In the endless march of cycling tech progress the days of hand pumps were interrupted by the dawn of CO2 canisters, but just as quickly as roadside inflation got all scientific and chanelled a shift in a comercial kitchen, so too has the boom of the electronic mini pump changed the game once again.

We say ‘boom’ not literally, perhaps an inreasingly loud crescendo of robotic whirring would be a more fitting sound-related metaphor for the electic pump’s rise to prominence.

These nifty portable devices sit small enough to be easily transported in a back jersey pocket and can avoid many of the downsides of using a CO2 cartridge.

They are not without their downsides of course, and we suspect many reading this do and will continue to stick with their trusty hand pump for roadside tyre inflation, but there’s no denying electric pumps have turned a lot of heads very quickly.

How? Why? And have they killed off the CO2 cartridge in cycling for good?

Electric pumps are a fairly simple product. Using a battery-powered motor to inflate tyres quickly and precisely, the small, portable devices offer an alternative to: 1. lugging a frame pump about 2. leaving your arm filled with lactic acid as you thrash away at your hand pump 3. accepting the risk and occasional faff of CO2 canisters.

Simply charge it up, take it on your ride and watch your tyres effortlessly inflate to your desired pressure when required. Factor in that many will come with Presta and Schrader compatibility and a digital display to ensure you get that PSI spot on, it’s a no-brainer, right?