Key Takeaways: Electric bikes can help you save money if you use them to commute and run errands. These bikes are also great for increased physical health and for allowing fun leisure time with friends and family. As for negatives, eBikes are more expensive than regular bikes, heavier than regular bikes, and can be difficult to repair. Electric bikes have taken the world by storm in recent years, with the industry growing in leaps and strides. Consumers who have yet to purchase one of these popular eBikes may be wondering what the pros and cons of ownership are. What is an eBike? An electric bike is essentially a traditional bicycle with a powerful motor and electric voltage-based battery attached to the frame. This allows riders to get some pedal assistance when necessary and, in some cases, to travel without any pedaling whatsoever. Pros of Electric Bikes Electric bicycles have a number of key benefits to modern consumers, which are detailed below. Cheap Transportation A primary benefit of owning an electric bike is that it can help save money in the long run. How? Electric bicycles are well-suited for performing daily errands and for commuting to and from work. This will save you money on gasoline and will help save money when it comes to automobile repairs and maintenance. Additionally, folding electric bicycles can be folded up and taken with you into the office, saving money on parking spaces. Your electricity bill may rise a bit, with all of the constant charging of the battery, but this will not be much in the face of reduced of gasoline costs and car expenses. Improved Overall Health Electric bikes are bicycles, first and foremost, and regularly going for rides will increase your overall health. The pedal-assist feature can be engaged and disengaged at will and you might find that having the motor provide some support during inclines actually encourages you to ride more. Having control over this pedal assistance feature allows riders to set their own level of difficulty. If you are looking for increased physical fitness, try not to engage the throttle mode too often if your eBike offers that feature. Increased Fun and Recreation Some of the main draws of an electric bike are that they are fun, easy to ride, and good for most ages. In other words, you will have a lot of fun riding around town or through the wilderness with friends and family. Plus, owning an electric bike will allow you to easily keep up with your friends and family members that are seasoned cycling veterans. Cons of Electric Bikes There are some unique disadvantages to electric bikes that consumers may want to consider before making a purchase. High Initial Cost Though electric bikes will save you money on commutes in the long run, there will be a significant buy-in cost. Electric bicycles can be expensive and budget-friendly models may lack some of the features you are looking for. You should also factor in the cost of related gear and accessories, such as safety helmets, knee pads, arm pads, storage baskets, and the like. It must be said, however, that the prices of these bikes have been lowering as they become cheaper to manufacture. Tip: Electric bicycles can be expensive and budget-friendly models may lack some of the features you are looking for Heavier than Regular Bikes Due to the electric components included, eBikes tend to be heavier than traditional bicycles. This may not be an issue for you if you live on the bottom floor and simply lock the bike up in the backyard while not riding. If you live in a walk-up apartment, however, carrying the electric bike up multiple flights of stairs can be a real drag. This frustration can be minimized, however, if you purchase a folding electric bike, as these are designed to be easier to carry. Warning: Due to the electric components included, eBikes tend to be heavier than traditional bicycles Complex Maintenance Procedures It is extremely easy to fix a traditional bike, as the parts are common and readily available. This may not be so for some electric bike models, as the motors, batteries, and related specialized components can be difficult and expensive to track down. Repairs also tend to be more costly than what you would run into with a normal bike. Related Post: eBike Regulations in the US by State STAT: Some e-bikes offer quick charging which allows you to get to 80% capacity in just 1-2 hours with a 10 amp charger. (Source) Sources: https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S2214140515000109 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Electric_bicycle https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pedelec https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_electric_bicycle_brands_and_manufacturers https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0967070X07000169
