The best first mod for a high-power e-bike is the one that helps you stop and stay in control: a stronger brake setup. After that come the touchpoints (levers, footbrake, pegs), then wheels and tires, then comfort and looks. This guide puts the mods in that order, explains how to check fit and durability before you buy, and covers the legal and warranty points that keep your bike safe to ride.
We build parts for Surron, Talaria and similar bikes, so the examples lean toward high-speed, high-power e-bikes. Most of the logic applies to any e-bike.
TL;DR
- Upgrade braking first. Everything else on the bike works better when you trust the stopping power.
- Next, fix the contact points: levers, footbrake and footpegs decide how much control you have.
- Wheels and tires change handling more than any bolt-on. Pick them for how you ride, not just looks.
- Check fit by model, installation steps and the material of each part before you order.
- Keep power and speed within your local limits. Brakes, controls and wheels are the mods that make riding safer, not just faster.
Table of Contents
- Which mods are worth doing first
- Brakes: the upgrade that pays back every ride
- Wheels and tires: where handling really changes
- Pegs, grips and bars: the control mods
- Comfort mods and looks mods
- How to judge an upgrade before you buy
- Power, speed and the rules that apply to you
- A sensible upgrade order for a Surron or Talaria
- Get the parts for your bike
- FAQ
- Sources
Which mods are worth doing first
Most lists of e-bike mods are a pile of ten or twenty unrelated items. A useful order is by what each mod changes for the rider:
- Stopping power. Brakes, levers and rotors.
- Control. Footbrake, pegs, grips, bars.
- Handling and traction. Wheels and tires.
- Comfort and carrying. Saddle, racks, bags.
- Appearance. Decals, paint, colored parts.
Published mod roundups cover the same ground. One e-bike mod list from Electric Bike Report includes smoother or narrower tires, a replacement saddle, a bar or stem change for reach, lock-on grips, a rack and cargo bag, lights, larger rotors and hydraulic disc brakes. Notice how much of that list is about the points where your body meets the bike. The motor is rarely the limiting factor. The parts around it usually are.
If your bike is a Surron, a Talaria or a similar lightweight e-moto, the same logic is stronger. These bikes accelerate hard and carry speed into corners, so brakes and controls get used harder than on a commuter bike.
Brakes: the upgrade that pays back every ride
Brakes are the mod we recommend before anything else, and the reason is simple. Power you cannot scrub off is a liability. A better brake setup gives you shorter, more predictable stops, and that confidence lets you ride faster where it is appropriate and calmer where it is not.
Hydraulic setups and rotors
The Electric Bike Report list mentions two brake changes: moving from mechanical to hydraulic disc brakes, and fitting larger rotors, for example 160 mm to 180 mm or 180 mm to 203 mm. Hydraulic systems move fluid instead of pulling a cable, which is why riders describe the lever feel as lighter and more consistent. Larger rotors give the brake more leverage and more surface to shed heat.
Our Brake Kits collection is built around this idea for high-speed, high-power e-bikes. The kits are engineered and tested for compatibility and durability with these bikes, and they are designed for quick installation.
Model-specific kits
Brake kits are not universal, and the model matters. We list them by platform:
- Ultra Bee brakes for Surron LBX, eRide and 79bike
- Ultra Bee brakes for Talaria XXX, MX3 and MX4
- Ultra Bee brakes for Tuttio, Yozma and Heybike
If you want a full walkthrough of choosing, fitting and installing one, read our e-bike brake kit guide. For an overview of the line, see the Ultra Bee brake upgrades page.
Levers and the footbrake
A brake is only as good as the way you operate it. Upgraded levers change the reach and feel at your fingertips, which matters on long rides and technical trails. Our Ultra Bee upgraded levers are made for that.
On bikes with a rear foot-operated brake, a footbrake upgrade gives the rear wheel a lever you can modulate with your boot. We make a footbrake for Surron LBX, eRide and 79bike and a footbrake for Talaria XXX, MX3 and MX4. Riders who come from dirt bikes tend to find this the most natural change on the bike.
