2 years with my electric bike: the must-have accessories I wish I’d known about from day one

The Essentials No One Tells You About

For the past few years, I’ve been riding both my electric and my non-electric (aka “muscle-powered”) bike—faithful partners on my trips between home and the office, and when heading out for a ride. But it’s only after a solid period of use that I realized there’s a suite of accessories I should’ve had all along. Even though not every rider will need every item, these accessories can go a long way to optimize your rides and help you sidestep a pile of annoyances.

So, here’s my list of the must-have accessories for making everyday e-biking as painless, safe and fun as possible—the very ones I wish I’d known before getting started.

Punctures, Tires, and the Joy of Air Compressors

My first letdown? The tires. Inflating e-bike tires—especially when you’re riding regularly—quickly becomes a never-ending, tedious chore. Sure, there are manual hand pumps, but pumping away for five minutes on your way to work after a flat? No thanks!

This is where a portable electric air compressor turns from a “nice-to-have” into a “why-didn’t-I-get-this-sooner”. Personally, I settled on the Xiaomi air compressor. It’s incredibly powerful for inflating bike tires swiftly and with little effort, and compact enough to stow in your frame bag. You can pick between inflation modes and check pressures on the LCD screen, making life much easier—even for complete beginners. The price is reasonable, and you don’t need an engineering degree to use it. Bonus: it also works for car, motorcycle, or other tires—making it one seriously versatile gadget.

Carrying Your Things: Bags, Racks and More

Owning an e-bike often means accumulating a host of small items on your rides: phones, keys, documents, tools, sometimes even a snack or drink… Without a proper frame bag, your pockets or basket can end up overloaded—awkward and annoying. During my first biking road trip, I stumbled on the Rockbros frame bag. It has a dedicated compartment for your phone, perfectly positioned so you can use GPS apps without worrying about dropping your device—and it’s securely fixed in place. Its volume and water resistance are nice advantages, and overall, it offers smart, organized storage that makes your essentials easy to access without getting in the way.

Then there’s the Crivit rear bike rack (from Lidl). It attaches quickly to most bike racks—no drilling needed—and is sturdy enough for groceries or medium-sized bags. The design is clean and modern, and it’s lightweight and fairly compact, so it doesn’t mess with your bike’s balance. Even though it may look simple, it’s a solid, budget-friendly answer to the daily hauling needs of any cyclist. And as a cherry on top, it comes with a multitool, tube repair kit, and tire levers—the whole emergency works.

Stay Safe (And Visible) on the Road

Visibility and protection are non-negotiable, especially for those who ride at night or in poor weather. The Light Continental x Urban Circus reflective jacket is essential for maximum visibility, thanks to its high-visibility reflective system—developed with Continental. Not only does it make you easy to spot for drivers and other road users, but the ergonomic cut and modern look mean you’re not compromising on style or mobility. My tip? Buy a size up so you can layer it over your regular jacket in cold weather, or simply wear it as your top layer in the summer or mid-season. It’s not windproof, but for breathability and versatility, it works a treat.

For keeping your ride secure, the ABUS Bordo Combo is a foldable lock system that combines the strength of a traditional U-lock with the handiness of a flexible cable. The reinforced steel is hard to break or pick, offering genuine peace of mind against would-be thieves. Its foldability is a major plus for storage, and it comes both with a code option (my preferred pick) and a key—though the code version is 35 inches long, which is just enough for bulkier electric bikes. If your e-bike has an especially big frame, go for the key-version at 47 inches.

When it comes to helmets, the Cosmo Connected adult helmet is a game changer, blending safety, sleek design, and connected features. It has a flip-up sun visor and a whole suite of lights (for position, hazard, braking, and turn signals) that auto-adjust their brightness. A built-in sensor detects deceleration, triggering a more intense warning light at the back to alert following traffic. Connectivity is another ace, letting you share your live route with loved ones, and automatically sending a text alert in the event of a fall. The companion app tracks trip stats, and the helmet itself is comfy and light, with a magnetic Fidlock closure, and fits most head sizes. You get a remote control, a charging cable, a robust battery life (about 8 hours), and a sharp French touch for design.

On top of all that, there’s the Trek Carback rear radar light—an under-the-radar (pun intended) safety innovation. This is more than a regular rear light: it detects nearby vehicles, letting drivers know you’re there and even signaling your intentions. It responds to slowing down, boosting your visibility and safety by alerting drivers as you brake. The light is powerful enough for night rides and can still be seen clearly in rain, with integrated tech boosting drivers’ awareness of your presence for safer, smoother interactions on the road. Plus, it’s minimal and blends in nicely with your bike’s lines.

Wrapping Up: Comfort, Safety, and Everyday Joy

In the end, an electric bike is already a fantastic choice—but with the right selection of accessories, things can get even better. These gadgets and add-ons—from the trusty electric air compressor to safety essentials like a reflective vest or an anti-theft lock—aren’t just simple conveniences. They make your riding experience safer, more organized, and far less of a hassle. A well-designed frame bag helps manage your stuff, while a reliable repair kit takes the panic out of unexpected flats. These details make daily cycling feel smoother and boost your confidence on each ride. Investing in these accessories isn’t just about practicality: it’s about riding with peace of mind and actually enjoying your commute. So, getting an electric bike? Great call. But truly unlocking its full potential means being smart about safety and practicality—cutting as many inconveniences as you can to get as close as possible to car-level comfort, but with the wind in your hair and far fewer parking problems.