Putting down your hard earned money on something that you may not be 100% sure about can be a little stressful. Electric bikes are not the cheapest vehicle around, but they have many great benefits that cumulatively add up to providing a lot of financial savings, as well as the intangible value of just having a lot of fun.
In this article, we will look at the many great benefits of riding an eBike, and how they add up to making an electric bike worth the investment.
What is a Good Starting Price for an Electric Bike?
There are a ton of electric bikes to choose from these days, and choosing one can be overwhelming. A good place to start is the price point that will give you solid value as well as good quality. If you go too low on the price, the quality and customer service is usually the sacrifice you will pay for down the road.
Generally, we believe $1,500 is a good price point to start with. Bikes in this price range are serviceable, can be maintained and upgraded, and are worth fixing as consumable parts wear with consistent use. At this price, you tend to find eBikes with a lot of higher-end features, but you often have to compromise on a heavier bike that lacks some of the premium components of a more expensive bike - these tend to cost more than they're worth to casual riders, so we feel that this is a good trade off for first-time buyers.
Below this price point, servicing your bike can become challenging: at lower prices, a broken eBike may not be worth the cost of fixing, so some brands simply don't offer parts for repairs and upgrades.
Meanwhile, at higher price points, you'll tend to find lighter, higher-quality bikes with better performance. However, these top-end bikes can be a big investment, so they don't always make sense for newer or budget riders.
Making an Electric Bike More Affordable
Electric bikes are often praised for their role in reducing vehicle emissions, as well as their ability to help riders avoid traffic, save money on fueling and repairs, and improve their physical and mental health. While electric bikes offer a more economical way to commute and get around town, their initial cost still serves as a barrier to entry for many potential riders. Thankfully, with the rise in popularity of eBikes, a number of states, counties, cities, and utilities have begun to offer electric bike incentive programs to make them more affordable for those in their community.
Some of these programs offer big rebates to the tune of more than $1,000, with the largest incentives usually provided to residents in a lower income bracket. This ensures that those who could benefit the most from the cost savings of an eBike still have the means to access one of their own. If you're interested in picking up an electric bike of your own, it's worth looking into rebates and incentives in your area to see if you can save some money.
Physical and Mental Health Benefits
Finding time to get exercise can be tough with a busy schedule. But what if you could combine that exercise with your everyday commutes and grocery runs?
Riding an electric bike offers the double benefit of providing moderate cardiovascular exercise while helping you get around town quickly. Adjusting your level of pedal assists allows you to decide how much of a workout you want: a low PAS will help you get in some more exercise, while a high PAS (or even throttle) will get you where you need to go without breaking a sweat.
While there are plenty of other ways to get exercise, few of them offer the additional utility of an electric bike. If you're looking for a way to sneak in a workout while on the go, an eBike is the perfect choice.
The Substantial Costs of Car Use and Ownership
Whether you're fueling your vehicle, keeping up with routine maintenance tasks, or dealing with unexpected repairs, owning a car is expensive. The rising costs of gas and components doesn't help matters, adding additional strain onto drivers' budgets. For shorter and quicker trips, an eBike can reduce much of this cost, helping riders save money.
eBikes can't replace every car ride: the range of an eBike can limited compared to a car with a large fuel tank, and they don't offer quite as much storage space. Cargo eBikes help to make up some of the difference thanks to their larger rear storage racks, which can be equipped with baskets and bags to hold plenty of cargo. And for commutes and quick grocery runs, even a regular eBike can help reduce your reliance on a car, which reduces the amount you'll need to invest into fuel and maintenance. If you're looking for a quick, cost-effective way to navigate cities or neighborhoods, an electric bike is the perfect choice.
The Value of Fun!
Of course, not every eBike ride needs to be toward something productive; sometimes, it's just fun to hop on and ride.
If you're someone who already enjoys traditional bike riding, an eBike is a great alternative for days when you'd rather not put as much effort into pedaling. It's also a fantastic option for those who may otherwise enjoy cycling, but may have trouble with the pedaling process of a non-electric bike.
Electric bikes are also plenty of fun for those who like to explore and enjoy nature, giving you a quick and effortless vehicle for traversing neighborhoods, trails, and paths of all kinds. With different pedal assist levels, there are speed options for thrill-seekers and relaxed riders alike, letting you fine-tune your ride to whatever experience works best for you.
And of course, eBikes are a great way to get out and ride with friends or family, helping riders of all skill levels enjoy time together. An eBike's electric assistance makes it easier to keep pace with a group, whether you're a seasoned rider or new to eBikes.
While the practical, financial, and health benefits of an electric bike are all great benefits, the fun of riding eBikes can't be emphasized enough.
Is Getting an eBike Worth It?
Yes, getting an electric bike is absolutely worth it!
When you add up the many ways you can save money by using an electric bike for getting around town, running errands, and exercising, you can quickly offset the purchase price of an electric bike and make it completely worthwhile within a year's time. Plus, if you're able to take advantage of an eBike rebate or incentive program, your savings only increase.
But while the monetary value of an eBike is clear, you can't put a price on the joy you feel riding around on one of these amazing bikes. No matter where your journeys take you, there's nothing that beats the feeling of zipping around on an electric bike.
So if you're on the fence about trying an electric bike for yourself, we hope we we've managed to convince you that they are more than worth the investment.
Enjoy your rides!