded one (90cm long—bare minimum for chunky e-bikes). If your bike is a real beast, jump to the 120cm key version.

Safety and Comfort: Not Just Optional

Let’s talk visibility and protection. The Light Continental x Urban Circus reflective jacket is an absolute must for anyone cycling at night or in low-visibility conditions. Made with Continental, the jacket features high-visibility reflectors and an ergonomic cut for freedom of movement—plus, it actually looks modern and stylish (so you’ll wear it even off the bike). My tip? Go a size up so it slips over your usual jacket. It isn’t windproof but is breathable for summer or mid-season, and in winter, you can easily layer it.

Now, onto another security upgrade: the Crivit rear rack (yes, Lidl delivers!). It’s a rear bike carrier that mounts quickly—no drilling required—and hauls everything from shopping bags to your weekly groceries. Clean design, lightweight frame, and minimal effect on your bike’s balance. It offers a simple and reliable solution for daily hauling needs. As an added bonus, you get a multitool, a tube repair kit, and a set of levers—all you need for basic fixes.

The Next Level: Connected Safety and High-Tech

For safety and a bit of wow factor, the Cosmo Connected adult helmet delivers in spades. Not only does it protect your head, but you can count on its flip-up sun visor and a battery of adjustable lights (for position, emergency, braking, turn signals). Smart sensors react to braking, triggering a more intense warning light for those behind. The helmet’s connectivity means you can share your trip live and even send an auto-activated SMS if you take a spill. With its magnetic Fidlock closure, comfort, and French design, it even comes with a remote and charging cable—and lasts for 8 hours of adventure.

Let’s not forget the often-overlooked safety innovation: the Trek Carback rear radar light. It’s much more than a light. This rear light has a built-in vehicle detection system to alert drivers to your presence (and intentions!) and can react to deceleration, improving how visible you are. Designed to shine through rain and darkness, it blends seamlessly onto any bike, keeping things sleek without sacrificing performance.

Wrapping Up: Peace of Mind Comes With Preparation

When you choose your e-bike, you’re making a great decision—but that’s only the start. The right accessories take out so much of the hassle, whether you’re inflating tires on the go, stashing your stuff, beefing up security, or making yourself as visible as a lighthouse. From electric compressors and flexible locks to connected helmets and ingenious lights, all these gadgets aren’t just gadgets—they’re peace of mind in motion and a big step toward making your e-bike commute as comfy and stress-free as driving a car. Set yourself up with these picks, and you just might look forward to every ride, come rain or shine!