Spring is the perfect time to get outdoors and enjoy the open road; a great way to do that is on an e-bike. The exciting prospect of owning an e-bike comes with a few things you should know.
The most important is, how much does an e-bike really cost? Beyond the actual sticker price, you need to figure in yearly maintenance, new batteries, other components, and accessories.
Here’s an e-bike cost breakdown to help you plan your budget:
E-bike maintenance costs
Maintenance costs will vary depending on where you live and your e-bike shop, but here are some general guidelines:
1) If you feel comfortable doing your own e-bike maintenance, it should run between $25 and $100 for cleaning supplies, lubricants, and minor replacement parts like brake pads and cables.
Only tackle this if you know enough about e-bikes to be up to the task.
2) Professional maintenance with a few DIY additions: Roughly $100-300. This includes some parts and one professional tune-up.
3) Your local e-bike maintenance shop: If you prefer having a professional tune up your bike and replace any parts, you can expect to spend around $200-$500.
DIY vs. Professional maintenance
Professional maintenance: There are many reasons to trust the professionals when it comes to e-bike maintenance:
- Expertise and experience.
- Staying true to your warranty.
- They have the proper tools and equipment.
- You will save time because they know the bikes and constantly perform maintenance.
- Professional tune-ups are about the whole bike. They are thorough and adjust all the components to keep your bike running at its best.
- They always have your safety in mind, ensuring proper maintenance.
- They use manufacturer’s approved parts.
DIY maintenance:
- Cost savings is the biggest advantage of doing your own maintenance.
- Convenience because you can do it on your own time when it suits you.
- E-bike expertise: You need sufficient e-bike knowledge to perform maintenance correctly, understand your manufacturer’s warranty, and utilize approved parts.
- Learning opportunity: It can be a learning opportunity if you avoid causing more expensive problems down the road or using parts not approved by your manufacturer.
The hidden costs of electric bikes
All bikes, whether electric or traditional, need to be maintained by replacing parts when necessary.
These are general guidelines; however, remember that they only represent broad ranges. Actual prices depend on the specific e-bike brand and type you own, including only parts and excluding installation costs.
Battery: $300-$1000. Your e-bike battery replacement cost is the most expensive part of your maintenance. The cost depends on your battery’s size, voltage, and technology. The range of your battery also influences the price.
Tires: $30-$100 per tire. E-bike tires are usually more heavy-duty than traditional bike tires to handle the added weight and speed. Finding tires with puncture protection and durability matters. Shop brands to understand current pricing and features.
Brake pads: $5-$50 per wheel, depending on brake type and material.
Brake cables: $5-$15 per cable.
Brake fluid: If you have hydraulic disc brakes, fluid costs $10-$25 per bottle.
Brake rotors: For disc brakes, rotors average $20-$80 per rotor.
E-bike chain: $20-$60 plus. Look for chains designed for e-bikes.
Cassette/Freewheel: $30-$100 plus. The cassette is the rear gear. The replacement cost depends on your e-bike brand and model.
Gear cables: $5-$15 per cable.
Regular maintenance and replacement parts are part of the responsibility of e-bike ownership.
To keep your e-bike running in top condition, schedule yearly maintenance with Electrified E-bikes, a company you can trust!
