How to fix a puncture on an e-bike

Tools and spares to carry

Check your tyre size on the sidewall, for example 700x45c or 27.5x2.4, and buy a matching tube before you need it. Many e-bikes use puncture-resistant tyres that are stiff to remove, so good levers help.

• Two or three tyre levers
• A spare inner tube of the right size and valve type, and a patch kit
• A pump or CO2 inflator that fits Presta or Schrader valves
• A spanner for axle nuts, often 15 mm or 18 mm on hub motors, or the right Allen key for thru-axles
• Disposable gloves and a rag

Front wheel and mid-drive bikes

1. 1

   Switch off the bike and remove the battery.

2. 2

   Open the brake if you have rim brakes. With disc brakes, do not squeeze the lever while the wheel is out.

3. 3

   Release the quick-release, thru-axle or axle nuts and lift the bike to drop the wheel out. On a mid-drive bike, shift to the smallest rear sprocket first to make rear wheel removal easier.

4. 4

   Deflate fully, push the tyre beads into the rim centre and lever one side off.

5. 5

   Pull out the tube, find the hole by pumping it up and listening, then check the inside of the tyre with your fingers for the thorn or glass that caused it.

6. 6

   Fit the new or patched tube with a little air in it, starting at the valve, and push the tyre back on by hand where possible.

7. 7

   Inflate to the sidewall range, check the bead sits evenly, refit the wheel and test the brakes before riding.

Rear hub motor wheels

A rear hub motor wheel is heavier and connected to the bike. Take photos before you start so you can put washers, torque arms and the cable back in the right order. Follow your bike's manual, as layouts vary between brands.

1. 1

   Remove the battery and switch the bike off.

2. 2

   Unplug the motor cable at its connector, usually near the chainstay. Pull straight, never twist.

3. 3

   Shift to the smallest sprocket and loosen the axle nuts. Note any torque arm and washers.

4. 4

   Pull the derailleur back and lift the frame off the wheel.

5. 5

   Repair the tube as for a normal wheel. Be careful not to bend the cable where it leaves the axle.

6. 6

   Refit the wheel with the axle flats seated fully in the dropouts and the cable exit facing the way it was.

7. 7

   Refit the torque arm and washers, tighten the axle nuts to the torque in the manual, reconnect the cable and test the motor and brakes at low speed.

Note:A loose hub motor axle can spin in the dropout and damage the frame or cut the motor cable. If you are not sure the wheel is secured correctly, have a bike shop check it before riding.

Roadside fixes without removing the wheel

On a heavy rear hub wheel, it is often easier to patch the tube in place. Lever one side of the tyre off, pull out only the part of the tube near the hole, patch it and push it back. This works for small holes when you can find the cause. Sealant-filled spare tubes and tyre sealant can also get you home.

Tubeless tyres usually seal small punctures themselves. For larger holes, a tubeless plug kit is quicker than fitting a tube. Top up sealant as the tyre maker advises.

Preventing punctures

Keep tyres at the right pressure, as soft tyres pinch flat on kerbs and potholes. Choose e-bike rated tyres with a puncture protection belt for commuting, check for embedded flints weekly, and replace tyres when the tread is thin or the casing shows cuts. Our maintenance checklist puts these checks into a routine.

If you are choosing a new bike for daily commuting, look for puncture-resistant tyres in the specification. Our electric hybrid guide and folding e-bike guide note the tyres each model comes with.

Compare folding e-bikes →

Frequently asked questions

Is it hard to fix a puncture on an e-bike? The front wheel and mid-drive bikes are the same as normal bikes. A rear hub motor wheel takes longer because of the cable and axle nuts.

Can I ride an e-bike with a flat tyre? No. You risk damaging the rim, tyre and motor wheel and losing control. Walk the bike or fix it first.

Should I use tyre sealant in an e-bike? Sealant in tubes or tubeless tyres helps with small thorns. It does not fix large cuts.

What size tube does my e-bike need? Read the size on the tyre sidewall and match the valve type on your current tube.