Wheels and tires: where handling really changes
Tires are the only thing touching the ground, so they set the ceiling for grip, comfort and rolling efficiency. The Electric Bike Report roundup notes that smoother tires can mean comfort, quicker acceleration and more range, while narrower tires suit mud. The tradeoff is always about the surface you ride most.
A simple way to choose:
| Where you ride | What to look for |
|---|---|
| Pavement and city streets | Smoother tread, better rolling, more predictable braking |
| Mixed pavement and trail | Moderate tread, a balance between grip and efficiency |
| Loose dirt and mud | Aggressive tread, narrower profile for cutting through mud |
If you ride mostly on asphalt with a dirt-bike-style machine, a supermoto wheel setup is a popular change. Our Ultra Bee Supermoto set and the wider Wheel Upgrades collection are made for that kind of riding. Whenever you change wheels, check your brake rotor and caliper alignment afterward. Wheel and brake upgrades work as a pair.
Pegs, grips and bars: the control mods
These are the cheapest changes with the biggest effect on how the bike feels.
- Wide pegs. A larger platform gives your boots more grip and support, especially standing on rough ground. They also reduce foot fatigue on long rides.
- Grips. Lock-on grips stay put and are easy to swap, and they let you adjust the position of your hands.
- Bars and stem. A change in reach or height can fix the cramped or stretched feeling that makes bikes tiring to ride.
We make durable aluminum and other metal accessories for these jobs. Browse the Metal Parts collection to see current options for your bike.
Comfort mods and looks mods
Not every upgrade is about speed or stopping, and that is fine. Some mods are there to make the bike nicer to live with.
Mostly comfort: a replacement saddle, a different bar position, softer grips, fenders and mudguards, a kickstand.
Mostly practical: lights, a rear rack, a cargo bag.
Mostly appearance: decals, paint, colored anodized parts.
These are worth doing once your braking and control are sorted. A saddle that fits you well can transform a two-hour ride, and lights are an easy way to be seen. Just do not let a cosmetic mod replace a performance one on your priority list. A good-looking bike with tired brakes is still a tired-brake bike.
Perspective
We think about e-bike mods in a simple way: a bike with strong acceleration needs equally strong control. Every Surron and Talaria rider knows the moment when the throttle outruns the brakes, and that is the moment we design for.
That is why we focus on brakes, footbrakes, levers, wide pegs and wheels instead of chasing flashy extras. Our parts are engineered and tested for high-speed, high-power e-bikes, and we stand behind fitment with direct support, so you can order knowing what goes on which bike.
Installation matters as much as the part itself. Many of our products are designed to go on in minutes, which means you spend your weekend riding instead of wrenching. The riders who share their builds on our site tend to start with brakes, then add controls and wheels. We think that is the right order.
Josh
How to judge an upgrade before you buy
A part can look right in photos and still be wrong for your bike. Run each candidate through these five checks.
1. Exact fitment
Name your model and variant, not just the brand. A Talaria XXX and an MX4 share a family but you want the listing to name yours. This is why our product pages are organized by platform, and why we offer direct fitment support if you are unsure.
2. Material and build
The parts that take the most load, such as levers, pegs, footbrakes and brackets, should be made of solid metal and designed for the forces of a heavy, fast bike. Parts sized for a standard bicycle are not built for that.
3. Installation effort
Look at what the job requires: bolt-on swap, bleeding a hydraulic line, or re-routing a cable. A bolt-on swap takes minutes. A full brake conversion takes longer, so plan an afternoon and have the right tools. Our guide to fitting a brake kit walks through the steps.
4. Compatibility with what you already have
If you are mixing original and aftermarket parts, confirm that rotors, calipers, levers and mounts are meant to work together. Brake kits that cover both original and aftermarket setups save a lot of guesswork.
5. The effect you expect
Decide in advance what the mod should change: shorter stopping distance, a lighter lever pull, better foot grip, a different ride on pavement. If you cannot name the effect, the mod is probably cosmetic, and that is fine as long as you know it.
