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When it comes to commuting on an e-bike, having the right handlebar grips can make a world of difference in terms of comfort, control, and safety. With so many options on the market, it can be tough to know where to start. That’s why we’ve put together this comprehensive guide to help you find the best handlebar grips for your e-bike commute.
What Features Should the Best Grips Have?
Ergonomic Design for Comfort
If you’re going to be spending a lot of time on your e-bike, you’ll want to make sure your handlebar grips are comfortable. Ergonomic designs are contoured to fit your hand, reducing pressure points and providing a more natural grip. Look for grips that have a slightly thicker shape in the center to provide extra padding where you need it most.
Non-Slip Surface for Safety
When it comes to riding an e-bike, safety is always a top priority. Non-slip surfaces on handlebar grips can help prevent your hands from slipping, even in wet or sweaty conditions. Look for grips with a textured surface or rubberised coating for extra grip.
Vibration Dampening to Reduce Fatigue
E-bikes can produce a lot of vibration, especially at higher speeds. Vibration dampening technology can help reduce fatigue and improve control while riding. Look for grips that have a soft, shock-absorbing material, such as gel or foam, to help absorb some of the vibrations.
Easy of Installation
Installing new handlebar grips should be a quick and easy process. Look for grips that come with all the necessary hardware and instructions for a hassle-free installation. Slip-on grips are often the easiest to install, but lock-on grips provide a more secure fit.
Durability for Longevity
Finally, you’ll want to make sure your handlebar grips are built to last. Look for grips made from high-quality materials, such as rubber or silicone, that can withstand the wear and tear of daily commuting. Grips with reinforced ends can also help prevent tearing and extend the life of your grips.
Top Handlebar Grips for Commuting on an E-Bike
Now that you know what to look for in a handlebar grip, let’s take a look at some of the top options on the market. All of the grips featured below have been used at some stage by the author of this article.
Ergon GP3
The Ergon GP3 is one of their best-selling grips. I have ridden over 4500 miles using these, and they’re one of my personal favourites. The bar-end is just the right size for resting your hands on. Vibration damping is second to none, and the large, flared sections offer excellent palm support. Like other grips in the Ergon range, they have a premium quality feel to them, plus they’re very durable, showing little sign of wear despite the high mileage ridden.
Available from Amazon (various countries)
Specialized Neutralizer Grips
I currently have a pair of these fitted to my gravel bike, and they’re a really comfortable pair of grips. They have a nice, soft feel, with just a bit of ‘tackiness’ for grip. Plus, the underside is squared off, giving a really natural hand position. The Specialized Neutralizer is also excellent value for money, coming in at under £20.
Lifeline Ergonomic Grips
These are another favourite of mine. The Lifeline Ergonmic grips were my ‘go to’ handlebar grips on several of my old bikes, including my Vitus Mach E-Bike, which I covered nearly 2000 miles on. For the price, they’re excellent – a really durable and comfortable grip. Back in 2021, I tested the comfort of these to the max by doing a 200 mile ride over a couple of days, and they did a grand job!
Ergon GE1 Evo
The Ergon GE1 Evo is an updated version of the well-received GE1 grip. It has been designed to provide riders with enhanced comfort through optimal pressure distribution. Although these grips are aimed at mountain bike riders, they’re a really comfortable grip for daily use. I currently have a set fitted to my Genesis touring bike and they’re incredibly comfortable. The GE1 Evo grips are available in a wide range of colours, so you’ll easily find one to suit your e-bike.
Available from Amazon (various countries)
Giant Connect Ergo Max Plus
These Giant Ergo Max Plus grips came fitted to a hybrid bike I owned a few years back, and I was impressed with how comfortable they were on longer rides. Designed with a soft polymer compound and layer of gel, they help with pressure distribution while reducing road vibration. In addition, the bar ends provide an extra hand position for added comfort.
Ergon GP5
I currently have these fitted to my Fiido X folding e-bike, and they really make a difference. The great thing about the GP5’s is the massive bar-end, which allows for multiple variations in hand position. These work well on a folding electric bike, and significantly improve comfort on longer rides. As with the GP3, you can adjust the angle of the bar-end independently of the grip to find your optimal position. I had a set of these fitted to one of my first e-bikes back in 2017, and I always go back to them. In my opinion one of the best grips out there.
Available from Amazon (various countries)
Ergon GA3
I originally thought about getting these, as my friend has them fitted to his Trek Powerfly 5 e-MTB. They compare favourably to the GP1’s but are lighter and more suitable for e-MTB riding. They are very comfy with a subtle palm rest, and quality feel to them. The GA3’s are available in various colours to suit your e-bike.
Available from Amazon (various countries)
Conclusion
Finding the right handlebar grips for your e-bike commute is essential for comfort, control, and safety. When selecting a grip, consider factors such as ergonomic design, non-slip surface, vibration dampening, ease of installation, and durability. The above list provides some of the best handlebar grips for commuting on an e-bike. Ultimately, the best grip for you depends on your personal preferences and riding style.
If I had to pick a personal favourite, it’s a tough call. All the grips featured above a good. The Ergon GP5 is definitely the most versatile of the bunch, offering the most possible hand positions. For value for money, the Lifeline grips are a hard act to follow, and highly recommended.
Thanks for reading. If you have any questions relating to the grips featured in this article. Please leave a message in the comments section below.
