Ebikes can open a new world of possibility for many people, but what are some of the disadvantages of electric bikes?
Some of the downsides almost go without saying.
Electric bikes cost more than traditional bikes, and they’re often much heavier. But first takes may not be as straightforward as they seem.
Is an electric bike the right choice for you?
Let’s dig in and learn some of the disadvantages of buying an electric bike. However, life is seldom a binary choice of good or bad, and decisions can’t always hinge on tidy lists of pros or cons. Often, it’s best to step back a bit to see the big picture.
To be fair about the topic, we’ll also take a look at whether some disadvantages of electric bikes might be overstated.
Electric Bike Disadvantages
Obviously, Project eBike loves electric bikes, but the ebike world isn’t all peaches and cream. From higher costs to theft concerns to insurance considerations, there are a lot of factors to weigh before buying an ebike.
Here are some of the potential downsides to ebikes:
- Higher price
- Heavier weight
- Battery life
- Battery recharging time
- Reduced DIY repairs
- Product selection becomes critical
- Lower resale price
- Theft concerns
- Local regulations
- Insurance considerations
Let’s discuss each of these disadvantages of electric bikes as well as possible ways to solve these issues.
Electric Bike Prices
If you visit your local big-box retail store, you’ll find an aisle or two filled with shiny bikes. Often, you can pick up a basic bike for about $100 to $150, taxes included. Whether you’re looking for a basic affordable bike or a purpose-built bike, the electric bike equivalent to a standard bike costs considerably more.
At the low end, you might find an electric bike for about $400, like the one Walmart puts on sale now and then (or this $600 ebike from Amazon). These bikes serve a market, but many riders are better served by moving a bit higher up the price and features ladder.
Most electric bikes with better features than the lowest tier start at about $700 to $800. From there, prices can range to over a thousand or even several thousands of dollars.
There’s no way to get around the higher average cost of ebikes, but often you can save money by deciding how you’ll use the bike and buying a bike suited to your needs. For example, Magicycle’s 52V Cruiser, priced at about $1,600, touts a range of up to 55 miles. That’s amazing for a bike at that price.
However, if you ask yourself how you’ll use the bike, you might find you don’t need that much range. If you’re just running to the store now and then or exploring your favorite 10-mile (round trip) bike path, a less expensive bike might suit your needs just fine.
At about half the price, the more affordable Macwheel Macmission 100 with an advertised range of 40 miles might be perfect for you. Toss an affordable rack on the back, and you have a reliable all-purpose ebike that should last for years. It even has disc brakes.
Try to match your electric bike purchase to the way you’ll actually use the bike. Often, you’ll find you don’t need to spend as much as you might think to get rolling.
Electric Bike Weight Disadvantages
Heavier weight can be one of the disadvantages when comparing electric bikes to traditional bikes. Many ebikes weigh in at about 60 to 70 pounds, but you can still find some lightweight options, like the KBO Hurricane, which weighs just 36 pounds. On average, though, expect to haul around an extra 20 pounds or more (sometimes much more).
The extra weight of an ebike can be a consideration in several ways:
- Carrying the bike: If you need to carry the bike up steps or load it in a car, you’ll notice the extra weight.
- Stopping distances: Many ebikes come with disc brakes or even hydraulic brakes; you’ll need the extra stopping power with heavier bikes.
- Low-speed maneuverability: Once you get up to speed, ebikes are well-balanced and easier to control. At lower speeds or when stopped, they can be more challenging to keep balanced compared to standard bikes.
- Manual mode (people power): If your battery runs out of juice or you have a mechanical problem, you’ll notice the difference in weight when pedaling or pushing. In some parts of the US, AAA offers road service and transport service for ebikes.
- Bike rack weight capacity: Most bike racks for cars aren’t suitable for heavier electric bikes. If you plan to transport your bike by car, give some thought to which bikes can fit in your car or consider buying a stronger rack. You may even need a rear hitch rack on your vehicle to transport heavier ebikes. As an alternative, bikes with a quick-release front wheel or folding bikes can often fit in the back of a hatchback or SUV.
eBike Battery Life
The battery life on electric bikes depends on several factors, including weight, pedal assist level, battery capacity, and other factors. In most cases, you can expect a range of 20 miles or more, but that’s not always the case. This can add to what’s called range anxiety, where you aren’t sure you’ll make it back home before the battery runs out.
