There are two questions we hear more than almost any other at the shop: what e-bike tyre pressure should I run, and what size tube or tyre do I need when it’s time for a replacement? The good news is that your correct e-bike tyre pressure — and your exact tyre size — are both printed right on the tyre itself, so you never have to guess.
At Electric Bikes Brisbane, we’ve been the local e-bike specialists since 2013, and we sort these questions out for riders every day. In this quick guide, Sam walks you through exactly where to look, using a Riese & Müller Delite fitted with Schwalbe Super Moto tyres as the example.
Watch the Video Walkthrough
Prefer to watch rather than read? Sam shows you the whole thing on a real bike in under three minutes — hit play below.
Everything You Need Is on the Tyre Sidewall
Here’s the bit that surprises most riders: this little strip of rubber has a heap of information on it. Every tyre has its full specifications printed on the sidewall — the size, the pressure range and even the direction it’s meant to roll.
That means when you roll into a service station needing to top up your air, or you’re at a bike shop buying a replacement tube, you don’t need to look anything up. It’s right there on the wheel, front and centre. A little practice reading the markings and you’re completely self-sufficient.
How to Read Your Tyre Size
Two Formats — ISO Code and Imperial
Tyre sizes are printed in two formats, side by side, so you can read whichever one you recognise. Using the Riese & Müller Delite’s Schwalbe Super Moto as our example:
- ISO / ETRTO international code: 62-534 — the universal standard used across all brands and countries.
- Human-readable imperial: 27.5 inch diameter, 2.4 inch width, 650B rim.
The ISO code is the most important number for buying replacements — it’s the definitive universal reference. The imperial (inch) version is what most Australian bike shops and online stores use to describe their stock, so it’s handy to know both.
Why Tyre Sizing Matters for Replacements
Every bike is a little bit different. You’ve got different wheel sizes, different rim widths and different spoke patterns, and some tyres don’t suit — they might be too wide, or too narrow. A tyre that’s too wide may foul the frame or guards; one that’s too narrow won’t seat correctly. Always match to the ISO code printed on your existing tyre when you’re replacing a tube or tyre.
How to Find Your Tyre Pressure
The PSI Range on Your Tyre
Your recommended pressure range is printed on the sidewall in PSI. On the Schwalbe Super Moto demo tyre, the range is 30–55 PSI — that’s quite a big window, which gives you plenty of flexibility depending on where and how you ride.
Choosing the Right Pressure for Your Riding
Use this as your rule of thumb:
| Terrain | Pressure | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Gravel, sand or soft terrain | Lower end (e.g. 30–35 PSI) | A softer tyre deforms slightly over uneven ground, giving more traction. |
| Hard urban roads & tarmac | Upper end (e.g. 50–55 PSI) | A firmer tyre rolls more efficiently and is less prone to punctures on sealed surfaces. |
| Mixed riding (Brisbane paths + some gravel) | Mid-range (e.g. 40–45 PSI) | A sensible everyday setting for most Brisbane commuting and shared-path riding. |
Schrader vs Presta Valves — Service Station Compatibility
Most e-bikes use Schrader valves — the same type as car tyres — which means you can top up at any service station pump. That’s exactly why Sam talks about “rolling into a service station” for air. If your bike has a Presta valve instead (common on road and some mountain bikes — it’s narrower with a small locknut at the top), you’ll need a Presta-to-Schrader adapter cap or a dedicated bike pump.
One More Thing — Tyre Rotation Direction
There’s one more piece of information on the sidewall that’s easy to miss but really important: the rotation direction. Directional tyres are built to roll one way, and the tread pattern is designed to work in that direction only. When you’re changing a flat or fitting a new tyre, check the rotation arrow printed on the sidewall before you seat the tyre. Getting it wrong means reduced grip and braking performance. It’s a quick check, easy to miss — but well worth the five seconds every time.
Need Help With Your Tyres?
If you’d rather have a professional set you up, our workshop in Milton handles tyre checks, tube replacements and pressure setup every day. Not sure what to look for, or just want a pre-ride check before a big weekend? The EBB team is always happy to help.
Book a Workshop Visit Ask the EBB Team
Frequently Asked Questions — E-Bike Tyre Pressure and Size
How do I find the correct tyre pressure for my e-bike?
Your recommended tyre pressure range is printed on the tyre sidewall in PSI. The range varies by tyre — for example, the Schwalbe Super Moto on the Riese & Müller Delite is rated 30–55 PSI. For gravel or soft terrain, use the lower end for more traction. For hard urban roads, use the upper end to reduce the risk of punctures.
Where do I find my e-bike tyre size?
The tyre size is printed on the sidewall in two formats: the ISO / ETRTO code (e.g. 62-534) and the imperial equivalent (e.g. 27.5 inch x 2.4 inch, 650B rim). The ISO code is the most reliable reference for buying replacement tubes or tyres. Different bikes use different wheel sizes and rim widths, so always check your own tyre before purchasing.
What does the ISO tyre code mean (e.g. 62-534)?
The ISO / ETRTO code is the international standard for tyre sizing. The first number (62) is the tyre width in millimetres. The second number (534) is the bead seat diameter of the rim in millimetres. This code is universal across all brands and countries, making it the most reliable reference when ordering replacement tyres or tubes.
Can I pump up my e-bike tyres at a service station?
Yes — if your e-bike has Schrader valves (the same type as car tyres), service station air pumps are fully compatible. Most e-bikes use Schrader valves. If your bike has Presta valves (narrower, with a locknut at the top), you will need a Presta-to-Schrader adapter cap or a dedicated bike pump.
Does it matter which direction I mount a tyre when changing a flat?
Yes. Directional tyres must be mounted to roll in the correct direction — the tread pattern is engineered for optimal grip and water dispersal in one direction only. The correct rotation direction is indicated by an arrow printed on the tyre sidewall. Always check this before seating the tyre. Mounting it backwards reduces traction and braking performance.
