Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

E-bike gear roundup: Everything you need for safety and peace of mind

The best e-bike gear of 2023

Kryptonite New York Bike Lock
Kryptonite New York U-Lock
Toughest bike lock there is
Jump to details
ABUS Bordo Granit XPlus 6500
ABUS Bordo Granit XPlus 6500
Burly, versatile folding lock
Jump to details
Yakima OnRamp E-Bike Hitch Bike Rack
Yakima OnRamp E-Bike Hitch Bike Rack
Best all-around e-bike rack
Jump to details
PAKMULE BIKE RACK
Pakmule Bike Rack
Best bike rack for camping
Jump to details
Smith Forefront 2
Smith Forefront 2
Outstanding MTB helmet
Jump to details
POC Otocon
POC Otocon
Superior full-face helmet
Jump to details
Thousand Bike Helmet
Thousand Heritage Bike and Skate Helmet
Classically cool helmet
Jump to details
Fox Defend D30 Gloves
Fox Defend D30 Gloves
Supremely protective MTB gloves
Jump to details
RadRunner 3 Plus Electric Utility Bike
Rad Power RadRunner 3
A versatile, fun e-bike
Jump to details

E-bikes are the latest, coolest thing in the cycling world, and while they’re certainly just as awesome as they’re hyped up to be, they do come with some unique considerations. As far as safety goes, they can be significantly faster and sometimes even flat-out difficult to control compared to non-powered bikes. They also stand out on a bike rack in terms of steal appeal. Luckily, some top e-bike gear has been developed over the past couple of years to address these issues.

With this in mind, let’s take a look at some of the best e-bike gear out there. These items have been selected specifically to address concerns relating to safety and security. Each has been tested extensively by our reviewer, so you can ride assured that this e-bike gear is truly unrivaled.

The toughest bike lock there is.
Kryptonite

Kryptonite New York U-Lock

Toughest bike lock there is

When it comes to locking up a bike with the utmost security, Kryptonite sets the gold standard. The New York U-Lock is a solid piece of metal that is, for all practical purposes, unbreakable. Admittedly, no lock is 100% secure, but this is as close as it gets.

Kryptonite New York Bike Lock
Kryptonite New York U-Lock
Toughest bike lock there is
The ABUS Bordo Granit XPlus 6500 is super tough.
ABUS

ABUS Bordo Granit XPlus 6500

Burly, versatile folding lock

Folding bike locks are pretty new on the scene, and while low-quality brands can be somewhat questionable in terms of security, the Bordo Granit XPlus 6500 from ABUS is rated just as tough as the strongest U-locks. These are a great alternative to U-locks because they can be adjusted to fit more awkward locking situations.

ABUS Bordo Granit XPlus 6500
ABUS Bordo Granit XPlus 6500
Burly, versatile folding lock
Yakima OnRamp E-Bike Hitch Bike Rack
Yakima

Yakima OnRamp E-Bike Hitch Bike Rack

Best all-around e-bike rack

One issue some people have with e-bikes is that they can be difficult to transport due to their large size and weight, which makes most vehicle racks unsuitable for the task. That’s not the case with the OnRamp from Yakima, which was specifically designed for e-bikes.

Capable of carrying two 66-pound bikes, it offers the capacity necessary for pretty much any bike on the market. It also has a unique ramp to assist with loading, which is a huge help.

Yakima OnRamp E-Bike Hitch Bike Rack
Yakima OnRamp E-Bike Hitch Bike Rack
Best all-around e-bike rack
PAKMULE Bike Rack
Pakmule

Pakmule Bike Rack

Best bike rack for camping

The Pakmule is a great e-bike transport option for two reasons. First, it offers the carrying capacity necessary for heavy bikes. Second, its platform design allows you to strap on additional gear making it the perfect rack for camping.

PAKMULE BIKE RACK
Pakmule Bike Rack
Best bike rack for camping
Smith Forefront 2
Smith Optics

Smith Forefront 2

Outstanding MTB helmet

If you do need full-face protection, the Forefront 2 from Smith is an outstanding option. It delivers superior protection with some of the best impact absorption in the business. It also feels and looks great, and is camera and light mount compatible.