By contrast, with a standard bicycle, the motor powering the bike is you. Typically, bike riders bear in mind that the longer the ride to your destination, the longer the ride home will be. The bike is lighter than an ebike as well, making the pedal home a bit less tiring.
On an electric bike, it’s easy to get into trouble with range and go a bit further than you had planned. The solution is to get to know your ebike slowly before you test the limits. Take some shorter trips to see how different terrains affect battery life. Use the seat-of-your-pants data you collect over time to estimate how far you can travel safely without having to pedal back without power.
Electric Bike Disadvantages: Battery Recharging Time
With analog bikes, if you’re feeling zippy one sunny day, you can just saddle up and go. However, ebikes may not be as ready and raring as you are. If you used your bike earlier or forgot to charge it after the last ride, you might have a disappointing wait in store.
Most ebikes can recharge the battery in less than 6 hours, but that can still make the difference between whether you ride today or have to wait until tomorrow.
If you’ll be using your ebike for long rides daily, you might want to consider buying a second battery so you can always have one ready. However, most riders won’t need to spend money on a second battery. Instead, just be mindful of how far you usually travel and recharge the battery well before it’s banging on empty.
Reduced DIY repairs
With standard bikes, many riders can complete their own maintenance or even replace some parts here and there. With the possible exception of derailleur gremlins, most bike maintenance is within reach of anyone with a bit of sticktoitiveness.
However, you can add DIY challenges to the list of electric bike disadvantages. While they share many parts with traditional bikes, ebikes bring a more complex power system. Some riders may be intimidated by the thought of diagnosing problems, swapping controllers, or figuring out which wire does what.
Often, you can find solutions to common ebike issues online. Somewhere, someone spent an afternoon swearing in the garage until they figured it out. Then, they posted a video on YouTube about their triumph. As always, use discernment. You can also reach out to other owners online. Many ebike brands have active owner communities. You’re not as alone as you think.
Most ebike manuals have troubleshooting guides as well so you can often diagnose the problem based on symptoms described by the bike maker. If you’re really stuck or doubt you can complete a DIY repair yourself, you may have to reach out to a local bike shop familiar with ebikes.
Product Selection Becomes Critical
At the lower end of the price range, choosing the perfect bike may not be as important. But if you’re spending $1,000 to $2,000 or more on an ebike, it’s important to choose the right type of ebike for your needs.
Don’t run out and buy the most expensive ebike you can afford. The same goes for brand names. Some of the well-known bike brands now offer ebikes, but some do it as an afterthought. By comparison, many lesser-known ebike brands only sell ebikes. That’s all they do, and they’re committed to making the best product possible. So, don’t buy based on name alone.
Instead, consider how you’ll use the bike and try to find an electric bike that fits the way you’ll ride. There’s a lot of money at stake, so you’ll want to get it right the first time, especially if you’re considering more expensive bikes.
Speaking of fits and rides, it’s also important to choose a bike that fits your size. Safety first, folks.
Lower Resale Price
Feel the burn refers to more than just the way your legs feel after a spirited ride. When you decide to sell your ebike, you may feel the burn in a different way. Electric bikes can take a big depreciation hit. That doesn’t make ebikes unusual, though. If you buy a new flat screen or a new laptop, it’s instantly worth less money than you paid after you take it out of the box. In a year or two, the value may have fallen by hundreds of dollars.
However, to be fair, the same is true of conventional bikes. You might feel the pinch more with an ebike, though, because the fall in value is from a loftier height.
Put yourself in the buyer’s shoes on this one. If you were the buyer, you might be skeptical of the battery’s health, or how much longer the motor will last. That healthy skepticism can translate to lower resale prices.
In addition, ebikes keep getting better. If you have a model that’s a few years old, chances are good that some of the new bikes have better features at the same price you paid for yours. That’s one of the disadvantages of electric bikes. But all is not lost. If you think of the utility you’ll get from your ebike, the gas money you’ll save, and the healthier lifestyle you’ll enjoy, the money was well spent.
