How Much Does an Electric Bike Cost? (with 28 Examples)
Electric bikes are generally more expensive than non-electric bikes. With the electronics, battery, motor, and additional engineering involved in designing an e-bike, it’s understandable that they’ll be priced higher than average bikes. But how much do they actually cost?
The cheapest e-bikes will cost between $600 to $800, while quality e-bikes cost $1500 to $2000. The high price of electric bikes goes well above $8000 and sometimes even up to $15,000.
In this guide, we’ll cover how much you can expect to pay for various e-bikes, whether it’s worth it or not, and factors that determine the total price you pay.
Are Electric Bikes Worth the Cost?
If you’re planning to purchase an electric bike, you should consider whether it’s actually worth the cost. We’ll cover several factors so that you can come to your own conclusion.
Replacement of Car
Purchasing a car can be expensive, even used models are pricey. Used cars are also at a much greater risk of potential failures. E-bikes can be a great alternative if you enjoy getting around by bike. Maintaining a car costs about $700 to $800 on average, while e-bike maintenance costs about $100 monthly.
Here are some other costs worth comparing:
- E-bikes are compact vehicles that don’t require a parking space, unlike a car.
- Cars require you to fill up your gas tank regularly, while electric bikes only need to be adequately charged.
- Car parts have to be maintained often, while e-bikes only require looking after the motor.
E-bikes are the perfect solution for those who live in the city, where traffic is a hassle, and you won’t have to go far to get your daily necessities.
Greenery
Air pollution and global warming are significant issues in the world. E-bikes are one way you can contribute to a greener planet and save yourself from a potentially adverse ecosystem. Electronic bikes operate on clean energy, thus creating no air pollution compared to motorbikes and cars. E-bikes are more sustainable and reduce health hazards.
Hill Adventure
Do you enjoy roaming and taking in the views of the various hills and mountains while riding? Electric bikes make the journey more sustainable and accessible than traditional bikes.
Imagine trying to pedal through rocky roads of a hill for hours. If you aren’t an experienced mountaineer, it can be extremely difficult. An electric bike takes the physical toll off of you, making getting to the most scenic views much more possible.
Exercise
Traditional bicycles are better suited for exercise since you’re using more muscles to pedal, which ends up burning more calories.
However, if you aren’t accustomed to long-distance cycling, it’ll tire you out and cause aches at night. Also, e-bikes can travel faster, meaning you’ll get to places on-time and much faster.
Battery Problem
Battery-operated bicycles can be a blessing and a curse. With e-bikes, you’ll need to ensure that you have enough batteries to keep you running. Even carrying several backup batteries can be a nuisance when planning a long trip.
However, it isn’t a huge problem if you simply plan your trip based on the number of miles you can battery can power. Also, technology has advanced, allowing batteries to last longer and e-bikes to run more efficiently.
Classes of E-bikes
Electric bikes come in a variety of classes, which can be categorized as Class One, Class Two, and Class Three.
Class One electric bikes don’t have a throttle system but have some power and user pedal assistance. Class Two e-bikes feature a throttle and pedal-assisted power, while class-three bikes have more horsepower, pedal-assisted power, and a throttle. These classes come in many shapes and sizes. We’ll cover some overarching archetypes that describe how each one is designed.
Standard
Standard e-bikes are made for general riding activities and cost between $1000 to $3000. You’ll enjoy premium quality motors, standard engineering, and quality batteries. They offer the most basic features that electric bikes can provide without many bells and whistles.
If you’re looking to purchase an electronic bike for traveling to work, the standard category is your best option. You’ll get the basic features and quality service.
Folding
Folding e-bikes are best for riding on windy days. Also, it’s foldable, allowing for easier storage without hassle. These are the go-to bike for travel and leisure. In this case, it’s best to allot about $1500 to $3500. Most folding bikes are ridden in the city. You’ll receive basic features like a well-engineered construction, a good set of batteries, and quality motors.
Off-Road
Off-road bikes are the best for hill-track adventurers. However, compared to the other types of bikes, this is the most expensive. Off-road e-bikes use heavy electric components that deliver the best performance to sustain the rough tracks and provide incredible battery power for a long journey.
For travelers and adventurers in off-road environments, these bikes are ideal; They’re best used for mountain trials and other rough terrains. Two common types of bikes that fall into the off-road category are mountain and gravel e-bikes. They cost about $2000 to $500 due to their durability and strength.
Off-road e-bikes are made with heavy-duty components, which add more weight to the machines. It’s able to propel through uneven and rough terrain without compromising on power and speed. Compared to other bikes mentioned, offroad bikes are the most expensive, powerful, and durable among them.
