How do I disconnect the rear hub motor cable when changing a tire?

Locate the cable exiting the rear wheel hub (usually on the right side). Find the waterproof 'Quick-Disconnect' plug and pull it straight apart. Do not twist it, as this can damage the internal pins.

Why do fat tire ebikes get flats so often?

Fat tires have a larger contact patch with the ground compared to standard tires, statistically increasing the chance of rolling over thorns or glass. Additionally, low tire pressure (often under 20 PSI) can make them susceptible to pinch flats.

What tools do I need to replace a fat bike tire?

You will need heavy-duty tire levers (metal-core recommended), an 18mm or 19mm wrench for the axle nuts, zip ties for the cable, and a replacement tube (typically 20x4.0 size).

Do I need to disconnect the battery before changing the tire?

Yes, it is best practice to turn off the bike and remove the battery (if removable) before working near the motor or cables to prevent accidental activation or short circuits.

How to Replace a Rear Fat Tire on an Ebike (Step-by-Step Guide 2026)

💡 Quick Answer: How to Change a Rear Ebike Tire

Replacing a rear fat tire on an electric bike involves 5 key steps:

Shift & Flip: Shift to the smallest gear and flip the bike to rest on handlebars.
Disconnect: Unplug the motor disconnect cable (do not twist!).
Loosen: Use an 18mm wrench to loosen axle nuts.
Swap: Remove the wheel, use levers to change the tube, and inflate slightly.
Reconnect: Reinstall the wheel, ensuring the arrows on the motor cable align perfectly.

You are miles deep into a trail ride on your Poleejiek F6 Electric Dirt Bike, enjoying the torque, when you hear that dreaded "hissing" sound. You have a flat.

Changing a tire on a regular bicycle is simple. But changing a rear fat tire on an ebike? That can look intimidating. You have a heavy hub motor, thick rubber, and electrical wires to worry about. Many riders are afraid of damaging the motor connection.

Don't panic. It is actually quite simple. The secret lies in handling the "Quick-Disconnect" cable correctly. In this guide, we will show you exactly how to do it in under 15 minutes.

🛠️ Tools You Need

Before you start, make sure you have the right gear. Fat tires (typically 20x4.0 or 26x4.0) fit tightly on the rim, so standard plastic levers might snap.

Tire Levers: Use metal-core levers or high-strength plastic meant for motorcycles or fat bikes (External Tip: Park Tool levers are a mechanic favorite).
18mm or 19mm Wrench: To remove the rear axle nuts.
Zip Ties: Essential for securing the motor cable after the repair.
Replacement Tube: Ensure you have the correct size (e.g., 20x4.0). Check our ebike accessories guide for recommendations.

The Step-by-Step Process

Step 1: Shift and Flip

Shift your gears into the smallest cog (the highest gear). This moves the derailleur chain to the outermost position, making it much easier to slide the wheel out without getting tangled.

Next, flip the bike upside down. Note: Always place a protective mat under the display and throttle to avoid scratches.

An electric fat tire bike flipped upside down on a mat for maintenance. — Flipping the bike makes rear wheel removal significantly easier.

Step 2: Disconnect the Motor Cable

This is the most critical step. On the right side of the rear fork, locate the cable exiting the motor hub.

If you own a modern Poleejiek ebike, you will see a waterproof "Quick-Disconnect" plug. Simply pull it straight apart. Do not twist it! Twisting can damage the delicate pins inside.

Step 3: Loosen the Axle Nuts

Remove the rubber protective caps. Use your wrench to loosen the axle nuts. You don't need to remove them completely—just enough to slide the wheel out of the dropouts.

Pro Tip: Pay attention to the order of the washers and the torque arm. If you are new to this, take a photo with your phone before taking the wheel off.

Step 4: Swap the Tube

Once the wheel is off, use your tire levers to pry the tire bead over the rim. Remove the old tube.

Before putting the new tube in, run your fingers carefully inside the tire casing. You are looking for the thorn, wire, or glass that caused the flat. If you don't remove it, your new tube will pop instantly—a classic rookie mistake.

(Curious why fat tires get flats? Read our analysis on Fat Tire Pros & Cons).

Step 5: Reconnect and Test

Install the new tube, seat the tire, and place the wheel back into the frame. Tighten the nuts securely.

The Final Detail: When reconnecting the motor cable, look for the two arrows stamped on the connector ends. You must align Arrow-to-Arrow before pushing them together.

Close up showing the arrow alignment on an ebike motor cable connector. — Always align the arrows to prevent bending the connector pins.

Why Do Fat Tires Get Flats?

It's largely a numbers game. A 4-inch wide tire has a massive contact patch compared to a road bike, meaning it rolls over more debris. Additionally, because riders often run low pressure (under 20 PSI) for traction, hitting a sharp rock at speed can cause a "snake bite" or pinch flat.

For frequent off-roaders, we recommend adding tire sealant or upgrading to the heavy-duty tires found on our F6 Off-Road Series.

Time for a Maintenance-Friendly Upgrade?

Maintenance is part of the ownership experience, but it shouldn't be a struggle. Older ebikes without quick-release cables or with cheap rims make simple repairs difficult.

We designed the Poleejiek F6 and our Cargo Series with modularity in mind, ensuring that when you need to swap a tire or brake pad, it's a quick job, not an all-day project.

Need Spare Parts? Contact Support

Check out our full 2026 Ebike Maintenance Checklist to keep your ride running smoothly all year.