6 battery-powered compressors in the test: Inflate bike tyres quickly and sweat-free

Getting a flimsy 42 mm tyre up to a full six and a half bar in under two minutes without losing a drop of sweat or getting a pulse - that sounds great. Anyone who has to pressurise a whole fleet of bikes to the target pressure - before a group or family ride, for example - will be even happier to have pumping assistance. Either compact hand pumps or efficient floor-standing compressors are available as standard for inflating bike tyres. The former are quite bulky and put a strain on the entire body, while the latter are less powerful and more strenuous. So why not put a battery-powered helper in the boot or have an electric pump in the garage next to the hook for your bike?

>> 10 floor pumps for mountain bikers in comparison.

Battery-powered compressors: The best alternative for hand and floor pumps?

There are no battery-powered compressors specifically for bicycles, but you can make use of the range from tool or electronics brands. We ordered six of around a dozen devices available in Germany that would be able to generate enough pressure for a bicycle. It's important to note that not all of them come with a rechargeable battery; in some cases, this has to be purchased separately, unless you already have a battery-powered device from the same brand. This is also possible across brands; with a CAS seal, the power sources also fit together regardless of the manufacturer.

The pump heads of all test devices were designed for car valves, also known as Schrader valves, which are currently found on almost half of all bikes at the factory. For all others, however, each device was supplied with an adapter for the classic Dunlop bicycle valves or sporty Sclaverand connections.

Hardship case bicycle tyres?

You might not necessarily think so, but bicycle tyres are not quite simple when it comes to the demands placed on a pump. Even on 40 tonne trucks, higher pressures are not used. The vast majority of modern bike tyres in the touring sector can be inflated to a maximum of six and a half bar; in cycling, nine bar and more is realistic. Very few use these maximum pressures, but if you are going to spend money on a compressor, it should at least have the potential. With one exception, the maximum pressures specified by manufacturers for battery compressors are therefore in the range of ten or eleven bar.

But compressing air with as much force as possible is a talent that only a device like this can have. By using different pump cylinders, the same motor power can be utilised to generate more volume or more maximum pressure. In addition to the power supply and the wattage of the motor, the overall performance of an electric compressor depends mainly on the length and diameter of the pump piston; difficult to see from the outside. Rule of thumb: The larger the diameter of the cylinder, the less pressure it can generate with the same motor power, but the pump volume per stroke and therefore the delivery rate per time increases. The reverse is also true, of course.

How we tested the battery-powered compressors

Despite these correlations, we were surprised at the very different results in the comparison test of the battery-powered compressors, even when these two properties were compared. For example, there are specialists for high pressures on racing bike tyres or SUP boards and those that excel at large volumes such as in pools or air beds. Bosch, Einhell and Black & Decker performed surprisingly well with both.

To test the pumping performance, we set the candidates two tasks, each representing something like extremes in pressure and volume: We had them inflate an empty racing bike tyre to eight bar against the clock, and the same pump system had to pump an empty seat ball with around 1150 litres of air into shape. We also measured the volume in each case. For the sake of fairness, the pump heads were used for both tests. However, it should be mentioned that the devices from B&D, Metabo and Einhell have additional "fan blowers", which would have achieved even better values using a thicker air line with a wider nozzle opening. In addition to the bicycle adapters, all models came with tips for balls, mattresses, etc.

Special features of the battery-powered compressors

In addition to the actual pumping values, other qualities also stood out in the test: the compact Bosch device, for example, fits in any glove compartment, while the AGT device even fits in a jersey pocket in an emergency. The devices with digital control and display do not have to be monitored during the pumping process, they simply switch off when the set pressure is reached, and you don't have to keep your finger on a button for long periods of time. Indoors in particular, the running noise is also a decisive factor in terms of ease of use.

When it comes to battery life, cyclists need not worry at all. Several dozen bikes could be pumped up on one charge, only the AGT hand-held device would need to be connected to the mains in the meantime, and the power is easily sufficient for the family fleet. And even if a tenth of a bar is not important for bicycles outside of extreme use, both the digital and analogue pressure gauges indicated the pressure with a maximum deviation of 0.1 bar. In addition to the tested values, the final decision as to which device is most suitable for cycling enthusiasts depends on the dimensions, price and additional functions. According to our tests, the best all-rounders are probably Einhell and Black & Decker, while the biker's tip is the affordable Knirps from AGT.

