Are e-bikes worth the cost?
If you have ever looked at an electric bike price tag and felt your jaw drop, you are not alone. Many people stop right there and head back to the car park, muttering that it would be cheaper to keep the old banger on the road. But before you dismiss the idea, it is worth digging a little deeper. Are e‑bikes really worth the cost? Let me break it down.
The cost up front
Yes, an e‑bike is not cheap. A decent one will often start from around €1,500 to €3,000. If you go for a high‑end model with full suspension, a powerful motor, and a long‑lasting battery, the price can easily climb higher. Then there are the accessories, such as panniers, helmets and a decent lock, because nobody wants to spend that much and have it vanish outside the bakery.
This is where most people start to panic. But here is the thing. Compare that cost to what you spend on a car, public transport or even gym memberships. Suddenly, it does not look quite so bad. Most shops will offer different purchasing options based on your budget, so don’t rule it out immediately when you look at the price.
What you save
Once you have your e‑bike, running costs are low. Charging a battery costs only a few cents. There is no fuel bill, no parking fees and no unexpected garage invoices for parts you have never heard of. Even servicing is relatively inexpensive, and most bikes just require a regular check-up and the occasional replacement of a new tyre or brake pad. Visit a local bike shop and find out how much they charge. I say this as a friend of mine, was recently charged €200 for a service that involved no replacement parts, which I feel was a costly service. Ask first, then agree to the service.
As a side note, if you are “handy”. Remember, YouTube is perfect for teaching yourself how to do most of the servicing yourself. The battery checks or updates, however, must be carried out by a professional. That being said, I have had my Scott bike with a Bosch motor for five years and have covered 14,000 km, and I have never had anything done to the battery or motor. So it definitely pays to have a reputable brand.
If you use your e‑bike for commuting, the savings can add up fast. Public transport fares soon outweigh the price of a battery charge, especially if you ride most days. You can also wave goodbye to traffic jams and full car parks, which is worth something in itself.
The hidden benefits
Money is one thing, but there are extra rewards that are harder to put a price on. You get fresh air and regular exercise, even with the motor giving you a boost. Many riders find their mood improves, and those daily rides double as a form of stress relief. For some, an e‑bike means they can keep cycling despite dodgy knees or aching hips, which can make it priceless. Or if you are of the cuddly variety, an e-bike doesn’t care if you weigh 60 kilos or 100 kilos; you can still ride a bike. An e-bike doesn’t judge you for your size or fitness; it loves you the way you are, just use it!
The other side of the coin
Of course, there are downsides. Batteries may need replacing after a few years, and that is not cheap. (Remember my comment about my e-bike? The battery is still going strong at 14,000 km). If you buy a bargain bike, you may find that its components wear out faster, resulting in more expensive repairs. There is also the risk of theft, so insurance is sensible, which adds another cost.
So, is it worth it?
For most people, yes. If you ride regularly, an e‑bike can pay for itself in savings and in the pleasure it brings. The trick is to buy the best you can afford, take good care of it, and use it often. When you think about it like that, the cost starts to make a lot more sense.
Quick Checklist: Is an e‑bike worth it for you?
- Do you plan to use it at least three times a week?
- Will you replace some or all of your car, train or bus trips?
- Are you ready to invest in a good lock and insurance?
- Do you have a secure place to charge and store it?
- Can you budget for replacement parts and a service every few years?
- Will you get value from the exercise, time saved and enjoyment?
If most of these are a yes, the numbers and the lifestyle benefits usually stack up nicely. I did a series back in April, all about being new to e-biking and buying your first e-bike, it would be worth reading a bit more about an e-bike.
This is the first of the series 🤓 👉 Take a look. Thinking about getting an e-bike?
