E-biking has skyrocketed in popularity as an eco-friendly way to travel that is practical and fun while keeping you fit. E-bikes, however, cost a lot more than standard bicycles, and their prices are rising. If you are considering purchasing an e-bike, you might be wondering if they are worth the higher price tag. Here are the four main reasons why e-bikes are so expensive.
- E-bikes use a premium battery. Batteries are usually the most expensive component of an e-bike, typically priced in the range of $500 to $1000. These rechargeable lithium-ion batteries are more compact, lighter, and more efficient than lead-based batteries. Energy is stored in the battery and fed to the e-bike’s electrical motor to create power. E-bike batteries usually come from 300 WH to 1000 WH in voltage and last for 3 to 5 years.
- E-bikes have a powerful motor and other quality components. Electric bikes are assembled with high-quality parts that are lightweight and able to handle riding at higher speeds and greater impacts when compared to standard bicycles. An important e-bike component is the powerful hub motor, which is carefully integrated with the pedal assist system (PAS), which is needed to help riders go up and down hills and over rugged terrain. A good hub motor typically costs around $500 to $600. Other quality components of an e-bike include a sturdy frame and suspension, a mechanical disc braking system, large puncture-resistant all-weather tires, and a comfortable ergonomic seat design for long-distance traveling.
- E-bikes can come with premium features. The more expensive e-bikes can come with an assortment of premium features not found on a standard bike. These can include built-in anti-theft systems, cargo-carrying racks, smartphone integration, integrated front, and rear lighting systems, more PAS levels, and higher quality, longer-lasting components like the battery, motor, and frame.
- E-bikes are still a niche market. Although electric bike sales have been on the rise, manufacturers do not usually produce e-bike parts and components in bulk. This is because e-bikes are still considered a new market that is rapidly changing and evolving with limited competition. Not mass-producing electric bikes means that you won’t get bulk discounts, but there is more quality control for each finished product and more flexibility to adapt to changing market demands.
Purchasing an e-bike is an important decision, and you want to be sure to get a quality product from a reputable company. Electric bikes can be broken down into the following price groups: $500 to $1500 for budget bikes, $1500 to $3000 for mid-range bikes which Mokwheel offers, $3000 to $6000 for premium bikes, and $6000 to $10,000 for luxury bikes. For city commuting and trail riding, you can get an excellent low-maintenance mid-range e-bike made with quality components and advanced electronics and offers good performance. As with all things, you typically get what you pay for, so do your research, look at customer reviews, assess your own needs and get ready to enjoy your new ride!