Electric Bike Theft Concerns
Bike thieves steal two million bikes in the US each year. The rascals even stole my son’s 25-year-old classic Diamondback a few years ago. We’d named it Dino the Dinosaur, and like Brontosaurus and T-Rex, it’s now gone.
Adding to the list of electric bike disadvantages, electric bikes can be even more attractive targets for thieves. And with a higher replacement cost, theft can result in a larger financial loss
As with anything of value, electric bike owners should take steps to protect their ebike. Invest in a good lock. Avoid iffy areas and park in busy, well-lit areas when possible. If your battery is removable, consider taking it with you if you’ll be away from your bike while it’s locked.
There’s no foolproof way to prevent your bike (or anything else) from being stolen. But there are some steps you can take to reduce your risk.
Local Regulations: More Potential Electric Bike Disadvantages
Local lawmakers might throw a wrench in your biking plans. Some cities or parks restrict electric bike usage. Before you click the buy button, do a bit of research on local or state laws that might affect how and where you can use your bike. Often, the rules for class 1 bikes follow the rules for people-powered bikes. But class 2 and class 3 ebikes may face more restrictions.
Local or state rules mean you may have to reassess where you plan to use your ebike. In other cases, local rules might suggest you should avoid class 3 ebikes, which can see more usage limitations. In short, local rules might be a factor in which type of ebike you should buy.
Confused by the different ebike classifications? Learn more about ebike classes before you make a purchase.
Electric Bike Insurance Considerations
Ebikes can also bring new insurance concerns. Accidents happen, and when piloting a 70-pound electric bike at 20 MPH, they can doozies. Your home or renters insurance may not offer enough protection. In some cases, your home insurance may not cover you at all. We discuss ebike insurance in more depth throughout the site because there’s a lot at stake.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is an electric bike worth buying?
For most people, an electric bike makes a sound investment, helping riders become more active outdoors and saving money on fuel.
Assuming you drive an average number of miles (15,000) and get average mileage (25 MPG), replacing 10% of your auto miles with an electric bike can save about $230 per year at current gas prices.
Several well-equipped electric bike models sell for about $1,000, so the fuel savings can pay for your electric bike if you use your bike often to replace car trips. You’ll enjoy a healthier, active lifestyle while saving money.
How long do electric bikes last?
Electric bikes share many components with standard bikes, so you can expect a well-made electric bike to last up to 10 years.
Often, the battery is among the first major component you’ll need to replace. In most cases, you can expect the battery to last for 500 charging cycles, with premium batteries reaching as high as 1,000 charging cycles.
For most riders, this means your electric bike can last for several years before a major component needs to be replaced. Routine maintenance to replace tires, brake pads, and chains may be needed at shorter intervals.
How much does a battery cost for an electric bike?
Electric bikes share many components with standard bikes, so you can expect a well-made electric bike to last up to 10 years.
Often, the battery is among the first major component you’ll need to replace. In most cases, you can expect the battery to last for 500 charging cycles, with premium batteries reaching as high as 1,000 charging cycles.
For most riders, this means your electric bike can last for several years before a major component needs to be replaced. Routine maintenance to replace tires, brake pads, and chains may be needed at shorter intervals.
Crossing the Finish Line
Electric bikes have their disadvantages, but for every potential challenge, there’s a solution.
We love electric bikes and believe the community will continue to grow. That means more people to meet, more bikes to choose from, and more ebike adventures to be had.
Most of us have wished we had a helping hand when pedaling up a hill or when we were still miles away from home. Electric bikes do that and a lot more. An ebike brings biking to the masses, helping people to get more active (and get more sunshine).
Sure, electric bikes have some disadvantages, but the benefits tend to balance the scale. Everything in life has its pros and cons, but they’re also subjective. Something that’s a concern for other riders may not make your list.
If the goal is to get more active or save money on your commute, an electric bike may be the perfect solution. And if you look at the big picture, the investment you make in an ebike now is often a small price to pay in exchange for the benefits you receive for years to come.
