How Much Does an Electric Bike Cost? 5 Things to Consider

E bikes are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, as people realise the many economical, health and environmental benefits of electric bikes. Here we take a look 6 cost benefits of owning an electric bike.

How much does an e-bike cost?

There are hundreds of e bikes to choose from, all with different qualities and price points which means there will be a suitable bike specifically tailored to your riding style. There also some very well known bike brands who make e bikes as well as non electric bikes, such as Cannondale, CUBE, Orbea, Raleigh and many more.

When thinking about the cost of an electric bike, you'll also need to factor in accessories such as helmet, bike lights, a lock and clothing for wet conditions if you plan on riding year round.

How much do hybrid electric bikes or e Bikes for commuting cost?

Hybrid electric bikes designed for commuters and leisure focused cyclists available from less than £1500, right up to some of the best electric bikes that money can buy costing over £7000.

How much do electric mountain bikes cost?

Moving on to electric mountain bikes, at Evolve e-bikes we have full suspension models built for shredding the trail and getting you back to the top of steep hills again ASAP, as well as hard tails which provide pedal assist power in urban settings too. Top spec e MTBs can cost as much £11k, while effective and affordable alternatives can be purchased for as little as just over £2000.

How much are daily commute & electric folding bikes?

City commuters wanting a fairly compact new bike with rechargeable electric batteries can pick up a entry level electric folding bike such as a Brompton for under £2000, while cargo bikes from a brand like Tern cost around £3000. If you want to carry heavy loads without petrol power, a cargo electric bike is a wise choice.

How much do road bikes with an electric bike motor cost?

Roadie looking to change over to a pedal assist bike? Road bikes are available with an electric motor as an alternative to regular bikes from around £3000, while there are top end road bikes for those who frequently ride which can fetch as much as £11k.

Not forgetting gravel riders, you can pick up a gravel bike with an e bike battery onboard from as little as under £3000.

These price guidelines are here to give you an idea of the upfront cost of e bikes, however prices will vary depending on what we have in stock and whether we are running any promotions.

Here are some of the key ways that e-bikes can save you money in the short and long term:

1. Reduced upfront cost

E-bikes typically have a lower upfront cost compared to purchasing a car which instantly makes them a more affordable option for many individuals. Of course, there are high end e bikes to choose from for those cyclists looking for the ultimate in performance, while those on a tighter budget can pick up a mid level e bike with a generous electric bike battery and motor set up for a smaller price tag.

There also various other options to help you save money such as picking up a fresh new electric bike in the sale or trading in an old bike. Likewise, payments can be spread out if you look at the finance options for an electric bike or take up the popular cycle to work scheme.

2. Lower maintenance costs

While the upfront cost of an e-bike may be higher than a regular bike, the overall cost of ownership is lower. E-bikes are more efficient and require less maintenance. Many e-bikes have components designed to be lower maintenance, and so you should find yourself taking fewer trips to the workshop for spare parts.

Likewise, e-bikes have fewer moving parts compared to cars, resulting in reduced maintenance costs. Instead of complex engine components or exhaust systems to worry about, an electric bike is powered by an integrated electric motor that needs little to no attention. Here is our guide to e bike maintenance and charging.

3. Effective and affordable alternative to driving or public transport

The main advantage from a cost perspective is that electric bikes don't require any expensive fuel, so you'll make a significant saving, especially if you use your bike for daily commuting or running errands vs using a car. Charging an e-bike is significantly cheaper and the cost per mile for an e-bike is also substantially lower, contributing to long-term savings.

For example, if you commute 10 miles to work every day, you could save £100 per month on fuel costs by switching to an e-bike. If you use public transport such as the train or bus to work, it’s easy to work out how much you could save every day, and you'll save time using an electric bike as you won't be let down by train strikes or buses caught in traffic!

4. No congestion charges or parking fees to worry about

Electric bikes can be parked for free, while cars have to pay an increasing rate for the convenience of parking, even for just a short amount of time. It is important to try and leave your bike parked in a secure location, or at least use a premium lock for bike security.

You might want to consider bike insurance too, as the value of an e bike is likely to be higher than that of regular bicycles, but remember, insurance for an e-bike will be more affordable than car insurance.

As cycling is a greener choice, you can also forget about any congestion charges if cycling in the city. Electric bikes are also perfectly legal and no license is required to ride them.

5. Savings on healthcare

Not directly financial, but still important, there are some electric bike health benefits which might mean less sick days off work and a decreasing likelihood of needing to pay for any healthcare. Some healthcare providers contribute in a monetary sense when you cycle, such as covering the cost of a fitness tracker, another positive for your well being and money saving!

While an electric bike motor helps cyclists and means less effort is needed for taking on hilly climbs or completing moderate length journeys, e bikes are by no means cheating! A boost to your pedal power when climbing hills or covering longer distances is more likely to get you on your bike in the first place, despite it being a slightly less strenuous alternative to a regular bicycle.

People who cycle to work, either on a normal bike or electric bike are less likely to be obese or have heart disease than people who drive.

Conclusion

In summary, electric bikes offer compelling cost benefits that make them an ideal choice for commuters and casual cyclists alike, so whether you're just starting your cycling journey or looking for an economical way to get around, consider the financial advantages of electric bikes.

Why not book a test ride and learn more about the reduced fuel costs, lower maintenance expenses and affordable commuting? By opting for an e-bike, you'll be getting your hands on a cost-effective mode of transportation as well as contributing to a greener, healthier future.