Electric bikes have progressed a fair way since they first came onto the scene. Initially they were frowned upon. A ticket for your mates to take the piss. However, as time progressed, and more people started to ride electric bikes to commute to work (or for recreational purposes), there has been a clear shift in attitude towards them (in the positive sense). People have realised that they can kill three birds with one stone – commuting, fitness and saving money!
Simply put – electric bikes allow you to go further whilst still giving you a good workout and heaps of fun. Why sit on a bus where everyone looks like they are going to a funeral when you can enjoy the commute into work? Have you seen anyone genuinely enjoy the bus or train?
That’s why you want one.
It is important to note that whilst their technology has improved dramatically giving the rider heaps more torque and assistance, their cost has also increased. A buyer (interested in all the bells and whistles) might not get much change out of AUD 15,000.
So, the question is – should you buy a bike or rent one?
Well, the answer is Yes and NO!
It depends on what you want it for. If you are a seasonal rider and have no intent of going out into the elements when winter hits, then it’s probably wise to rent a bike. Electric bikes come with lithium-ion batteries that don’t like being left to sit for months on end without use. These batteries are the single biggest cost to replace.
They only (like all lithium-ion batteries) have limited cycles (charge/discharge) and if your expensive bike is sitting in the garage not being used – you are better off renting one for when you do decide the weather is appropriate to use one.
If on the other hand, you use your bike on a regular basis (come rain, storm or tsunami - then buying your own is the way to go.
It doesn’t have to be $15k. You can find quite reasonable electric bikes within the $1,500 to $3,000 range. Just be very weary to go second hand or to buy one of those bikes from supermarkets. Try taking your ebike into the store to explain a warranty issue to a store clerk. It’s always wise to think long term.
Cheap doesn’t necessarily mean good.
To start off with, rent a bike. Understand whether you can create a healthy habit – then take the next step of buying one only if you will use it on a regular basis.
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