E-Bike Accessories I Actually Use: My Venus & Ruby Setup

The best e-bike accessories are the ones that make you want to grab your bike and go. For me, that means a basket on Venus, roomy orange panniers on Ruby, and a few practical additions that make riding with friends more enjoyable. If you are getting started with e-biking after 40, you do not need to buy everything at once!

I own both the Heybike Venus and the Heybike Hybrid, which I call Ruby. This is a look at the accessories in my own setup, what fits inside those bags, and what I would think about before adding gear to your bike.

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My e-bike accessories at a glance

My everyday setup starts with storage, a mirror and a place for a drink. For longer outings, Ruby’s panniers give me room to bring things home. For riding together, our Sena communication devices have become a favorite addition. A properly fitted helmet belongs on your essentials list from the start.

Shopping for the bike first? Here are my affiliate links for the Heybike Venus and Heybike Hybrid/Ruby. My Venus vs. Hybrid comparison explains why I enjoy owning both.

A front basket for Venus: practical and cute

There is something about a basket that makes a bike feel ready for an actual outing. Phone, keys, lip balm and the little things you want close by all need somewhere to go. I love the look of the wicker basket on my white Venus, too. Practical does not have to mean boring!

Before choosing a basket, check the mounting style, handlebar space and weight limit. Make sure it cannot interfere with the brake cables, steering or front light. Keep heavier loads off the handlebars; adding weight there changes how the bike feels. Start with a light load and get comfortable with it before heading out.

Ruby’s ROCKBROS panniers: here is what actually fits

These orange bags are seriously roomy. I bought the ROCKBROS pannier two-pack for Ruby, and the pictures tell the story better than a capacity number ever could. On our New York ride, one bag held four bottles of wine!

And yes, that is a whole 12-pack of Miller High Life bottles in the next picture. I pulled this still straight from my video so you can see the actual package inside the bag. The video also shows a 12-pack of Lipton Hard Iced Tea in the other pannier. This is the kind of real-life storage I wanted for Ruby.

Think of these photos as examples of what fits, rather than a recommended load for every bike. Space and weight capacity are different. Check the limits for your panniers, rack and bike; balance the load between sides; and secure glass bottles so they cannot shift or break. Leave enough room to close the bags properly. Bring your purchases home to enjoy after the ride.

Check heel clearance and make sure the mounting hardware fits your rack. Bags and loose straps must stay clear of the wheel and brakes. The listing describes these as waterproof panniers, but I am not treating these photos as a waterproofing test. Follow the closure instructions and protect anything you cannot afford to get wet.

A mirror for a better view behind you

A mirror is one of the first additions I would consider, especially for road riding. Having that extra view is helpful when you are building confidence and learning what is happening around you. Adjust it while stopped so you can actually see behind you rather than mostly seeing your arm.

A mirror supplements looking and listening; it does not replace checking over your shoulder before moving across traffic. Practice those checks and your hand signals somewhere quiet first. My e-bike safety guide for beginners walks through the basics.

Sena BiKom20: a favorite for riding together

If you have ever tried to have a conversation while everyone is riding at a different distance, you know why I appreciate our communication devices. Being able to talk about a turn, a stop or something ahead makes a group outing feel more connected.

The set I purchased is the Sena BiKom20 in the black dual pack. That listing is a two-unit set, so check the package option before buying. Set everything up and test the connection before you start riding, and follow the mounting instructions.

Keep the volume low enough to hear your surroundings and check the rules where you ride. Communication gear is a convenience, not a substitute for watching traffic, leaving space or agreeing on a route and regrouping points. Stop somewhere safe if you need to adjust settings.

A cup holder and an uncluttered handlebar setup

A place for a drink is a small upgrade that makes the bike feel more useful. My purchases include this black aluminum handlebar cup holder. Check the clamp size and the fit of your bottle or cup before ordering; a lid and a secure fit matter when the road gets bumpy.

It is easy to run out of handlebar space once you add a mirror, phone mount and bag. Keep the brakes, shifter and display easy to reach and see. Set navigation before leaving and pull over before handling your phone. Choose mounts for your actual handlebar and device rather than assuming every accessory fits every e-bike.

Helmet first, then the extras

Choose a properly fitted bicycle helmet and wear it on every ride. If you are considering a Lumos helmet, start with fit and the specific model’s features. Lights are useful additions, but they do not replace a correctly fitted helmet or the lights your bike needs. A helmet does not make you invulnerable, either—speed, attention and practice still matter.

Ruby’s seat surprised me—in the best way

Here is one upgrade I would not rush into: replacing Ruby’s seat. Her original seat is shockingly comfortable for me! I have ridden Ruby 49 miles on a hilly route from Erie toward the White Turkey restaurant in Ohio, using mostly PAS 4, and finished with 40% battery remaining. That is my experience on that ride, not a promise about anyone else’s range or comfort.

Give your original saddle a fair try and get the bike adjusted to fit you before buying a replacement. What feels good to one rider can feel very different to another. Comfort is personal, and more padding is not automatically the answer.

A dog trailer when Argos comes along

Bringing Argos adds a whole other reason to get outside. If you are thinking about a trailer, start with my dog bike trailer and e-bike guide for our experience.

Confirm that your bike and trailer manufacturers allow the combination, that the hitch is compatible, and that the total load stays within all limits. A trailer changes braking and handling. Introduce your dog gradually and practice in a quiet area before adding traffic, hills or a longer route.

Build your setup around the rides you want to take

You do not need every accessory on this page to enjoy your e-bike. Start with a helmet, a safe bike setup and a way to carry your essentials. Add storage or communication gear when it solves something you actually encounter on your rides.

For me, Venus’s basket and Ruby’s orange panniers help turn a bike ride into a whole outing. That is the part I love: getting outside, riding with people I enjoy, and having room for a few things along the way. Find the reviews and beginner guides together in my e-bike hub for women over 40.