The EB5 Pro City & Campus eBike is tough, durable and easy to use. We designed it to stand up to the rigors of your daily commute — and it does a fantastic job. On its own, you get a 15.5-mile range and speeds up to 15.5 mph, but both can be extended by pedaling. Combine that range and power with a lightweight frame that folds down to a compact size and you have a commuter bike that’s practically perfect in every way.
Unfortunately, humanity has yet to design an indestructible, ever-lasting tire, (which we think would be much more useful than an everlasting gobstopper) so there’s a chance you’ll need to change out your tires at some point.
Changing a tire on an electric bike is a little different than changing a tire on a traditional bike. There are just a few more steps, but don’t worry, we’ll walk you through it.
Follow Along in Our How-To Video:
Change Tires on the EB5 Pro – Quick Jump
- Gather Tools
- Unplug Power
- Separate Brakes
- Level Handlebar
- Remove Wheel
- Replace Tube
- Inflate Tire
- Reassemble Wheel
- Reconnect Brakes
- Reminder: Tire Pressure
(0:03) As with any project, start by gathering all the tools you might need and prepping your workspace. If you don’t have a bike stand, we recommend covering your workspace with a moving mat or heavy blanket to protect your bike from scratches while you work. You’ll need:
- Adjustable wrench or socket set
- Scissors
- Small zip-tie
- Tire levers
- Inner tube
- Rag
UNPLUG POWER SUPPLY
(0:09) Locate the power cable on the right side of your bike, next to the back tire. Disconnect the cable from the power supply and gently remove it from the cable guides on the frame. Use scissors to snip the small zip ties holding the cable up against the frame.
QUICK RELEASE TO SEPARATE BRAKES
(0:14) Slide the brake cable from the quick release by squeezing the brakes together and removing the brake cable.
Now, remove the plastic caps from the bolts holding your wheel on. Be careful on the power cable side, the power cable is threaded through the cap. Unbolt the safety washer on the power cable side.
LEVEL HANDLEBAR TO SEAT
(0:19) If you don’t have a bike stand, turning the bike upside down will make the wheel easier to access and work with. Rotate the handlebars straight and lower them until they are level with the seat. Then carefully flip your bike over onto a protective surface like that movers mat or blanket we mentioned earlier.
REMOVE WHEEL FROM THE FRAME
(0:24) Start by removing the tension clip and loosening the wheel nut on the same side.
(0:28) On the kickstand side, remove the nut, washer and the kickstand completely.
(0:35) Remove the chain by sliding the tire towards the handlebar to release the tension on the chain. Remove the chain from the big sprocket first, then the smaller sprocket. Now you can remove the tire altogether.
(0:45) Pro-Tip: Place the tire on a clean work surface. This is a good time to use your rag to clean up road scum and inspect everything.
REMOVE AND REPLACE INNER TUBE
(0:49) Use the tire levers to unseat the tire from the rim, separating one side of the tire and rim. Push in the nozzle and lift out the bad inner tube. (0:58) Carefully insert the new inner tube, leading with the stem so it aligns properly.
Pro Tip: Inflate the new tube a small amount to get it in a circular shape before putting it inside the rubber tire.
(1:07) Use the tire levers to replace the tire on the rim. Be careful not to pinch the tube under the tire bead in the process.
INFLATE THE TIRE
Inflate the tire about halfway and give it a couple bounces on the floor. Once you’ve made sure it sits properly, inflate the tire to 40-65 PSI (depending on rider weight). Once the tire’s inflated, you’re ready to re-assemble in the opposite order from when you removed the wheel earlier.
REASSEMBLE THE WHEEL
(1:17) Start by attaching the wheel lock washer, keeping it aligned with the lock washer on the power cable side.
(1:25) Now you can re-insert the wheel by sliding the axle back into the frame dropouts, paying attention to the direction of the lock washers.
(1:32) Next, re-attach the chain, starting with the rear sprocket. You may need to slide the tire forward in the dropouts creating enough slack in the chain to get it over the front chainring. Make sure you apply tension to the chain; hand tighten the nut and check placement of the tension bolt.
(1:43) Replace the kickstand, washer and nut, then replace the tension bolt and nut, using this to fine tune your chain tension.
(1:54) The final nut is on the power-cable side, once you’ve re-attached it, double check ALL your nuts and bolts to make sure they’re tight. Be sure the wheel is straight and there is proper tension on the chain before tightening everything back down.
RECONNECT THE BRAKES
(1:58) Flip the bike back over and re-connect the brake cable. Rotate wheel to make sure there is no brake rub.
(2:04) Replace the power cable in the plastic clips and re-connect it to the power supply. Be sure to align the arrows when you reconnect to power cable.
(2:10) Take your small zip-tie and use it so secure the power cable to the frame.
Congratulations! You changed your tire!
Now power it up and give it a test drive!
UNDER PRESSURE
It’s crucial to maintain proper inflation and pressure in your tires as low tire pressure can result in decreased performance. Check your tire pressure from time to time. Make sure it’s between 45-60 PSI. On days warmer days, when temperatures are higher than 90 degrees, deflate the tires by 2-3 PSI. Read more about the importance of tire pressure here. While it focuses on the Swagger 5 Elite electric scooter, it’s valuable information for any and all rideables with pneumatic (air-filled) tires.
For more tips on getting the most out of your EB-5, check out our Quick Guide on Unleashing Your EB5 Pro eBike.