Cargo
Cargo electric bikes are rare; however, they’re best used for business since they’re designed to carry a lot of items. They range between $1800 to $8000 and have plenty of features. Their cargo types of strong and durable enough to have a high load capacity. Since it has extra features, the price is typically higher than standard or folding bikes.
Price Ranges of E-Bikes (With 28 Examples)
As consumers, we want to ensure we’re getting our money’s worth when it comes to shopping for a new e-bike. We’ve broken down the various price ranges for each type of electric bike and also given specific examples for these various bike types.
| Type of e-bike | Price range |
| Commuter e-bikes | $650 to $4490 |
| Cruiser e-bikes | $2250 to $4900 |
| Road e-bikes | $4750 to $6500 |
| Gravel e-bikes | $3400 to $5800 |
| Mountain e-bikes | $4400 to $6300 |
| City e-bikes | $2500 to $4200 |
Commuter E-Bike
There are not many bikes that beat the casual riding thrill derived from riding a bonafide commuter e-bike. A great commuter electric bike offers the best value for money. They provide a decent range of about 50 miles while being extremely affordable.
Also, don’t overlook the hybrid e-bike models as well. These bikes provide an excellent range of 100 miles, with durable components and maximum comfort that guarantee safety.
| Model name | Price |
| Nakto Camel | $650 |
| Trek Verve+2 | $2499 |
| CUBE Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 | $2999 |
| OHM Quest | $3399 |
| BULLS Cross Lite Evo | $4899 |
Cruiser E-Bike
One of the most popular electric bikes is a cruiser which is the must-have option for casual riders since they are very comfortable to ride. However, don’t expect to outcompete the other dynamic e-bikes like road, mountain, and gravel electric bikes. However, they’re certainly not a pushover when it comes to delivering the best casual riding experience. ‘
It’s best to focus on cruise e-bike models that provide maximum comfort. This means looking at the materials used on seats and how they adjust to fit your build and body type.
For the battery and motor, it’s best to factor your decision on whether there are inclined hills in your area. You won’t need a powerful motor if you’re just utilizing a cruiser for bike lanes in your area or leisurely rides in the park. However, there are many models that mimic a motorcycle in that they have similar amounts of motor power.
Cruiser batteries aren’t heavy, so don’t be surprised if you notice these bikes have low riding ranges. If you’ll be riding long distances, it’s still worth paying the extra cost to find a cruiser e-bike with a high maximum riding range per single charge.
| Model name | Price |
| Magnum Cruiser | $2249 |
| CUBE Elly Cruise Hybrid 400 | $2999 |
| MOD Bikes Easy | $3290 |
| Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 | $4050 |
| Soul Fast Sonic Stomper SS | $4895 |
Road E-Bike
Road electric bikes are often considered milder types of gravel e-bikes since they’re also designed to handle difficult terrains. They’re often ridden on bike lanes and uncemented paths. It’s common to find many models with wider tires, which is useful when riding on bumpy and craggy tracks.
The road e-bike is conventional in that its price is often determined by the motor and battery specifications. The better the battery and the more, the fewer worries a biker will have when going through unpredictable terrain.
Additionally, it’s important to look for a motor with substantial torque since it translates to its ability to support the rise you encounter. However, if you want to use your e-vike to travel through the steepest inclines, mountain e-bikes are better suited for it.
Great road e-bikes deliver adequate comfort if you go through rocky and dirt roads. Versatility combined with a satisfactory motor and battery performance is what you’ll need to prioritize before looking for any extra perks.
Notably, some road e-bike models are lightweight. Riders who often go on rough roads want a lighter bike for better handling. Additionally, features like a digital display and built-in GPS can come in handy too. Here are several examples of road e-bike models.
| Model name | Price |
| Cannondale Synapse Neo 2 | $4750 |
| Coboc Ten Torino | $5531 |
| Moustache Dimanche 28.7 | $5862 |
| Bianchi Aria E-Road | $6500 |
Gravel E-Bike
Gravel e-bikes can definitely rival mountain e-bikes when it comes to durability and power. What sets them apart is ultimately how they’re designed. These bikes need to handle rocky, and rough terrain, not just gravel, so you can expect more durable components.
They have wider drop bars found in many models to ensure they offer the benefit of improved handles when venturing onto rugged terrain. These bars and gear shifters are what make gravel electric bikes standard in design and cost.
A robust motor is very taxing on the bike battery, so many models compensate by incorporating an equally powerful battery. Durable and high-powered are fitting labels for what gravel e-bikes are all about, making them one of the best perform-driven bikes on the market.
