It’s actually very affordable!
The price of the electric bike you want to buy will depend largely on the type of riding experience you want and the quality of that experience.
If you’re looking to an electric bike for quick jaunts, you might spend less money than if you need one for extended daily commutes. Need an eBike to go trail riding? Then you’ll have to buy an electric bike with more durable components – stronger frame, fatter tires, more robust motor.
There are many companies out there manufacturing electric bikes now. And each company sets its own prices. As you explore your options, you’ll soon get an idea of what you can expect to pay for an electric bike.
Be sure to visit our unbiased eRideables Buyers Guide, which will give you tips on how to find the perfect eBike.
But there are other cost considerations with buying an electric bike.
Consider the Maintenance Cost
Electric bikes tend wear out just like a traditional bicycle. But they have far more components in them that can wear out. Motor. Battery. Motherboard. If you are going to use this as your main means of transportation, it will need adequate maintenance to last. Here is a quick list of some of the things you need and the cost.
- A tune up every six months (or after 500 miles) is recommended. That can cost anywhere between $75 to $100.
- Patching a flat tire costs between $10 and $20, depending on the severity of the fix.
- Brake adjustments will cost $20-35.
Some of our electric bikes use a maintenance-friendly design. Our EB8 features power line quick disconnects, making it easier for bike shops to perform general maintenance.
Since the most common repair is fixing a flat tire, keep the necessary tools and parts so you can do it yourself. Again, this is where our EB8’s quick-disconnects will come in handy. You won’t need to find a special eBike shop with a certified electrician just to change the tires. You can easily do it yourself.
Consider the Cost for Charging an E-Bike
One recurring cost associated with electric bikes is the cost of charging the battery. It’s a common question. And it’s one that is easily calculated, if we do a bit of math.
(Don’t worry, we’ll make this simple!)
Find the battery voltage and amp hour rating of the eBike. Use those numbers to get watt hours. For example, a 36V 10Ah battery has 360 watt hours, or 0.36 kilowatt hours (kWh).
Check your local electricity prices. Electricity prices vary widely from state to state, but the average cost per kWh in the U.S. today is roughly 13.45 cents per kWh.
0.36 kWh x 0.1345 = 0.04842
So basically, it takes just under $0.05 to fully charge a 36-volt 10Ah battery.
Most eBike batteries get somewhere between 15 and 20 miles per charge. That means $1 could power an electric bike for 300-400 miles.
That’s definitely more affordable than buying gas!
Additional Important Components for E-bikes
Consider getting additional battery chargers. Keep a spare at your desk or in your backpack and never get caught without power again. If the eBike has a removable battery, you might want to invest in a second battery. Especially if you commute long distances and plan on riding a lot.
If you plan on using a bike rack, you’ll want to grab a bike lock, like the TurboLock Bluetooth Bike Lock or a Kryptonite U-lock. These can run you anywhere from $45 to $150, depending on the model, strength and extra features.
You’ll also want to purchase protective gear, including elbow pads, knee pads and ASTM-certified helmets. In some cities, cyclists riding are required to wear a helmet. Beyond that, you’d want to stay as protected as possible, and minimize any risk of injury.
Finding the Right Price for your Electric Bike
As you explore different electric bikes in the market, the first and most important question to ask yourself is what you will use the bike for. If you are going to use the bike primarily on the road, then your choice should be an electric road bike or hybrid. You really don’t need a mountain bike for that purpose. Aside from this, if you will be making a ride in snow, mud or rugged conditions, you will probably need a fat-tire electric bike.
There are certainly different varieties of electric bikes in different categories. Sporty. Commuter. Racing. Off-road. Determine the type of electric bike you want. Look for reputable brands that sell eBikes with the features you need.
If you need help determining what kind of electric bike would be best for you, check out our completely unbiased eRideables Buyers Guide.
And remember: Look for a brand with a proven track record and excellent reputation.
Moving Forward
The most common electric bikes in the market today range from $400 to $2000. At SWAGTRON®, we leverage years of manufacturing experience to keep costs low while still using premium components and offering a plenty added value.
But as you’ve seen, there’s far more to the cost of an electric bike than its sticker price. Maintenance. Charging. Security measures. These are just some cost considerations you should understanding before buying your first electric bike.
