Shuangye ebike
E-bikes vs. cars: can ebikes replace cars?
Do you want to change your daily life, or are you just tired of being stuck in traffic all day? Maybe you want to stop driving altogether, or at least spend less time in the car. But can an e-bike actually replace a car altogether? Deciding between an e-bike and a car may seem like a big decision, but we’re here to let you know why it’s not.
So, which is better? We’re always here to help you decide.
If you’re considering ditching the car in favour of an e-bike but are still on the fence about the decision, read on below to find out more about all the pros and cons of each mode of transport and which one is better for you.
Pros of e-bikes vs. cars
There are many reasons to consider choosing an e-bike over a car for your daily commute, including improving your health or having a positive impact on the environment. Let’s take a closer look at some of the benefits of owning an e-bike.
They’re fun to use
E-bikes give every rider better access to their surroundings. Whether it’s a local neighbourhood, a city or a mountain view, an e-bike provides you with unparalleled freedom. Additionally, e-bikes allow you to enjoy nature’s finest gifts, something you typically can’t do when you spend too much time in your car. Ultimately, e-bikes only make life more fun. Looking for something fun? Check out our best-selling walk-behind electric bikes!
Saves you money
In the long run, an e-bike can save you a lot of money compared to a car. While the initial purchase of an e-bike can be expensive, when you add in the cost of registration fees, insurance, tyres, maintenance and repairs, and depreciation, you’ll find that an e-bike is more in line with your budget. While e-bikes may not be a complete replacement for travelling in a car, it’s safe to say that they will not only reduce the amount of time you spend in your car, but also the amount of money you put into them each year. When comparing the maintenance costs of an e-bike versus a car, e-bikes can save you a lot of extra money.
Keeps you healthy
When you ride an e-bike, it’s just like riding a regular bike, which means you get the same physical advantages. Most e-bikes are powered by pedal assist, which means you can still get a good workout. Additionally, if you have something to do and don’t want to smell sweaty from a strenuous workout, you can add pedal assist to prevent yourself from smelling bad while still making healthy choices for your body.
Dodge the traffic
One of the biggest benefits of using an e-bike is that you can now worry less about traffic jams. Not only does an e-bike allow you to get through traffic faster – and you have your own bike lane – but it also gives you more alternative paths to get to your destination. In some cases, you may find that you can reduce the distance between where you are and where you need to be, as you are no longer limited to just roads and motorways.
Environmentally friendly
Above all, using an e-bike is an environmentally friendly decision. We all love cars, even electric ones, but the amount of pollutants they produce is quite huge. Using an e-bike not only reduces your costs, it also reduces your carbon footprint, making you more environmentally responsible.
Disadvantages of e-bikes vs. cars
While there are many benefits to using an e-bike, they also face some unique challenges.
They can be expensive
Even if you do the maths on e-bikes vs cars, e-bikes are still more expensive than traditional bikes. Additionally, you’ll need to consider things like insurance, accessories, and the necessary equipment you’ll need to ride an e-bike. While this is still much less costly than a car, it is something you need to consider before purchasing a bike.
They’re heavy.
While most bikes are fairly light and easy to transport, e-bikes are another story. Most e-bikes weigh nearly 40 pounds (not including equipment), so an e-bike isn’t a bike you can simply sling over your shoulder. If you prefer to have a bike that’s easy to carry and store, we recommend our own Sinch foldable e-bike!
You need a place to charge your bike
With an electric road bike, you also need to make sure you have a location nearby where you can charge it. Whether this is your garage or an outdoor power outlet, you’ll need a safe place where you can quickly charge your e-bike if necessary. While this may not be an issue for homeowners, if you’re a renter living in the city, you’ll need to take this into consideration when making your purchase as well.
E-Bike Laws Vary by State
As e-bikes become more popular across the country, states are creating laws to regulate their use. From classification to licensing, helmet requirements, and what types of e-bikes are allowed in specific locations, you can expect this to change a bit in the coming years.
Benefits of Cars vs. E-Bikes
Now, let’s dive into the advantages of owning a car.
No need to worry about range
Unlike an e-bike, a car won’t run out of power because you can simply fill it up and drive. This means you don’t have to wait for the battery to recharge or worry about how far you’ll be able to travel.
More Comfortable
In the e-bike vs car debate, there is no denying that driving a car is more comfortable than riding a bike. Not only does it take less energy to drive a vehicle than a standard bike, but it’s also a much smoother ride.
Higher speed limits
Unlike e-bikes, which usually have a speed limit, cars are usually allowed to travel at higher speeds. If you need to get to your destination faster, a vehicle is always the best option as long as the roads are not congested.
Disadvantages of Cars vs. E-Bikes
As with all things, there are some drawbacks to cars.
Expensive to maintain
Whether you own a used or new car, maintaining your vehicle still comes with a hefty price tag. From the initial upfront costs to the inevitable repair and maintenance costs, as well as the cost of fuel, owning a car is more expensive than you might think.
Less exercise
Whilst it may be far more comfortable to drive, you are not getting any exercise at all whilst driving. The amount of calories burned while riding an e-bike is incomparable to the amount of calories burned while driving a car.
Cost Breakdown
As mentioned above, the cost of owning and operating an e-bike is significantly less than a car. Let’s take a quick look at the cost breakdown of an e-bike versus a car.
Insurance:
Car: $1,600 per year
Maintenance and Repairs:
Cars: about $1,000 per year
E-bike: about $200 per year
Parking:
Cars: approximately $125 per year
E-bike: $0
Fuel:
Car: approx. 1,200 USD per year
E-bike: approx. 60 USD per year
Choose your next e-bike with shuangye
As you can see, both options have their pros and cons. Ultimately, choosing an e-bike or a car is a very personal decision that only you can decide.
If you’re ready to buy an e-bike, contact shuangye today. our goal is to provide every customer with the opportunity to change their lives through the freedom of mobility, and a bike is a great way to do that. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you find the right e-bike.