>> Here you will find an overview of other bicycle pump tests.

The 6 battery-powered compressors in detail

Bosch Universal Pump 18V

Key data

• Price compressor: 73,49 Euro >> available here
• Battery + charger: 79,99 Euro
• Weight: 1.54 kg
• Dimensions: 26 x 20 x 7 cm
• Battery capacity*: 18 V / 2.0 Ah / 36 Wh
• Performance/Output*: 30 litres/min
• Volume**: 73 db
• Seat ball 0 to 1 bar: 5:09 min
• RR 0 to 8 bar: 0:28 min
• Maximum pressure*: 10.3 bar
• Accessories/extras: Analogue illuminated pressure gauge, LED light, Lock-OFF button, attachments for AV, SV and DV, ball and LuMa tip, charging indicator

Handling

The compact device fits in the hand like a jigsaw, and the hose and adapter are neatly integrated. The pump performance is excellent and the pressure can be finely adjusted despite the anal. Pressure gauge finely adjustable. As a hand-held device, it is particularly easy to access bikes on the bike rack, but the main switch (red) can only be locked in the OFF position, which means you have to hold it with your index finger for a long time when doing a lot of pumping work. The battery capacity of the 2 Ah model is easily enough for a whole fleet of bikes.

Conclusion

The Bosch device has the best hardware and the best ratio of power to dimensions. However, without presettable pressure or a lockable main switch, the air mattress and co. are difficult to inflate in order to bring "tired" tyres up to pressure quickly and precisely, but it is the best home appliance in the test and is also quite quiet.

Revolt Powerpack 12V

Key data

• Price compressor: 66,99 Euro >> available here
• Battery + charger: integrated
• Weight: 3.82 kg
• Dimensions: 23 x 14.5 x 30 cm
• Battery capacity*: 12 V / 9 Ah / 108 Wh
• Performance/Output*: n.a.
• Volume**: 77 db
• Seat ball 0 to 1 bar: 11:08 min
• RR 0 to 8 bar: 0:48 min
• Maximum pressure*: 17 bar (10.5 bar)
• Accessories/extras: large LED light, 12 V socket, USB port, anal. Manom., 220V and 12V charging cable, jump start (300 A), adapter for DV, SV, balls, LuMas

Handling

In addition to the compressor and integrated battery, the practical box has two terminals for car jump-starting, a work light including warning mode, a USB charging port and a 12 V socket. The housing and compressor are not high-tech, but are more than good in terms of price. The pump runs roughly, but pressurises well up to approx. 9 bar, above which it "struggles" somewhat. Without switching off at the set pressure, you should keep an eye on the pressure gauge. Mattresses and co. take their time.

Conclusion

This all-rounder from the automotive sector is more of a jump starter with a compressor as an add-on than the other way round, but the pump performs quite well on the bike. The running noise is a little rough and the housing is quite unwieldy for the rather short hose, but on the car, bike or in the garage it is a real breakdown helper - and the price tip!

Black & Decker 11 bar compressor

Key data

• Price compressor / battery + charger: Complete set: 159.95 euros
• Weight: 2.49 kg (incl. battery)
• Dimensions: 26 x 16.5 x 19.5 cm
• Battery capacity*: 18 V / 2 Ah / 36 Wh
• Performance/Output*: 12 litres/min
• Volume**: 79 db
• Seat ball 0 to 1 bar: 5:56 min
• RR 0 to 8 bar: 0:53 min
• Maximum pressure*: 10.3 bar
• Accessories/extras: digital pressure gauge, preset operation, ball needle, 220 V mains plug, 12 V plug, DV and SV adapter, LuMa tip, extra volume blower

Handling

The B&D is also available as a set including battery and charger, so it can be operated independently, from the car and 220 V mains. Despite 79 db, the noise is quite pleasant, especially in blower mode, e.g. on mattresses. The display and buttons are small, but can be accessed quickly and are perfectly adequate. The pump performance is at Einhell level, but the device is more compact, the smaller battery would only be under-equipped on four flat tyres. Cables and hoses are rather short, but tidy.