Think of them as workhorses can you can confidently ride on to navigate any type of terrain. That said, you should be prepared to potentially shell out more in terms of cost and maintenance.
| Model name | Price |
| Easy Motion Rebel Gravel-X | $3399 |
| Yamaha Wabash | $3499 |
| Raleigh Tamland iE | $4749 |
| Bulls DAIL-E Grinder | $5799 |
Mountain E-Bike
Mountain e-bikes perhaps have the most power among the e-bike types. These bikes have immense power to conquer inclined and steep terrains. That’s why it’s vital to pay attention to the durability, specifically the battery range, sturdiness of the frame, and smoothness when handling and riding. It’s also important to confirm the amount of torque and motor support that the mountain electric bike can impart.
Models that can provide adequate support for mountain terrains while still preventing shaky or rough riding would be considered outstanding. Bikers should have as much riding range, especially when going on in any outdoor run on hilly tracks. Look for e-bikes that can potentially provide up to 100 miles of riding range.
Also, since your mountain electric bike will likely take a beating, you’ll need to mindfully look for maintenance and warranty coverages. It’s best to select established brands so you can find quickly find parts that may need replacement. Typically, tune-ups may be required every six months.
Here, we’ve listed out a few examples of mountain bikes and their cost.
| Model name | Price |
| Haro Shift i/O 5 2019 | $4349.99 |
| Scott Genius eRide 920 | $4999 |
| Giant Trance E+1 Pro | $5565 |
| Haibike SDURO LT 9.0 | $5599 |
| BULLS E-STREAM EVO AM 4 27.5+ | $6299 |
City E-Bike
City e-bikes are popular due to their ability to fold. This foldability feature means that they have lesser battery life and heavier weight, which also explains why many models are cheap. There are higher quality models around the $2500 range.
When searching for great city e-bikes, you won’t need to look for power since there are plenty of city speed limits. Most city e-bikes only top at 15 mph, but some go up to 20 mph. The less powerful motor often makes these bikes extremely affordable.
Any electric bike that has many features can increase your safety and comfort when riding in urban settings. Place importance on finding good lights, brakes, and other components to ensure safety and boost handling.
A great city e-bike should have a good riding range that covers your daily commute. Also, ensure that your e-bike is lightweight so that they’re easier to lug around.
Here are various examples of good city e-bikes and their prices:
| Model name | Price |
| Enki Billy E-Bike | $2490 |
| Trek Verve+2 | $2499 |
| OHM Quest | $3399 |
| Specialized Turbo Como 5.0 | $4150 |
| Ride1Up 700 Series | $1695 |
Why are Electric Bikes So Expensive
You might be wondering why e-bikes vary significantly in the price range. The reason is that there are various internal components that affect the performance and longevity of the bike. Here are reasons why electric bikes can be expensive.
Battery
The battery tells you how long you’ll be able to ride without difficulty. It’s the most expensive component of the electric bike. Cheaper e-bikes will have a lower-quality battery, meaning you can’t go as far without recharging, and it lessens the lifespan of your bike.
The most common types of batteries used for electric bikes are lithium and lead-acid. Lithium batteries are primarily used on e-bikes since they are more efficient than lead-acid batteries.
The price of lithium batteries is about $250, and they should last a long time if you take good care of them. Lead-acid batteries are less efficient than lithium batteries. Manufacturers
recommend that you follow their instructions carefully when charging a battery.
Motor
The motor is another crucial component of the price of an e-bike. The cost varies depending on the quality. Cheap motors cost only a few hundred dollars, while quality motors cost over a thousand dollars.
The motor boosts the performance of your bike so that it runs smoothly and helps you ride faster. Some motors are more complex. For example, mountain e-bikes feature mid-drive motors that have more complicated components. Other like Hub-direct motors have fewer components and moving parts. It simply spins around the axle and generates more direct electricity in the more when braking.
The gear hub motor is the simplest type of motor. They can easily pedal and freewheel out of a battery, similar to a conventional bike. So, the price of the bike is greatly affected by the type of motor used.
Other Components
Besides the battery and the motor that bike up the cost of an e-bike, other components are necessary to make an electric bicycle. There are additional features that make the bike handle difficult conditions and weather. For example, all wheels, frame materials, and drivetrains must be waterproof.
Remember, a cheaper bike will only cost you more in the long run. That’s because the low-quality materials used will only cause more damage, and it’ll break down, causing more routine maintenance or even needing to replace your entire bike.
Factors That Affect Road E-Bike Prices
There are many factors that can affect the price of an electric road bike, such as a battery, motor, materials, drivetrain, and other components.
