Brompton Electric C Line Tire Pressure Guide

Tire Size
16x1.5
PSI Range
60-100
Bike Weight
37 lbs

PSI by Rider Weight

Use this table as a starting point for your Brompton Electric C Line. These values assume pavement riding with no cargo. Adjust for terrain and load (see sections below).

Rider WeightFront PSIRear PSIFeel
120 lbs76 PSI76 PSIBalanced
140 lbs78 PSI78 PSIBalanced
160 lbs80 PSI80 PSIBalanced
180 lbs82 PSI82 PSIBalanced
200 lbs84 PSI84 PSIBalanced
220 lbs86 PSI86 PSIBalanced
240 lbs88 PSI88 PSIFirm
260 lbs90 PSI90 PSIFirm

Note: These are baseline recommendations. Use our calculator for precise PSI based on your exact weight, cargo, and terrain.

Factory Tire Specifications

Stock Tire Size

Tire Size:16x1.5
Min PSI:60
Max PSI:100
Casing:standard

Weight Distribution

Front Weight:50%
Rear Weight:50%
Bike Weight:37 lbs

PSI by Terrain Type

Adjust your Electric C Line's tire pressure based on where you ride. Lower pressure = more traction and comfort. Higher pressure = more efficiency and speed.

🛣️Pavement / Bike Paths

Recommended PSI:84-100
Goal:Efficiency

Higher pressure reduces rolling resistance on smooth surfaces. Aim for the upper end of your weight range for maximum speed and battery efficiency.

🌲Gravel / Packed Dirt

Recommended PSI:63-82
Goal:Balance

Medium pressure balances traction with efficiency. Drop 3-5 PSI from pavement settings for better grip on loose surfaces.

⛰️Trails / Rocky Terrain

Recommended PSI:60-65
Goal:Traction

Lower pressure lets tires conform to obstacles and provides cushioning over roots and rocks. Stay above 60 PSI to prevent pinch flats.

🏖️Sand / Snow

Recommended PSI:60-62
Goal:Flotation

These 16x1.5 tires are not ideal for sand/snow. If riding these surfaces, stay near minimum PSI.

Cargo & Passenger PSI Adjustments

When carrying cargo or a passenger on your Electric C Line, adjust PSI to prevent tire squirm and maintain handling.

Passenger (Child Seat or Rear Rack)

Adjustment:
+3-5 PSI (rear)
Example:
180 lb rider + 40 lb child
Front: 82 PSI → 82 PSI (same)
Rear: 82 PSI → 86 PSI

Cargo (Panniers, Baskets, Trailers)

Adjustment:
+2-4 PSI (rear)
Example:
180 lb rider + 30 lbs groceries
Front: 82 PSI → 82 PSI
Rear: 82 PSI → 85 PSI

Safety Warning: Never exceed 100 PSI (tire sidewall max) even with heavy cargo. If you need more support, consider upgrading to reinforced tires or reducing load.

Common Tire Pressure Mistakes

❌ Using the Same PSI as Your Riding Buddy

Optimal PSI depends on total load (rider + bike + cargo). A 150 lb rider and a 220 lb rider on the same bike need different pressure. Always calculate based on YOUR weight.

❌ Ignoring Terrain Differences

Pavement PSI will feel harsh off-road and cause poor traction. Trail PSI on pavement wastes battery and risks pinch flats. Adjust for where you actually ride.

❌ Setting Front and Rear to the Same PSI

The Electric C Line has 50% / 50% weight distribution. Rear tire needs more pressure to handle the extra load and prevent squirm.

❌ Only Checking PSI When Tires Look Low

Tires lose 1-2 PSI per month naturally. Check weekly, especially before long rides or when carrying cargo. Use a quality digital gauge for accuracy.

❌ Exceeding Sidewall Max PSI

The 100 PSI limit on 16x1.5 tires is for safety. Going over risks blowouts, especially in hot weather or rough terrain. Always stay within the 60-100 PSI range.

Get Precise PSI for Your Brompton Electric C Line

Our calculator uses your exact weight, cargo load, terrain type, and temperature to generate precise front and rear PSI recommendations with real-time safety warnings.

Open PSI Calculator →

100% free • No signup • Works on mobile

Frequently Asked Questions

What PSI should I use for my Brompton Electric C Line?
For the Brompton Electric C Line with 16x1.5 tires, recommended PSI ranges from 60 to 100 PSI depending on rider weight. A 180 lb rider should start around 82 PSI. Adjust based on terrain and cargo load.
What is the factory tire pressure for Brompton Electric C Line?
The Electric C Line comes with 16x1.5 tires rated for 60-100 PSI. This is the maximum safe range. Your optimal pressure within this range depends on total load (rider + cargo + bike weight) and riding surface.
How does rider weight affect tire pressure?
Heavier riders need higher PSI to prevent pinch flats and tire squirm. For every 20 lbs of rider weight, add approximately 1-2 PSI within the 60-100 PSI safe range for 16x1.5 tires.
Should I adjust PSI for cargo or passengers?
Yes. For the Electric C Line, add 2-4 PSI rear when carrying cargo or a passenger. The rear tire bears 50% of the load, so it needs more pressure when loaded.
What PSI for pavement vs off-road?
For pavement riding, use 84-100 PSI for efficiency. For trails or gravel, drop to 60-80 PSI for better traction and comfort. Don't go below 60 PSI to avoid pinch flats.

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