Ever since e-bikes entered the market, there’s been much debate about whether they’re worth getting. At the end of the day, traditional bikes and electric bike lovers can live harmoniously, and there’s nothing against owning as many of both as you want to. But, realistically, both can come with a high price tag and when it comes to choosing one over the other, you have to answer the question, “Is buying an e-bike worth it?”
In this article, we’ll break down all the benefits and drawbacks to owning an e-bike so you can make an informed decision on whether or not it’s worth getting for yourself (or for your kids).
What are the advantages of owning an e-bike?
Here are some compelling reasons why you should want to own an e-bike:
They make climbing hills more efficient
Sometimes, you have those days where you feel like you could conquer any mountain in your way, but others leave you feeling completely breathless and defeated (even the smaller ones). With an electric bike, you have the added help of a motor to get you to climb the hills on the good and the bad days and at a much faster pace.
They’re great for people with exercise-induced asthma
Sports-induced asthma is a condition where the airways will narrow and contract when someone is engaged in physical activities. For people with sports-induced asthma, getting on a bike and enjoying the ride can seem like a far-off dream as it could potentially put them in a hospital. Thanks to their motor, electric bikes allow people with asthma to enjoy going for a ride and avoid attacks because they do not have to exert themselves too much while riding.
They don’t have any special requirements
As long as the e-bike meets specific requirements, the beauty is that it can be a reliable form of motorised transportation, and you don’t need to have a license for it in most countries, including Australia. That being said, the requirements for e-bikes that are permitted on roads and paths are:
- It needs to be a pedelec or EPAC (Electronically Power Assisted Cycle)
- It needs to be a power-assisted electric bike, but you will have to adhere to stricter regulations
- It needs to be a throttle-assisted electric bike, but you will have to adhere to stricter regulations
- The power assistance is limited to 25kph
What are the drawbacks of owning an e-bike?
While it sounds like a dream to just get on an electric bike and ride around town, there are some drawbacks to these bikes:
They can be expensive
Considering the extra technology and gear that goes into manufacturing the electric bike, it will cost more to buy than most traditional bikes on the market.
Many areas still won’t allow e-bikes
Electric bikes are still a relatively new concept, and many people and places have yet to warm up to the idea of motorised bikes. This means that some areas, like bike paths, do not permit people to ride electric bikes. As people grow more accustomed to electric bikes, this is subject to change in the future.
What are the different types of electric bikes?
If the advantages of owning an electric bike have piqued your interest, it’s good to know what the different types are before rushing out and buying one. Here are the main types of e-bikes you can find:
- Type 1 (Pedal assist) – this type of e-bike requires riders to pedal in order to use the motor. As soon as you start pedalling, the motor will kick in to assist
- Type 2 (Throttle only) – this type of e-bike is controlled with a throttle, so while you can pedal, you don’t need to in order for the motor to work
- Type 3 (Pedal assist 45kph) – this type of e-bike is the fastest one on the market and can hit a maximum speed of 45kph
Interested in getting an e-bike? You can find a deal on e-bikes at iScoot, right here!
Final Thoughts
The e-bike is a fun and innovative vehicle that is ideal for those who want all the fun of riding a bike but without the fuss of having to overexert themselves on challenging terrain or for those who suffer from sports-induced asthma. At the end of the day, after you’ve read through these helpful points, of course, it is really up to you whether or not you think an e-bike is worth buying. If you’re a purist who prefers to ride without the assistance of a motor, then stick to the traditional bicycle.