Smith Forefront 2
Smith Forefront 2
Outstanding MTB helmet
The POC Otocon helmet on a white backdrop.
POC

POC Otocon

Superior full-face helmet

POC makes some of the best helmets in the world, and as far as full-face protective helmets go, the new Otocon is arguably the most advanced enduro brain-bucket ever built. Lightweight, well-ventilated, super comfortable, and uber protective, the Otocon checks all the boxes. It also looks flat-out cool.

POC Otocon
POC Otocon
Superior full-face helmet
The cool, sleek Heritage helmet from Thousand on a white background.
Thousand

Thousand Heritage Bike and Skate Helmet

Classically cool helmet

As far as old-school style helmets go, the Heritage from Thousand is rad. Some outright awesome color options accentuate its classic look, and its shell boasts a hidden “poplock” that allows you to loop a chain or U-lock through and leave it securely with your bike.

Thousand Bike Helmet
Thousand Heritage Bike and Skate Helmet
Classically cool helmet
The Fox Defend D30 Gloves are super protective
Fox Racing

Fox Defend D30 Gloves

Supremely protective MTB gloves

Fox is essentially the industry standard for MTB padding, and the Defend D30 Gloves perfectly represent this. Comfortable and well-fitted, they feel great and provide outstanding range of motion. But what really makes them stand out is their knuckle guards, which can save the day for your fingers.

Fox Defend D30 Gloves
Fox Defend D30 Gloves
Supremely protective MTB gloves
Rad Power RadRunner 3
Rad Power Bikes

Rad Power RadRunner 3

A versatile, fun e-bike

There are a lot of great e-bikes out there, but one of my new favorites is the Rad Power RadRunner 3 Plus. It's a great e-bike by every metric: fun, powerful, sleek, and versatile enough for road, gravel, or trail. What's more, Rad's massive lineup of customization options make it so that you can truly design your e-bike. 5 stars all the way.

RadRunner 3 Plus Electric Utility Bike
Rad Power RadRunner 3
A versatile, fun e-bike

For all practical purposes, this is everything you need to keep you and your e-bike safe and secure. I'll be updating this list with new product releases often, so be sure to check back for the latest and greatest.

Editors' Recommendations

Nick Hilden
Former Digital Trends Contributor

Nick Hilden is a lifestyle and culture writer whose work has appeared in the Washington Post, Esquire, Rolling Stone, Afar, the Daily Beast, Popular Science, Men's Health, Thrillist, Scientific American, Salon, Fodor's, Vice, Popular Mechanics, Runner's World, and more. He's usually on some random adventure in some random corner of the world.

Send all editorial inquiries HERE.

The Best Bikes for Teaching Your Kid to Ride
A kid riding a Specialized Riprock bike

Training wheels are fine but the best bikes for teaching your kid to ride offer a bit more. These bikes are durable and adjustable and can withstand a beating only a kid on two wheels can produce. Kiddos are after something that's fun and flashy while parents are shopping for safety, and ideally, something that can outlast a few growth spurts.

There are several bikes up to the task. This Father's Day, if Dad is a parent of a young kid, give him the gift of a good bike that'll make teaching the little one to ride all the easier. Here are some great options.

Read more
The Best Bike Gear for Hitting the Streets This Spring
A man riding a bike in traffic.

With spring just around the corner, bicycling season is almost upon us. Whether you're commuting to work, hitting the mountain biking trails, biking for exercise, or simply pedaling around town for the fun of it, you want cycling gear that will make your experience more comfortable, safe, practical, and enjoyable. To that end, we're taking a look at the best bike gear for 2022.

Read more
10 Cool Camping Gear and Accessories You Need
Mountain view from inside camping tent.

Whether you’re a first-time camper or a seasoned outdoor veteran, choosing the right camping gear for your trip can really make or break your experience. There are plenty of products that can enhance your next trip into the wilderness, check out our favorite innovative camping items.
Fragrance with Benefits

We all hate mosquitos, but they seem to love humans. Fragrance with Benefits is taking a new approach to mosquito repellent. Fragrance with Benefits offers travel-sized aromatic perfumes, body creams, and shower gels with the added benefit of natural, insect repelling essential oils. The citrus-based fragrances are unisex and are a refreshing change compared to smelly repellents on the market.

Read more