If you’re looking for a smoother commute or a less physically demanding ride around town, electric bikes offer something for every rider.

E-bikes are better for the environment, cheaper than driving, and faster than traditional bikes. 

While there are so many benefits of riding an e-bike, it’s important to know that they’re also quite an investment and anybody who’s considering a purchase like that should understand what exactly it is they’re putting their money towards.

E-bikes are an awesome choice for a lot of us, but you know your needs better than anyone. Before investing in something that may or may not be right for you, we’re here to break down the pros and cons of electric bikes and what to look for before you buy one. 

Let’s get started! 

What Are Electric Bikes? 

A lot of people automatically associate e-bikes with electric scooters or mopeds. It’s a very common misconception, so before we get into the pros and cons, let’s define what exactly an e-bike is and how it works. 

An electric bike is exactly what it sounds like: a bicycle with electric components like a motor and battery. However, the motor isn’t meant to do all the work — it’s there to support your journey. 

Think of an electric bike as a spotter at the gym. Can you lift those weights entirely on your own? Absolutely, but the spotter is there to ensure nothing goes wrong and to provide assistance as needed. 

E-bikes function with the same basic concept: Could you make it over that hill on your own? Can you go the distance? Definitely, but the motor is there to make sure you do, and comfortably. 

Now that we’ve cleared up that misconception, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of e-bikes and what to look for should you decide to buy one. 

Why Buy an E-Bike?

There are so many benefits of riding and owning an e-bike.

We’re going to start off with what many consider to be the most important benefit of all: e-bikes are environmentally friendly. 

Environmentally Friendly 

Here’s a stat for you: In 2017, around 60% of all trips made by vehicles in the United States were less than 6 miles. 

Since motors on e-bikes don’t emit harmful emissions into the atmosphere, they are the optimal choice for shorter distances 

Walking and biking to your destination is obviously the best way to reduce your carbon footprint. However, for longer distances, walking or biking just isn’t practical some times. 

This is one of the biggest reasons why people switch to e-bikes as their primary mode of transportation. It’s easy for short trips and it’s better for the environment than cars.

So, just how good are e-bikes at combating climate change? Research suggests that e-bikes are up to 10 to 30 times more efficient than electric cars in reducing an individual’s carbon footprint. 

If e-bikes are that much more effective than electric cars, you can imagine how much better they are for the environment than conventional gas cars. 

Transportation 

Let’s run through a scenario: You don’t live an unreasonable distance from your work or school, so you often bike or walk. It’s hot out, and it takes a lot out of you to get over those hills. You get to the office or classroom drenched in sweat. 

We’ve certainly been there, and you probably have been too. Conversely, biking or walking when it’s cold out can be equally as brutal. 

E-bikes can completely eliminate this problem. Most e-bikes offer options for how much help you get from the motor.

During those days when the weather is especially harsh, you can get all the help you need to ensure you stay comfortable throughout the day. 

Accessible

Another reason we love e-bikes is because it makes cycling accessible to differently abled riders.

With an e-bike, you can get out and conquer more terrain than ever before.

From the road to the trails, a battery-powered bike will help support your body’s needs and provide a more positive ride experience.

For instance, if you’re a mountain biker and haven’t hit the trails in a while due to discomfort, injury, or physical fitness, e-bikes are perfect to get you riding again!

Cost

It is way cheaper to use an e-bike as your primary mode of transportation than using a car. 

While the cost of an e-bike can be seen as a pro and a con (more on this later), the money you’ll save when compared to a car is outrageous. 

Most e-bikes cost less than a penny per mile to charge. Meanwhile, gas cars can cost anywhere from 50 cents to a dollar to drive per mile.

Additionally, insurance isn’t required, repairs are significantly cheaper (if you even need them), and you never have to worry about getting a parking ticket. 

The Cons

Like we said — nothing is perfect. 

Fortunately, the cons of owning an electric bike are relatively low, so we can breeze through this section. 

Cost

The cost of e-bikes is a gray area. 

On one hand, it’s a steep up-front cost. Most e-bikes will cost you around $1,500 to $3,000, with some running as high as $10,000. 

On the other hand, e-bikes will save you a lot of money if you use one instead of a car. Luckily, there’s a third hand, and that’s Retrospec. Our most expensive e-bike is $1,799, with some as low as $1,199.

So, if you do decide to buy an e-bike, make sure to remember all the money you’re saving as compared to driving a car. 

Charging Time

This is more of an inconvenience than a disadvantage, but nevertheless should be included. 

Most e-bikes take three to six hours to fully charge. While it’s certainly possible to ride on a partial or low battery, the range will be significantly reduced. 

If you forgot to charge it overnight or are just in a hurry, the charging time can be a hassle. 

Less Exercise

While you’re still pedaling, the motor is helping you out. That’s the beauty of e-bikes — but it does mean they’re not always right for people who like to bike for cardio.

With e-bikes, the motor does much of the work for you, so your legs are used less for pedaling and your heart rate will stay low. If you are trying to get into biking for exercise, an electric-powered bicycle might not be the best option for you.  

You are certainly still getting exercise when you use an e-bike, but just not as much as a conventional bike. 

Buying an Electric Bike: A How-To Guide

If you have decided to make the greener, more cost-efficient switch to an e-bike — congratulations! You’re going to love your new mode of transportation and the environment will certainly thank you. 

If you’re still contemplating buying an e-bike, no worries. It’s a big investment and one that shouldn’t be taken lightly. 

Either way, there are some more factors to consider when you’re picking out your new e-bike. 

Where Do You Live?

Big city? Countryside? Small town? 

The routes that you plan on riding should also play a factor in your decision. 

If you live in a place with a lot of people, roads, and cars, an electric city bike is probably right for you. If you’re local to dirt roads with lots of trails and wilderness, an electric fat tire bike is best. 

Perhaps you live in a small community or town like the suburbs. In that case, an electric city bike or a beach cruiser would be a perfect sidekick. 

Where Are You Traveling?

Work? School? Just for fun? 

Besides the terrain and routes you plan on taking, distance is another huge factor to consider when purchasing an e-bike. This will determine what kind of battery and motor you’ll need to complete your journeys, and it’s especially important if you are making that same trip often. 

If you live a little further away from work or school, you’ll probably need a battery that lasts longer and has a wider range. If you’re close, you can save the money and go for a bike with a smaller range. 

Maybe you just want an e-bike for leisure. In that case, the ideal bike for you will depend on how often and far you plan on going during your bike rides. 

Basically, the longer and further you go, the bigger and better battery you’ll need. 

Overall

To put it simply: consider your needs. Factor in where you live, where you’re going, and what your budget is like. 

Riding an e-bike is good for the environment, cheaper than driving a car and just an overall fun experience. 

Retrospec 

After reading through, you’re either ready to buy an e-bike or need more time to decide. 

Either way, Retrospec is here to help you find a bike that fits all of your needs. 

Our easy and fun-loving approach to accessing the outdoors is designed to encourage everybody to get out there and enjoy what the world has to offer. 

So, whether you still need to learn how to ride a bike, you’re looking to start taking biking seriously, or you’ve been biking consistently for years, we have something for you. 

We believe nature is for everybody, so get out there and enjoy it. 

Stay green, reduce your carbon footprint, and have some fun!