Topeak E-Booster Digital

The Topeak E-Booster Digital is fast, accurate and compact, making inflation effortless. With solid battery life and digital precision, it’s hard to see a future for manual pumps.

I was more excited about testing this than just about any other product I can remember, even though I don’t get too many punctures.

In action

I run my 25mm tyres at 80psi, which might be pretty old-school these days, and I managed just short of four full inflations before the battery died (the final one was 73psi). Each inflation took around 55 seconds, which is far quicker than I’d manage with a mini pump. Both of these figures match Topeak’s claims, which is good to see.

These figures are slightly lower than those of some similarly sized competitors, such as the Inflata, which managed four and a half, and the class-leading Prestaflator. Unfortunately, I don’t have 40mm tyres to do the exact same test as the Prestaflator, as a gravel bike is still stuck on the ‘N+1’ shopping list.

Like all basic battery indicators, it could be improved. The indicator showed full after two inflations, dropped to two bars after the third inflation, and finally died on the fourth. I might feel confident if it showed two bars, but realistically, it might not have much life left then. When planning a long ride, ensure it is fully charged.

You can use it for both Presta and Schrader valves, changing between them with a quick flick of a switch on top of the unit.

I also had the opportunity to use this in the wild. During a three-day bikepacking trip, a questionable route choice led us down a gravel lane where a mate hit an unavoidable rock and punctured. The E-Booster Digital performed well and got us moving again quickly (though as he had quite short valves, it wasn’t quite as straightforward). I was very grateful for this as it was 30°C and we still had 200 km to ride!

Recharge

The 600mAh battery recharges in around 45 minutes, quick enough to give it a top-up at a café mid-ride if you’ve had a run of bad luck.

It recharges via a USB-C cable, which is included in the box; some might argue it’s unnecessary, as everyone must have one for every socket in their house.

Heat and noise

When in use, this is the exact opposite of a freezing CO2 canister. This does get pretty warm if you’re inflating a tyre up to a high pressure. The silicone case (included) protects your hands, and it comes with an extender hose that Topeak recommends if you’re running TPU inner tubes. This is good, as with the Prestacycle Prestaflator you have to purchase the hose separately.

It got really hot when I was testing the battery capacity, but you’d be unlikely (and unlucky) to need to do four consecutive inflations in one go.

As well as heat, there’s the noise – these things are loud! Certainly louder than my washing machine, which was running in the garage at the same time. It’s no problem outdoors, but you won’t be popular if you try topping up your tyres indoors while the rest of the house is asleep.

Pressure gauge

The pump has a pressure gauge screen, which I think is essential, especially if you’re running tyres at lower pressures where a few psi difference is quite significant.

Topeak claims +/- 2psi level of accuracy. I didn’t have anything accurate to test this against, but my track pump reported the same pressure on test.

The pump automatically stops when it reaches the target pressure, so there’s no need to worry about over-inflating, unlike with CO2.

Some of the cheaper electric mini pumps don’t have a pressure gauge; I’d recommend spending the extra money and getting one with a gauge.

If you’re still living in the 1990s, this will top up your tyres to a maximum pressure of 120psi. This is practically impossible with a mini pump unless you have arms like the Hulk.

Balance

With any electric mini pump comes the balance between size and battery capacity. This measures 8.6 x 5.9 x 3.5cm and weighs 162g, which is slightly larger in size and weight than other similar capacity mini pumps on the market.

It comes with a small carry bag, which I used when I had it in my jersey pocket. In the pocket, it felt secure, even on steep climbs. On a few longer rides, I would put it in my handlebar bag, and if I had a slightly bigger saddlebag, I’d keep it in there on every ride.

Flying

One of the benefits of the electric mini pump is that you don’t have to take a track pump or persist with a mini pump if you are taking your bike abroad. On a recent Alps trip, I quickly inflated my tyres up to pressure and saved a ton of room by not taking a track pump. Great when you are nearly always battling to stay under the weight and space limit of a bike box.

Am I converted?

I think some people worry that if the battery runs out, then they won’t be able to get home. With at least 3-4 inflations, I can’t think of a time I’ve had that many punctures on a single ride in 15 years of cycling. If you do get this many, you probably need to buy some new tyres.

While I tested this in summer, I think it’d come into its own in winter. A few winters ago, the puncture demons cursed me with a series of punctures and fiddling around with freezing hands is very unpleasant; this helps get the job done as quickly as possible.

If you have any mobility or strength issues in using a mini pump, then an electric mini pump is an absolute no-brainer.

Also, as it is very easy to use, you can’t really mess it up, as I have seen many people do with a CO2 canister.

Will the battery longevity last as long as my 10-year-old mini pump? Only time will tell, but unless you get endless punctures, I am sure it’ll last many, many years.

Value

At £99.99, this is one of the more expensive electric mini pumps we’ve tested.

The Prestacycle Prestaflator Go is one of the best we’ve tested, with a 750mAh battery, and it comes in slightly smaller than the Topeak. It doesn’t come with an extender hose though, so you’ll need to buy that if you run TPU. It’s priced at £99.

The £87 Cycplus AS2 Pro Mini is slightly smaller and lighter with a smaller 420mAh battery. I suspect that would likely be enough for all but the most unlucky riders when it comes punctures.

The Inflata has a similar capacity and is slightly smaller, though it comes with the hassle of having to import it from Europe. This is priced at around £90, subject to the exchange rate.

For other pumps and inflators, check out our best bike pumps buyer’s guide.

Overall

The Topeak E-Booster Digital is a very good electric mini pump. The battery capacity is enough for almost any ride. It recharges quickly and is very easy to use.

The balance of size, weight and capacity is great, making it easily fit in a jersey pocket or a saddlebag.

I’ll be ditching the mini pump – I don’t see a situation where this wouldn’t be better.

Verdict

Great battery, easy to use and quick to inflate

All the deals displayed on our review pages are pulled from a constantly updating database feed of the best affiliate deals available. The criteria for deciding on what are the best deals is who is offering the lowest, delivered price. In most cases we will be showing the very best deal available online, but sometimes you may be able to find an item cheaper. If you can please feel free to post a link in the comments box below. To find out more about affiliate links on road.cc click here.