
- GUIDES
What are the running costs of owning an electric bike?
By Martin Brown |
Initial Cost
Typically an electric bike (eBike) costs more to purchase than a normal bike; you obviously have to add the cost of the motor, battery, design and electrical equipment onto the top of any normal bike specification. The initial outlay depends on your budget, but generally the old saying - āyou pay for what you getā is much the rule in the eBiking world. Often buy cheap, buy twice is a phrase I hear a lot when it comes to electric bikes. So if you spend a little more you are normally paying for something more reliable, which in turn will serve you better over time; overall reducing your running costs.Type of Electric Bike
The type of eBike plays a big part as some cost more to run than others. An eBike that will take you further on one charge could reduce running costs. Typically (depending on the model) an electric bike will cost between 5-10pence to recharge from flat. Some models will take you 15miles on a charge whereas some can take you up to 100miles on a charge. The range depends on battery capacity and how efficiently the eBike applies the power. So the cost of recharging although small on each charge can work out more in the bigger picture. The type of electric bike can also influence the maintenance / wear and tear costs, but I will cover this further down the article.Battery Lifespan / Replacement
This one is important if you are planning on using the eBike over an extended period of time. These days you get a lot more than you used to thanks to the advancements in Lithium cell technologies. Where battery technologies have advanced, in turn so has the range and overall lifespan. Some batteries need replacing more often than others. Some can take 1000 charge cycles so could last 8-10 years depending how well you look after the battery, where-as some can last as little as 18months. That said normally the longer lasting batteries cost a little more initially. So if you only plan on using the eBike for a couple of years a cheaper cell option could lower the overall running costs. Letās say for example you plan to use the bike for the next 15 years (these are just examples): Basic Battery - Advanced Battery ā Battery Cost: Ā£200 Battery Cost: Ā£400 Lifespan: 3 years Lifespan: 7.5yrs No of times replaced in 15yrs: 5 No of times replaced in 15yrs: 2 Total cost for 15yrs: Ā£1000 Total Cost for 15yrs: Ā£800 This example obviously does not include the time you are without the bike, postage costs, hassle etc. It basically shows that the advanced batteries are cheaper and less hassle in the long run.Maintenance / Wear and Tear
In general, wear and tear on an eBike in comparison to a normal bike is much the same. People often think that an electric bike is going to cost an arm and a leg to maintain / service, but this is simply not the case. Most components are generic between eBikes and normal bikes. So therefore they should be maintained the same. Keeping your electric bike in good shape will reduce the running costs. Simple things like - cleaning it, keeping the tyres inflated, lubing the chain/cables, charging the battery properly should all help extend your eBikeās lifespan. Itās also recommended to service any bike annually to keep it in tip top shape. Some electric bikes can require more maintenance than others. For example the drive-train on a trekking bike with hub gears will require less maintenance than dĆ©railleur gears on a mountain bike. Typically a mountain eBike will be used in harsher conditions too so will require more frequent drive train servicing.Comparison
Electric bike running costs should really be compared to those of a car. A lot of people are finding commuting on an electric bike a much more economical way to travel. Some also prefer the eBike experience to that of a car. Overall there are next to no standing charges per year for an eBike. Standing Charges per YearAverage size Petrol Car | Average Electric Bike | |
Road Tax | 175 | 0 |
Insurance | 806 | 0 |
MOT | 55 | 0 |
Totals | 1036 | 0 |