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Step 3: Mount the tire and tube

Now you will mount the rim tape, tube, and tire on the motor wheel. Take your time. A correctly installed tube reduces the risk of punctures.

Install the rim tape​

Take out the rim tape​

Take out the rim tape, or electrical tape if you are using that instead.

The rim tape

The rim before installation​

This is what the rim looks like before the rim tape is installed. Note the spoke nipple holes that need to be covered.

Wheel before rim tape

Place the rim tape​

Place the rim tape in the rim so it covers all spoke nipple holes.

Rim tape installed

Check the valve hole​

Important: Make sure the hole in the rim tape ends up exactly over the valve hole in the rim.

Valve hole

Mount the tire​

Take out the tire​

Take out your 26-inch tire.

The tire

Mount one side of the tire​

Mount one side, one bead, of the tire over the rim edge. Use tire levers if needed.

Mount the tire

Rotation direction

Check that the tire rotation direction, marked with an arrow on the side, matches the brake disc direction. Both should rotate the same way when the wheel rolls forward.

Soft tire is easier

Leave the tire in the sun for a while before mounting. A warm, soft tire is much easier to fit.

Mount the tube​

Take out the tube​

Take out the tube.

The tube

Close-up of the tube

Unscrew the retaining ring​

Unscrew the retaining ring and valve cap from the valve.

Unscrew the retaining ring

Insert the tube​

Insert the tube into the tire. Start by pushing the valve through the valve hole in the rim. Put the retaining ring on loosely to hold the valve in place.

Insert the tube

Close-up

Spread the tube evenly around the whole rim, inside the tire.

Finish the installation​

Mount the other side of the tire​

Now mount the other bead of the tire over the rim edge. This is usually the hardest part.

Mount the other side

Avoid pinching the tube!

Be very careful that the tube does not end up pinched between the tire bead and the rim edge. A pinched tube will puncture immediately when you inflate it.

Tip: Push the tire bead in and visually check that the tube is not visible along the entire rim.

Tighten the retaining ring​

Tighten the retaining ring on the valve, but only finger tight, not too hard.

Tighten the retaining ring

Inflate the tire​

Inflate the tire to the pressure listed on the side of the tire, usually a range such as 40 to 65 PSI or 2.8 to 4.5 bar.

Inflate the tire

Pressure and ride feel
  • Higher pressure: Better efficiency, higher top speed, longer range
  • Lower pressure: Softer ride, better grip on rough surfaces

Put on the valve cap​

Check that the retaining ring is still finger tight and put on the valve cap.

Valve cap in place

Done!​

The motor wheel now has a mounted tire and tube and is ready to be installed in the bike.

Next step: Step 4: Install the motor wheel