Hi guys! I'm moving some content off of the main site and into the most relevant categories of the forum. This post was originally made on September 22nd 2012:
I spoke with a rep from Slime at Interbike this year about some of their new products and got some great tips for avoiding flat tires. Anyone who rides regularly knows it’s only a matter of time before you hit a nail or piece of glass and wind up walking your bike home. Since ebikes are so heavy, this becomes an especially hard burden. Here are a few tips to keep your bike rolling with full tires.
If you’ve got more great tips for how to avoid flats on an electric bike please share them in the comments below. Remember to ride safe, always pack an extra tube and bike-specific tools in case you need to repair a flat on the road.

I spoke with a rep from Slime at Interbike this year about some of their new products and got some great tips for avoiding flat tires. Anyone who rides regularly knows it’s only a matter of time before you hit a nail or piece of glass and wind up walking your bike home. Since ebikes are so heavy, this becomes an especially hard burden. Here are a few tips to keep your bike rolling with full tires.
- Keep your tires inflated to the correct pressure, don’t let them get low. When your tires get low they are much more susceptible to pinch flats which happen when the tube gets pinched between the bicycle rim and tire.
- Avoid debris on the side of the road, keep an eye out for shiny stuff which is usually glass, nails or other sharp objects.
- Use a light when riding at night or dusk, this will illuminate any shiny objects and help you steer clear.
- Knock off any thorns or debris that do get stuck to your tire. Many times a thorn or tack will get stuck to your tire at first and then puncture the tube after many repetitions of being driven in. If you do make the mistake of going through a patch of stickies, you can save your tires by quickly checking them.
- Consider walking your bike over areas that may present flat hazards but also watch out for your feet, stepping on a nail is worse than riding over one.
- Examine your tires regularly and especially after long rides. If you do end up with a flat or a damaged tire, it’s going to be much easier to repair at home than it would be on the trail.
- Consider adding tire liners between your tube and tire wall. Some cyclists use old tires strips as liners but you can also buy custom-made liners like those from Slime which are lighter, harder and easier to install.
- Consider a tire upgrade, these days there are many options including Kevlar-lined tires that will keep your tubes safe. Some bikes even come stock with them or offer an upgrade at time of purchase.
- Put some Slime in your tubes! Most people have seen this green liquid substance at the bike shop before. You squirt some into your tube and it stays liquid for years as you ride around. If you get a puncture the slime pulp (which contains chunks of rubber made from recycled tires) plugs the leak in time for you to add more air or replace the tube.
If you’ve got more great tips for how to avoid flats on an electric bike please share them in the comments below. Remember to ride safe, always pack an extra tube and bike-specific tools in case you need to repair a flat on the road.

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