A Manufacturer's Guide to Essential E-Bike Accessories | Safety & Utility
By the POLEEJIEK Product Development Team
An electric bike is a fantastic tool for commuting and recreation, but equipping it with the right accessories transforms it into a truly safe, convenient, and versatile vehicle. As manufacturers, we test and integrate accessories every day. This guide provides our expert advice on the essential gear every e-bike rider should have, focusing on the safety standards and practical features that truly matter.
| Accessory | Primary Function | Pro-Tip / Standard to Look For |
|---|---|---|
| Helmet | Critical Head Protection | CPSC (US) or EN 1078 (EU) safety certification. |
| Lighting System | Visibility & Illumination | Minimum 300 lumens for front light; German StVZO compliance for anti-glare. |
| Fenders | Stay Clean & Dry | Full-coverage design made from durable materials like aluminum or polycarbonate. |
| Rack / Basket | Carrying Cargo | Load capacity of at least 25 kg (55 lbs); compatibility with systems like MIK. |
| Bell or Horn | Alerting Others | Loud, clear sound that can be easily heard over city traffic. |
| Phone Mount | Navigation & Connectivity | Secure locking mechanism with vibration damping. |
1. A Certified Helmet: Your Most Important Accessory
Safety is non-negotiable. An e-bike travels at higher average speeds than a conventional bicycle, making head protection absolutely essential. A quality helmet significantly reduces the risk of serious head injury in the event of an accident.
What to Look For:
- Safety Certifications: Ensure the helmet meets or exceeds key safety standards. Look for a sticker inside indicating compliance with the **CPSC (Consumer Product Safety Commission)** in the United States or **EN 1078** in Europe.
- Proper Fit: A helmet that is too loose or too tight is ineffective. Look for models with an adjustable dial system to ensure a snug, comfortable fit.
- Ventilation: Good airflow is crucial for comfort on longer rides, especially during warm weather.
2. A High-Visibility Lighting System
Proper lighting is critical for both seeing and being seen. An e-bike's speed makes you approach intersections and pedestrians faster than they might expect, so visibility is paramount, day or night.
What to Look For:
- Brightness (Lumens): For a front headlight used for seeing in the dark (not just being seen), look for a minimum of **300-500 lumens**. Rear lights are for visibility and are measured differently, but should be brightly visible from at least 200 meters.
- StVZO Compliance: For urban riding in Europe, consider lights that are **StVZO certified** (German road traffic regulations). These lights have a specially shaped beam with a sharp cutoff at the top to avoid dazzling oncoming drivers, a key safety feature.
- Power Source: Many modern e-bikes allow you to power lights directly from the main battery, which is far more convenient than remembering to charge separate units.
3. Full-Coverage Fenders
Fenders (or mudguards) are a practical necessity for any regular commuter. They prevent water, mud, and road grime from splashing onto your clothes and the bike's components, keeping you clean and reducing maintenance.
What to Look For:
- Coverage: The most effective fenders are "full-coverage," meaning they wrap a significant portion of the wheel and extend low, close to the ground, offering the best protection from spray.
- Material: Look for durable materials like aluminum or high-quality polycarbonate that resist rattling and cracking.
4. A Sturdy Rack or Basket
A rack or basket adds immense utility to your e-bike, turning it into a capable vehicle for groceries, work bags, or weekend gear.
What to Look For:
- Load Capacity: A quality rear rack should be officially rated to carry at least **25 kg (55 lbs)**. This ensures it can safely handle a loaded pannier bag or a child seat.
- Mounting System Compatibility: Many modern racks are compatible with systems like **MIK** or **Racktime**, which allow you to securely click-on and lock compatible bags and baskets in seconds.
5. A Clear Bell or Horn
A simple bell is an essential communication tool for safely navigating bike paths and busy urban environments. It allows you to politely alert pedestrians and other riders of your presence, preventing potential collisions.
What to Look For:
- Sound: Choose a bell with a loud, clear, and pleasant tone that can cut through ambient noise without being overly aggressive.
6. A Secure Phone Mount
For riders relying on a smartphone for GPS navigation, a reliable phone mount is a must-have. A cheap, flimsy mount risks your expensive device falling off on a bumpy road.
What to Look For:
- Secure Grip: Look for a mount with a strong, multi-point locking mechanism that holds the phone firmly in place.
- Vibration Damping: Better models include rubber or silicone damping to protect your phone's internal electronics (especially the camera stabilizer) from high-frequency vibrations.
Conclusion: Equipping for a Better Ride
Equipping your electric bike with these essential, high-quality accessories goes beyond convenience—it's a fundamental part of responsible and enjoyable riding.
At POLEEJIEK, we work with our B2B partners to create OEM e-bike solutions that can be specified with certified, high-quality accessories right from the factory. Contact us to learn how we can build a complete, market-ready e-bike package for your brand.