Power, speed and the rules that apply to you
Brakes, wheels and controls are the mods that make a fast bike safer. Mods that raise a bike’s power or assisted speed are different, because they can change how the law and the manufacturer treat it. Keep the following in mind.
- Europe. CONEBI, the European bicycle industry body, states that unauthorized changes raising a pedelec’s power or assisted speed beyond 250 W or 25 km/h make it a motor vehicle under Regulation (EU) 168/2013. In most member states that brings type approval, registration, a driving licence, insurance and a motorcycle-type helmet.
- United Kingdom. BikeRadar reports that fitting a tuning kit that removes the 25 km/h limit means the bike is no longer an EPAC, and a UK Shimano distributor says aftermarket kits void the warranty. It also notes that modern software can detect a tuning chip, which can matter when you service the bike or update firmware.
- United States. Rules depend on the state and on the class of e-bike, and they differ for trails and roads. Look up your state’s definition and the rules for your local trails before you change power or speed.
The practical takeaway: braking, control, wheel and comfort mods are about handling the performance your bike already has. If you plan anything that changes motor output or top assisted speed, check your local rules, your insurance policy and your manufacturer’s warranty terms first. Many riders use off-road bikes on private land or permitted trails, where different rules apply, so confirm what applies where you ride.
One more reason brakes come first: components are designed around the speed the bike was built for. As CONEBI warns in the same paper, e-bikes and their components are not designed for sustained higher speeds. Stronger brakes give you margin on the speeds you already ride.
A sensible upgrade order for a Surron or Talaria
Here is the sequence we suggest to riders who ask where to begin.
- Brake kit for your model. The biggest change in confidence per dollar.
- Upgraded levers. Better feel and reach to go with the new brakes.
- Footbrake. More modulation at the rear.
- Wide pegs and metal parts. A solid footing and durable touchpoints.
- Wheels and tires. Choose for your surface: supermoto for pavement, tread for dirt.
- Comfort and looks. Saddle, grips, lights and finishing touches.
You do not have to do all of it. Even the first two steps change how the bike feels. If you ride hard, with hills, passengers or cargo, the first step is not optional. Extra load asks more of the brakes every time you slow down.
Get the parts for your bike
If you are ready to start with braking, begin with the Brake Kits collection, where kits are sorted by bike model. We design each one for guaranteed fitment and quick installation, and our team can confirm compatibility before you order. When you are ready for the next step, the Wheel Upgrades collection is the place to look.
Shop by your model, check the fitment notes on the product page, and message us if your setup is unusual.
FAQ
What is the best first mod for an e-bike?
Brakes. A hydraulic setup, larger rotors and better levers improve stopping power and feel, which is what high-power bikes need most. Once braking is sorted, move on to footbrake, pegs and wheels.
Are mods for e-bikes legal?
Braking, comfort, wheel and accessory mods are generally fine. Mods that raise motor power or assisted speed beyond your local limits can change how the bike is classified, as CONEBI explains for Europe. Check your own state or country, your insurer and your warranty terms before changing power or speed.
Will aftermarket parts void my warranty?
It depends on the part and the manufacturer. BikeRadar’s reporting says tuning kits that alter motor behavior void warranty in the UK. For bolt-on brake, lever and peg upgrades, read your warranty document or ask the manufacturer directly.
How do I know a part will fit my Surron or Talaria?
Match the exact model and variant on the product page, then confirm any mix of original and aftermarket parts. We list brake kits, footbrakes and levers by platform, and our team supports fitment questions before you order.
Can I install these upgrades myself?
Many bolt-on parts, such as levers, pegs and footbrakes, go on in minutes with basic tools. Brake kits take a bit longer, and our brake kit guide covers the steps. If you are not confident with hydraulic lines, a qualified e-bike or motorcycle mechanic can do the job.
Sources
- 10 Ideas for Modding Your E-Bike, Electric Bike Report
- EPACs that do not comply with the spirit of the law, CONEBI position paper
- Why electric bike tuning kits could put you on the wrong side of the law, BikeRadar