We recommend checking that your tires are inflated before every ride, but other components can be inspected after every few rides. It’s also a good idea to complete a tune-up every riding season. Learn more in our other blog about how often e-Bikes need maintenance.
Emergency Repair Kit for E-Bike Riders: Must-Haves for Every Ride
Written by: Rémy Rossi | June 15, 2025 | Time to read 5 min
Flat tires, loose chains, or sudden downpours. With the right emergency kit for electric bikes, you’re ready for just about anything.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
I’ve been caught out laughably unprepared on my bike before, but I’ve (mostly) learned my lesson by now. I’ve been lucky to escape major mechanical failures, but poor wardrobe choices and flat tires relatively close to home have peppered my tenure as a veteran commuter. It pays to be prepared, and here’s my list of the essential items every e-Bike rider should have to resolve emergencies and avoid those situations from getting any stickier.
Non-negotiables for any ride
The famous bike multitool
The bike multitool is the Swiss Army knife equivalent when it comes to riding on two wheels. Packed with tons of different tools and functions, a multitool takes up very little space and can get you out of a whole host of jams and many e-Bike maintenance tasks.
Go ahead and invest in a nicer multitool that’s well-designed and comes with lots of tools, including a chain tool. You’ll have this essential tool forever and be more motivated to make small fixes when you first notice them, since the tool is always within reach.
Go ahead and invest in a nicer multitool that’s well-designed and comes with lots of tools, including a chain tool. You’ll have this essential tool forever and be more motivated to make small fixes when you first notice them, since the tool is always within reach.
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Bike lights
While not necessarily a tool, bike lights are a must-have for all cyclists. You never know when your schedule will change and you’ll be riding in the dark, and staying visible and illuminating the way steers you clear of having an emergency later on, whether that’s potholes, riding over glass, or getting into a crash due to low visibility. And if you have to make a repair at night, bike lights allow you to see what you’re doing. I just lost my front light after years of use, and I think about this daily— I need to head down to my local bike shop and buy a new one right now!
Flat repair tool kit
The most common repair for cyclists is fixing a flat tire. Tubeless tires and sealant have made this problem less of an issue, but it can affect any rider. I don’t ride tubeless anyway, so I have to have these items at hand in case I get a puncture:
- Spare tube: The simplest way to fix a flat is to install a brand new tube. Carry an extra inner tube and you’re protected from small punctures or unpatchable flats near the valve.
- Patch kit: These small kits have patches, sandpaper, and vulcanizing fluid to repair punctures. I’m notoriously bad at patching tubes successfully, so this is more of a backup option to the spare tube.
- Tire levers: You’ll need tire levers to take the tire off and take out the tube to replace or patch it.
- Portable pump: A pump is necessary to reinflate the tube. You can stick it in your jersey pocket or mount it somewhere along the frame. CO2 cartridges are also an option.
- Tire plug: If you run tubeless tires, a tire plug and insertion tool can help quickly plug big holes that the sealant is having trouble with.
- Appropriate wrench: Most wheels can be removed with a quick-release lever or Allen key, but if you need a wrench, make sure you have the right size with you.
I’ve listed several items above, but they are each quite small and can all fit together in a compact saddle bag that stays on your bike at all times. Or stick your emergency flat repair kit in your backpack or other essential bag whenever you ride.
If you want to be totally prepared, I suggest having a chain quick link and a quick link tool. These allow you to reconnect a broken chain and get on your way again. Unless you have a Class 2 e-Bike with a throttle, you’re going to need that chain to get moving.
Miscellaneous essentials
Since we’re talking emergency preparation, there are a few more items I recommend having around to handle the unexpected. Some of these e-Bike accessories you can easily carry with you on any ride, while others could be tucked into a bike bag or stay in the garage or the trunk of the car.
- Cash: Wherever you are, cash is king.
- Some form of identification: You never know when you’re going to need it. God forbid you get into a crash, this is good to have.
- Phone: From maps to calling a friend, a phone is a must-have emergency item.
- Basic first aid kit: I’ve had my fair share of scrapes and bruises on a bike— bandages and other first-aid items can come in handy.
- Snacks: Prevent an energy emergency by having enough snacks and water with you for the ride.
- Ponchos: Rain ponchos can be a lifesaver for commuters or cargo e-Bike riders wanting to keep their kid passengers dry when riding in the rain.
- Plastic gloves: Some riders always have a pair of gloves to keep their hands clean from chain grease when making trailside repairs.
- Range extender: Consider having a range extender battery for your electric bike so you don’t run out of juice on the ride!
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I maintain my bike?
Should I charge my e-Bike after every ride?
Yes— keeping the battery fully or nearly fully charged ensures you have enough range for your next range and maintains optimal battery charge levels. Modern batteries are much better equipped to avoid problems from overcharging.
How do I keep my e-Bike battery healthy?
Store the battery at or around room temperature and avoid prolonged exposure to the elements or extreme cold which can decrease performance. For long-term storage, try to keep the charge level between 30%-80%. Charging the battery after every ride is perfectly fine, too.
Key Takeaways
- A quality multitool, lights, and flat repair gear form the foundation of every e-Bike emergency kit.
- Compact essentials like ID, snacks, and gloves can make or break your ride when unexpected trouble hits.
- Preparation pays off: Keep your gear organized in a saddlebag, bike bag, or backpack so you're ready for any ride.
