Why You Should Buy an e-Bike
E-Mobility is a popular buzzword these days, and for those not in the auto industry, we think the term might cause a bit of confusion. Most people probably assume it’s all about electric vehicles. However, when people hear “electric vehicles,” or EVs, most of them immediately think of cars and trucks. But one of the most common and cost-efficient types of EV is actually the electric bicycle, or e-bike. Indeed, electric cars aren’t the only market that is growing; electric bike sales are also growing globally too.
As much as I love my own cars, I have found e-bikes to be a great alternative for many use cases, especially living in a popular tourist town. During the peak tourist months, it’s usually much quicker to get around on my e-bike than deal with the traffic, let alone searching aimlessly for parking.
Beyond just being fun, e-bikes come with health and even time benefits. So for those curious about buying an electric bike, this article is for you!
e-Bike Benefits
e-bikes are perfect for a range of activities, from commuting to work, to casual weekend rides, to exploring off-road trails. There are even cargo e-bikes that allow you to carry groceries or other goods, making them a very practical option.
They offer effortless commuting. E-bikes take a lot of the sweat out of cycling (bad pun intended), especially when you need to tackle long distances or hills. You can enjoy a boost when you need it, making commuting faster and more enjoyable.
e-bikes also help you avoid traffic and parking hassles. They are great for urban environments, generally helping you zip through traffic faster than cars. They can also be parked in much smaller spaces, and you don’t need to worry about finding or paying for parking.
With an electric motor assisting your ride, you can travel much further on an e-bike than on a traditional bike without getting tired. Many e-bikes have ranges from 20 to 70 miles on a single charge, depending on battery size and usage.
They help you transport heavier loads with ease, too. E-bikes are often designed to handle more weight and cargo. Whether you’re running errands or hauling groceries, the motor makes it easier to carry heavier loads than a regular bicycle would.
Finally, e-bikes are cost-effective. While the initial purchase price of an e-bike might be higher than a regular bike, they save you money in the long run. You won’t need to spend on gas, insurance, or car maintenance. Plus, the cost of charging an e-bike is minimal compared to fueling a gasoline car or even an electric one.
e-Bikes Have Lifestyle Benefits
Beyond convenience and cost savings, e-bikes offer health benefits. You still get exercise on an e-bike; with pedal assist, you can adjust the level of effort, allowing you to cycle comfortably while still getting a workout. Plus, an e-bike can encourage you to get outdoors more often, while reducing physical strain on your knees and joints, which is important if you have any pre-existing conditions or are worried about long-term wear and tear from cycling. The electric motor provides support when needed, allowing you to ride with less effort and strain.
e-bikes are great for unexpected weather. Riding into strong headwinds on a regular bike can be exhausting. An e-bike allows you to keep moving forward comfortably even when the weather isn’t on your side. Similarly, if you're caught in the rain or need to reach your destination quickly, the extra boost makes it easier to push through.
They make leisure rides more enjoyable. Instead of dreading difficult parts of your route, like long inclines or headwinds, you can focus on enjoying the scenery and the ride. It's a more relaxed and stress-free cycling experience.
Finally, e-bikes are a green alternative to cars and motorcycles, helping to reduce your carbon footprint. Since they run on electric power, they produce zero emissions while riding, making them a great option for eco-conscious individuals.
Bikes Go Digital
Today's e-bikes are becoming much more tech-focused, with onboard computers, smartphone apps, and firmware updates.
Be aware that some brands issue firmware updates that can change the performance of the bike (such as adjusting speed limits or improving battery management). This can actually be a great thing – certain areas now have rules and regulations around what speed or types of e-bikes can operate where. These rules are usually determined by the different classes of e-bikes.
With my e-bike, I can either use the app or a button on the handle to change the output of the motor to match the specs of the local e-bike class, along with an unlimited power setting for private property. Admittedly, the unlimited class is very fun, but without my e-bike’s software layer I wouldn’t be able to operate my e-bike wherever I want without issue.
It’s not all techno wizardry greatness though. Software bugs can occur on an e-bike, affecting ride quality or the bike’s functionality. Check if the e-bike brand provides regular updates and customer support.
For models with smartphone apps, some riders might experience occasional connectivity issues or difficulty pairing their devices, which can be frustrating if these features are key to your e-bike experience. While I really love our e-bikes my wife and I purchased, we didn't realize until later that each bike could only be paired with a single phone at a time. So, when riding the bike my wife usually rides, I had to use her phone to change any of the bike’s settings to be more similar to what I have on mine when riding.
e-Bikes: A Great Way to Save
Even if you’re not ready for a fully electric car, an electric bike could be a great way to bring down your monthly gas and car maintenance costs.