Motor
The most crucial factor of an electric bicycle is motor performance. The better more is, the higher the cost of the e-bike. For those looking to ride more quickly and smoothly, you want a powerful motor that will serve as an excellent long-term investment.
Costlier electric bikes feature more powerful motors that cover greater distances at faster speeds compared to their affordable counterparts. Ensuring your electric bike is equipped with high-quality components is critical for your riding style. Electric mountain bikes, such as downhill bikes, require more powerful batteries and motors to assist trail rides to the summit to the top of the trail and fly back down. However, electric road bikes usually require less powerful and lighter components to help riders with the extra boost as the miles begin racking up.
Battery
Other than motor power, the battery is another critical factor in the price of an e-bike. These bikes are very efficient and lightweight while also being rechargeable, so you can see how long they’ll go within a single charge. The best batteries give you extended mileage, allowing you to ride for a long time without needing to recharge or without wearing down.
Riders interested in going for long distances per charge should consider investing in powerful batteries. While it may seem like an expensive choice, the battery features greater watt-hours than your typical battery and travels much further on a single charge.
Materials
Bike frames need to be durable, strong, and light. Lightweight frames allow for greater portability and better navigation through various rough terrain. E-bike frames that feature dynamically-shaped aluminum alloy frames are lightweight and sturdy. It’s important to invest in some durable frames to provide a more smooth riding experience. However, these higher-quality frames do cost significantly more.
Lighter carbon frames have dominated the electric mountain and road bike markets. They are usually high-priced and help counteract the heavy weight of the motor, making your e-bike easy to maneuver.
Many bikers like to equip their ride with accessories like LED technologies, gleaming lights, and baskets.
Drivetrain
Gear bikes are an essential part of an e-bike, just like conventional bikes. Nowadays, e-bikes have automatic transmission drivetrains and can be upgraded anytime as needed. This is an advanced functionality that costs extra, which only drives the price higher.
After Purchase Cost
Even after you purchase an electric bike, there are additional costs that incur, such as proper maintenance and charging. We’ll cover in-depth all of the necessary costs that come along with owning an electric bike.
Maintenance Cost
Like traditional regular bikes, e-bikes are subjected to wear and tear, which require maintenance and repair. Bike tune-ups range as low as $100 up to potentially $700. We recommend going to maintenance checkups every 500 miles or every six months of regular usage.
A common maintenance cost you’ll need to prepare for is the brake adjustment. This costs about $20 to $35, depending on the frequency in which you need brake adjustments.
Patching a flat tire is another top priority you should account for on your repair list. Bike tires can easily wear down, especially when using them on a daily basis. Typically bike tire patching costs between $10 to $20.
E-Bike Extras
Some riders like to upgrade their bike, meaning it’ll cost additional components. Depending on the bike’s quality and parts, you’ll spend about $45 to $100 for accessories. This also included reliable e-bike locks and safety-certified helmets.
Of course, the cost of your accessories varies greatly on the type of accessories, quality, and materials used. If you’re looking for something that lasts for a long time, it’s worth paying a premium price for it.
Insurance Policy
Acquiring an electric bike can already be a huge investment. While e-bikes have limited warranties, it’s recommended to safeguard your electric bike with a reliable insurance policy. The price of your insurance depends on your coverage and how long it lasts.
You can opt for a warranty that lasts up to five years. The policy covers a frame, battery, motor, and other comprehensive requirements. As a result, you’re more secure in using your electric bike even in challenging and rough terrains.
E-bike insurance policies cost you anywhere from $100 to $200 in annual premiums. With this amount, you’ll receive excellent benefits and coverage.
E-Bike Packaging
Electric bikes come with their own integrated battery system, meaning that charging them comes with a price. The cost of charging your bike batteries can cost $1 or more, depending on your battery needs.
If you’re looking for a fully charged battery that runs 20 to 40 miles, it’ll cost four to eight cents per charge. The cost varies significantly depending on weight, battery size, and how long it’ll take to be charged.
For every 300 to 400 miles that your battery needs, you should allot about a dollar for it. This is much cheaper than refilling your car’s gas tank.
Wrapping It Up
Riding an electric bike is great for the environment and will cost you less over the long haul. E-bikes are much cheaper than driving cars, and charging an e-bike is cheaper than purchasing gasoline or petroleum. However, e-bikes can still be a steep investment for some.
The e-bike industry has been growing in popularity, meaning there are more options than ever before. This means you’ll likely find an electric bike that suits your needs and budget. From affordable ones to top ranges, there is an electric bike available for you.
We hope you found we give helpful to help give you an idea of what the different types of e-bikes cost and the various expenses involved so that you can better plan for your next big purchase.
