Electric bikes are slowly but surely replacing regular bikes as more people learn about the many benefits they bring to the table. But it’s not only two wheels that they are replacing; many commuters today consider them to be a much more convenient form of public transportation.
But for a person who has never owned an e-bike, the worry always rests with the initial investment. Generally, e-bikes are said to be expensive, although you can find a decent bike at an affordable price.
So, how much does an electric bike cost?
The cost of an electric bike may be determined by several factors. These will range from the type of motor, the capacity of the battery, frame design, extra features included, just to mention a few. But if you want to buy a bike that will suit your preferences, you might want to consider the overall use and experience you expect from the bike.
Just like regular bikes, e-bikes also come in multiple varieties. You may need to choose between an e-road and e-MTB or a folding and cargo bike. All these come at different prices. Generally, a decent quality electric bike will cost anywhere between $500 and $1500. However, you can find cheap electric bikes that will cost you less than $2000, but these won’t offer you much quality.
The premium brands of e-bikes can go as high as $10,000+! These come with a lot of quality, usually with a powerful motor, extended battery range, and countless extra features for an efficient e-biking experience. Needless to say, the best e-bikes are not always the most expensive!
Consider the Cost of Maintenance
The initial cost is usually the most dreaded when it comes to e-bikes. But you should note that they wear just like their normal counterparts and will require maintenance every once in a while. Overall, they have more components; and if you use your e-bike as a primary mode of transport, there will be more fixtures and replacements to deal with.
For example, a typical tune-up, which should happen every six months or 500 miles, can cost between $75 to $100 on average. Fixing a flat tire will range between $10 and $20 while brake adjustments will set you back $20 to $35!
Generally, these costs will apply depending on how frequently you ride the bike. The more you ride, the more expensive it will be in terms of maintenance.
Consider the Cost of Charging
Charging the battery is another crucial aspect of e-bike costs, considering that you’ll be required to juice it up every time it runs out of power. Luckily, the cost is a far cry from what you spend on refueling your vehicle. For example, if your e-bike has a 36V 10Ah battery, it will take just about $0.05 to fully recharge it.
If you use the electric bike for your daily commute, this may mean that you charge it five times a week. So, in a week, it will cost you around $0.25. This is extremely cheap, and one of the reasons electric bikes are popular with commuters.
Choosing the Right Price of an Electric Bike
As you shop around bike stores for a functional electric bike, let your intended use lead you into selecting the right type and cost for the bike. If you are planning to use it primarily on road surfaces, then your choice should fall between a road and a hybrid bike.
On the other hand, if you want a bicycle that will plow through the rugged off-road terrains, get an electric mountain bike. Meanwhile, snowy and muddy conditions will call upon the services of an electric fat tire bike.
There are certainly countless varieties of e-bikes for you to select. From sporty and commuter to off-road and even foldable e-bikes that you can carry into the office building. The choice boils down to what you’re looking for in an electric bike.
Also, remember to consider buyer reviews and brand reputation when selecting between different options. This will help you find the right quality at the price range you’re comfortable with!
Final Thought
Many people shy away from investing in an electric bike because of the assumption that they are pretty expensive! But this is not always true; manufacturers are constantly adjusting their offerings to address the needs of the budget buyer.
Depending on the amount you have saved; don’t hesitate to go out there and find an electric bike that works for you. Good Luck!
