Why Are Electric Bikes So Expensive? (Explained)

Electric bikes are still relatively new. They are fun, exciting and quite tempting. What cuts down the temptation for many is the price. Electric bikes are costly and might not seem like they’re worth it at a glance. So, many people wonder, why electric bikes are so expensive?

Many factors play the role in electric bikes being so expensive. The complex pieces of machinery within are the main reason. The battery, sensor and the motor of an electric bike are the three major components that influence how pricey an E-bike is.

In this article, I will further explain these reasonings behind the pricing of electric bikes. Furthermore, I will go through some benefits of using electric bikes to help you decide whether you should get one or not. So, without further ado, let’s get right to it.

Why Are Electric Bikes So Expensive?

An electric bike is a fancy addition to a day-to-day lifestyle. It is made with various exquisite parts. However, not all of them play a role in making these vehicles expensive. The components that contribute to such price tags are its battery and motor. Another thing that has a role in its pricing is its cutting-edge sensors. I will explain each of these in the following.

Battery

The chief component that plays a role in an electric bike’s price tag is the battery. Batteries in electric bikes have different roles compared to a motorbike battery or a car battery. Car or motorbike doesn’t run on battery, so the battery doesn’t have any heavy workload. In electric bikes, the batteries need to do some extra work.

The battery runs the motor, which is a crucial part of an electric bike. The battery has to work in unison with the motor and the sensors of the bike. So, electric bike batteries do more work than batteries in any fuel operated bike or car. They are specially built, and that’s what increases their price.

Another thing that increases the price of the batteries is the type. Lithium-ion batteries are used in almost every electric bike instead of lead-acid batteries. The reason is that lithium-ion batteries are light and more efficient.

They have more charging cycles compared to lead-acid batteries. Also, you can quickly recharge them, at one-third the time of lead-acid batteries. Cobalt is used as the cathode in lithium-ion batteries. This is another contributing factor.

Motor

The motor is the brain of an electric bike. It controls the acceleration depending on the input from pedals or throttles. It is like an engine with a more subtle and complex role. The motor in Pedal-assisted electric bikes receives information from rotations of pedals and provides acceleration. You get more speed with less effort.

Throttles-assisted electric bikes work like motorbikes. If you rev the throttle, the motor receives input and provides acceleration, same as pedal-assisted electric bikes. The motors are also specially designed to be quieter and give a smooth riding experience.

They are also engineered to drain the battery slower. If the battery dies in the middle of the road, an electric bike becomes just a heavier pedal bike which is a nuisance. Different types of motors are used in different kinds of electric bikes. This is another reason for the price tag.

Sensors

Sensors in the electric bike are like relay stations. They receive input from various parts of the bike and send them to corresponding places. Speed sensor enables drive assist as soon as you start paddling.

The torque sensor does the same thing, but it activates depending on your speed, not paddle rotation. So, if you are climbing a steep road, your speed will be less despite more paddle rotations. The torque sensor will compensate for this and increase acceleration.

A torque sensor is like a more intelligent speed sensor. There are other advanced types of sensors used in electric bikes. The more complex the sensor is, the more the price.

In short, E-bikes come with a lot of extra electrical moving parts like a motor, a large battery and lots of intelligent sensors. All of which contribute to its high pricing.

Are Electric Bikes Worth the Price?

In some regions, with the price of a brand-new electric bike, you can buy an old model car or second-hand motorbike. So, it’s very typical to think if the steep price tag is actually worth the value. It depends on your preference. Eventually, it comes down to what you want and your financial capabilities.

If transportation is your sole purpose, then an electric bike isn’t worth it. It’s costly, not suitable for traveling long distances and repairs are expensive. Also, charging stations for electric bikes are scarce. You can get a pre-owned motorcycle and get more value from it.

However, an electric bike isn’t meant for traveling either. They are made to do what a regular bicycle does with a bit more convenience. If you love cycling and love to go on short rides, you can go for electric bikes. Of course, if you have the budget.

If staying fit and healthy is your primary goal, an electric bike can be your thing. You do the same labor with a bit of ease, which doesn’t mitigate the health benefits. If you have a sore leg when on a ride, you can use the motor to return home.

So ultimately, it comes down to two things, purpose and budget. It is mostly budget, I would say. If you have the budget and love cycling, just go for it.

Benefits of an Electric Bike

Whether purchasing an electric bike seems worthy to you or not, there are some undeniable benefits to them. Here are some of the benefits of electric bikes:

• Eco Friendly

No battery-operated vehicle emits toxic fumes like petroleum-driven vehicles, and electric bikes are no exceptions. They are very environmentally friendly. Although a motorcycle or a car would give you more value in terms of price-performance ratio, they also pollute the environment quite staggeringly.

There isn’t much you can do about the inevitable pollution of the environment. If you use an electric bike, you can at least be at peace knowing that you haven’t contributed to this process.

• Fast

Although electric bikes aren’t great for long-distance travel, they are pretty fast. They are not as fast as motorcycles. But still, they have pretty decent speed. If you want to cover a short distance quickly, you can bet on your electric bike.

This provides you an upgrade over your normal bicycle. And if you’re somebody who’s looking for a faster method of transportation without bothering with getting a license, then E-bikes are exactly what you need.

• Comfortable

You can drive electric bikes like regular bicycles. They are heavier due to the motor and the battery, but you won’t feel it because of pedal assist. The motor and specific sensors give you a slight boost whenever you are paddling.

This makes electric bikes more comfortable and less tiresome than regular bicycles. This feature is also great for riding in hilly areas or steep roads.

Conclusion

If you are thinking of buying an electric bike and have already done your research, the aspect that should’ve been bothering you the most is the pricing. They are very expensive, that is enough to make you rethink your decision.

It’s worth knowing why electric bikes are so expensive so that you can make up your mind on whether or not they’d really be a worthwhile investment. Personally, I find them to be great and very much worthwhile if you have the budget. Thanks for tuning in.