Thinking About Buying An E-Bike? Here’s Everything You Should Consider First

One of the few silver linings of the COVID pandemic has been the boom in bicycle use. Throughout the world, city dwellers have ditched their four wheels and fuel in exchange for good old-fashioned pedal power.

One reason for the surge in bicycle ridership has been the sharp reduction in car traffic on the streets, giving more room and peace of mind to cyclists. Another is due to the widespread misgivings towards public transport use, with many avoiding their regular mass transit commutes for fear of infection.

In any case, increased bicycle ridership has meant a boom in bicycle sales around the world, with many newcomers and old-hands (and feet) alike opting for an electric motor-assisted E-bike to get them from A to B.

So, if you’re wondering whether getting an E-bike is the right move for you, we’re here to help. Read on for a closer look at the e-bike market, as well as the costs and benefits of having your very own electric battery-powered peddler.

E-Bike Sales Are on the Rise in 2021

E-bikes have been steadily increasing in popularity for the last couple of years, but since the first lockdowns began to take hold of cities around the world, the industry has seen an enormous boom, according to the World Economic Forum (WEF).

In the USA alone, e-bike sales have more than doubled over the last few years. In Europe, e-bike sales are climbing so quickly that the WEF predicts that, by 2030, twice as many e-bikes as cars will be purchased every year.

E-bike sales have even begun to outpace traditional bike sales, and it’s easy to see why, given the growing popularity of alternative transport. Not everyone wants to turn their daily commute into a sweaty, cardio-intense, affair and e-bikes are the perfect alternative.

With such a rapid increase in the number of e-bikes on the road, we could see huge impacts on city infrastructure as municipalities organise to accommodate the rise of pedal-electric mobility.

In some cities, roadways have been temporarily closed off to cars to better facilitate bicycle and pedestrian traffic. Other cities, including Sydney, have created ‘pop-up’ cycleways throughout residential and business districts to enable safer and healthier travel.

Of course, plenty of permanent and bicycle-dedicated projects have come along throughout the pandemic as well, and these will need to continue in order to keep the gears on the e-bike trend.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Owning an E-bike?

There is a lot to consider in deciding whether an e-bike is the right fit for you, so here is a shortlist of points to think about.

Pros:

E-bikes are very low emission, low impact and overall very environmentally friendly modes of transport.

E-bikes are motor-assisted, making hill climbs easier and rides less physically taxing than on a traditional bike.

E-bikes are well-suited to beginners and people who have a harder time with physical exertion.

E-biking is much cheaper than driving, parking and maintaining a car.

Biking is a great way to integrate good exercise into your daily routine.

Cons:

E-bikes are generally heavier and louder than traditional bikes.

Most e-bike batteries have a modest use range, and only the highest-performance e-bikes are well-suited to long-distance rides.

E-bikes are quite a bit more expensive than traditional bikes of similar quality.

E-bikes require electricity to operate, which may not necessarily be renewably sourced.

So, Is An E-bike a Good Investment?

To answer this question, you’ll have to consider the facilities you’ll be using on your e-bike, as well as your personal needs and abilities.

If your city or neighbourhood is benefiting from a green fit-out, with bicycle-dedicated lanes and traffic zones that can get you to and fro work, school and wherever else you need to go, then that is a big point in favour of buying an e-bike.

Another obvious point is the benefit that cycling can have on your overall health. Switching out the daily car commute for a refreshing bicycle ride has been shown to reduce the risk of chronic illness, improve immune function, boost your mood, help with weight loss and improve muscle strength.

So, if your local roadways are safe and accommodating and you’re looking to improve your health without changing too much of your day-to-day life, then an e-bike is well worth the investment.

What are the Best E-Bikes to Buy in Australia?

Here are a few to consider. Bicycles Online has a good range of e-bikes to suit different environments and different needs.

Whether you’re looking for a comfortable short-distance cruiser or a more professional marathon bike, this website has the range and specs to help you find what you need.