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Electric bike pumps have long since become more than just a niche product for your jersey pocket. In the latest BIKE comparison of seven mini compressors Models from Cycplus, Dynamic, Muc-Off, NG Sports, Silca, Topeak and Trek had to demonstrate how well they perform in the event of a puncture. SKS is now also entering this market with the EMP. Price: 79.99 euros >> available here. This makes the SKS EMP one of the more affordable breakdown assistance devices of its kind.
Display, auto-stop and three valve types
The EMP measures 83 x 33 x 52 millimetres and comes with a reversible pump head for Sclaverand, Presta and Dunlop valves. An extension hose is included in the pack. This is particularly useful for valves that are difficult to access and for TPU inner tubes with a plastic valve stem, as the pump does not need to be positioned directly against the valve.
The desired pressure is set before starting; the display shows either bar or PSI. Once the target value is reached, the EMP should switch off automatically. According to SKS, it also saves the last selected pressure setting. The manufacturer states that it can inflate up to three 700C x 28 tyres per battery charge, with a charging time of around 25 minutes via USB.
Pumps up to 8.3 bar
The maximum pressure of 8.3 bar or 120 PSI, along with the weight, range and charging time, is a figure provided by the manufacturer. An independent test is still needed to determine how much pressure the EMP actually achieves under real-world conditions, how accurately the auto-stop function works, and how hot the casing or valve connection becomes.
It is precisely these points that set the current devices apart. In the BIKE test featuring cordless mini-pumps As well as weight and pack size, the key factors are, above all, output, battery life, ease of use and heat generation. A look at individual models that have already been tested, such as the Trek Air Rush or the Cycplus AS2 Pro shows that, whilst the display and automatic switch-off feature do enhance convenience, they are no substitute for checking the actual tyre pressure after inflating.
Weighing in at 151 grams, the SKS EMP It falls into the category of compact cordless pumps, but is not an ultra-lightweight model. For mountain bikers, it is likely to be of particular interest as a handy breakdown aid when you need to quickly restore sufficient air pressure to a tyre following a repair. Anyone who needs to inflate very large tyres several times whilst out and about should regard the capacity stated by the manufacturer as a guide only, rather than as a verified real-world performance figure.
What have your experiences been with those trendy mini-compressors? Or do you prefer to stick with a traditional mini-pump? Join the discussion in the comments.
Florentin Vesenbeckh
Editor CvD
