Why Do Electric Bikes Cost So Much?

Do you live under a rock?

Because otherwise, you’d know that the electric bike market is exploding–and the pandemic has sent e-bike sales skyrocketing even further. Unfortunately, manufacturing is not keeping up with demand.

The USA had about 600,000 e-bike sales in 2020, tiny compared to the millions of e-bikes sold in Europe. And that number will soar in the coming years.

With a rise in demand comes a price increase. That’s economics 101. But that’s not the only reason electric bikes cost so much. Let’s talk about why e-bikes are expensive and what you can do to save money.

Pricey Parts

Battery: Gotta Have that Juice

While your legs provide the “fuel’ on a conventional bicycle, the battery on an e-bike is your “go juice.” It makes sense that your fuel source would be your most expensive component, but with a rechargeable battery, savings will come down the line.

The priciness of a battery comes from its quality. Lithium batteries are the industry standard because of their longevity (close to 1000 charges per) and power capacity. Even so, these batteries–like any rechargeable– will eventually need replacing, costing $250 or more.

Electric Motor: Your E-bike’s Ticker

If the battery is the fuel, the motor is most certainly the heart of an e-bike. The overall performance of acceleration, speed and distance is motor dependent. You will need to know how you plan to use your e-bike when considering motor sizes.

If you’re looking for speed, there are motors for that. If you’re looking for power to assist with hills or off-road demands, there are motors for that. If you’re trying to stretch every bit of juice out of your battery, there are motors for that as well.

The three motor types are hub-drive, hub direct-drive, and hub-geared motors. All these choices come at a price, affecting the overall cost of your e-bike.

Peripherally Pricey

Because e-bikes are ridden outdoors, many other components can also drive up the price of an e-bike. The average e-bike hosts 23-25 components, and subtle costs are wrapped up in each.

• Lightweight frames – While conventional bicycle frames are designed to be as light as possible, e-bikes carry many more heavy components, making a lightweight frame an absolute must. Aluminum and aluminum-alloy frames are the most lightweight and will cost more than a steel frame that you might find on a standard bicycle.
• Display – For you to eyeball all the vital statistics as you ride, the display is front and center. To maximize the screen’s visibility in all lighting conditions, manufacturers primarily use LCDs. The price difference comes down to LCD size.
• Waterproofing – Built to ride in whatever weather Mother Nature throws your way, most e-bikes need protection for their vital components. The waterproofing of your display, battery, and motor is essential and costly.
• Wiring harness – Quality wiring will go a long way to giving longevity to your bike, so designers rarely cut corners here. Organized, insulated, and hidden where possible, your bike’s wiring is key to everything responding correctly and safely to your commands.
• High-end Brakes – While the thought of how fast you can go on an e-bike usually dominates the dreams of new enthusiasts, how quickly you can stop is even more critical. Skimping on well-designed brakes would be a mistake, and you aren’t likely to find any shortcuts here…and yes, it will add to the cost.
• Tires – As with conventional bikes, there are many tires to choose from with an e-bike. From thinner road tires to the widest of the fat tire world, good solid tires aren’t cheap, but they will last and keep you safe. Puncture-resistant tires are a huge deal for peace of mind, and manufacturers know it.
• Battery charger – In much the same way you can’t go without your morning joe, your e-bike becomes more of a heavy conventional bike if you forget to put the battery on the charger before heading out. The larger the battery capacity, the longer the time to charge. A good battery charger will help prolong your battery’s life by regulating it to the manufacturers’ specific standards.

How Can You Save Money?

The best way to save money is to research e-bikes thoroughly and buy the best bike for your riding needs. The most expensive thing you will ever do is buy a cheaper e-bike and just hope it meets your needs.

Sorry. That won’t work. No matter how hard you try, a cheaper city commuter will not climb rough mountain trails or ride along a rocky coastline for very long. So do your homework. Whether you’re looking for a commuter, cruiser, or mountain bike, usually, you can find an affordable entry-level bike to meet your needs.

Here are a few we’ve picked out for you to start with.

Folding Bike

If you want to store and transport your new e-bike easily, a folding version might just be what the doctor ordered. Folding bikes can cost a fortune. But Rad Power Bikes has an affordable, well-equipped folding bike In the RadMini folding electric bike.

And unlike many entry-level bikes, it comes with a full line of accessories. There’s no real need to upgrade anything–saving you cash. And not only will you save money, but this bike goes everywhere, even steep challenging trails. We like this bike and think you will too.

Premium Ride On A Tight Budget

Maybe you’re tight on cash but still want style and a premium experience. If you enjoy cruising around town in comfort and want high performance on a limited budget, then the Raleigh Retroglide Royale IE is for you.

This is a commuter-style bike with a powerful motor and comfortable riding. And you won’t be charged an arm and leg for it.

Class 3 Bike

So you have a need for speed but only a little money, huh? You probably think a Class 3 bike is out of your price range. Hold your horses. The Magnum Metro can be configured into a Class 3 bike for under $3,000.

This is an excellent all-around bike that can go almost anywhere and fast! And better yet, it comes standard with a full line of accessories. It’s a fantastic value.

A Used Bike

If you know what you’re looking for, a used e-bike can be a good deal. As with any motorized vehicle, you need to inspect the bike well and ask hard questions. You don’t want a bike with a motor near the end of its lifespan, especially if you’re not mechanically inclined.

And you don’t want to purchase a bike from someone who has abused or improperly stored the bike. As always, buyer beware.

Converting Your Conventional Bike to an E-bike

Yes, you can do it. We have an entire blog on the pros and cons of doing so. If it makes sense to do it, give it a try! But not before you read our blog.

As always, if you have any questions or comments for us, give us a shout. Let us know how you save money on your electric bike.