Conclusion

In the all-round class, it is only slightly inferior, although the long 12 V cable and compact dimensions speak in favour of using it on or in the car. From 6.5 bar, the compressor works audibly harder and somewhat slower, making it more of a second choice as a racing bike pump, but all other values, including the price and battery, are excellent.

AGT ALP-155

Key data

• Price compressor: 49,99 Euro >> available here
• Battery + charger: integrated
• Weight: 0.45 kg
• Dimensions: 15.5 x 7.5 x 4 cm
• Battery capacity*: 3.7 V / 4 Ah / 14.8 Wh
• Performance/Output*: 20 litres/min.
• Volume**: 77 db
• Seat ball 0 to 1 bar: > 15:00 min.
• RR 0 to 8 bar: 1:56 min.
• Maximum pressure*: 10.3 bar
• Accessories/extras: USB charging cable, illuminated display, ball tip, 2 LuMa nozzles, AV attachment, textile bag

Handling

A battery-powered compressor with LED light and digital control in a device the size of a 90s mobile phone is great, and it's understandable that both battery capacity and air output are far below the competition. But the ALP-155 fits in a jersey pocket and glove compartment and has no problem with pressures up to 10 bar - no road bike needs more! The short hose doesn't get in the way due to its low weight, simply attach it to the valve. Pressure programming is super simple.

Conclusion

The device from AGT is most likely the specialist for bicycles and balls. The brave little thing presses with a lot of power, even voluminous tyres over 50 mm wide can be pressed in 3:00 min. Display make handling ideal. If you "only" have bike tyres to pump, you can outsource a lot of work here!

Einhell Pressito 18/25

Key data

• Price compressor: 94,95 Euro >> available here
• Battery + charger: 79,90 Euro
• Weight: 2.2 kg (incl. battery)
• Dimensions: 34 x 14 x 28 cm
• Battery capacity*: 18 V / 4.0 Ah / 72 Wh
• Performance/Output*: 17 litres/min.
• Volume**: 77 db
• Seat ball 0 to 1 bar: 4:50 min
• RR 0 to 8 bar: 0:31 min
• Maximum pressure*: 11 bar
• Accessories/extras: Digital pressure gauge, preset operation, adapter for AV, DV and SV, ball tip, luma nozzle, extra blower with hose for volume

Handling

Like the AK 18, the Pressito has separate air guides for pressure or volume. Operation via presettable pressures or manual mode is intuitive. Mode is intuitive, storage of accessories ideal. The selected battery is almost oversized for use on the bike. The compressor can quickly build up high pressures and output volume, even without the large-volume extra line, both test times are top, and that with low weight.

Conclusion

With top times in all tests and a comprehensive range of accessories, the Einhell is the all-rounder in the test field. The digital display and automatic switch-off when the set pressure is reached make it very easy to use. Best "pumping performance" at an acceptable price, even if the running noise and feel are not quite up to par.

Metabo AK 18 Multi

Key data

• Price compressor: 145 Euro >> available here
• Battery + charger: 164,10 Euro
• Weight: 2.9 kg (incl. battery)
• Dimensions: 25 x 18 x 30 cm
• Battery capacity*: 18 V / 4.0 Ah / 72 Wh
• Performance/Output*: 16 litres/min
• Volume**: 68 db
• Seat ball 0 to 1 bar: 10:46 min
• RR 0 to 8 bar: 0:40 min
• Maximum pressure*: 11 bar
• Accessories/extras: 2 V charging cable, work light, large-volume extra hose with tip, DV, SV and AV heads, dual battery status indicator, ball needle

Handling

The AK 18's simple operation, great display and tidy appearance are particularly striking, and the ear is delighted by the quietest pumping noise. It seems to be designed for maximum pressure, even with the thicker line, the volume output was lower than that of the Bosch, but it is more than sufficient for bicycles. If the battery runs out while travelling, the model has a 12-volt connection for cars. The pump hose is long enough and perfectly stowed away.

Conclusion

The Metabo's talents clearly lie in the wheel and car sector, where it offers maximum ease of use; it can also fill mattresses or pools independently, but takes a long time to do so. It is ideal as a quick aid for tired bike tyres. However, if you don't already own a CAS battery, you'll have to dig deep into your pockets.

* Manufacturer's specifications ** measured frontally one arm's length away from the device