There is a lot of information out there about electric bikes and how great they are. It might be true that there are many advantages to owning and riding an electric bike, but that doesn’t make them immune to having some disadvantages too. With all pros come a few cons.
So, since you have likely heard plenty of good things about electric bikes and what they can do for you, let’s discuss the disadvantages of riding one. This will allow you to see both sides of the argument so you can make an informed decision knowing everything about the product.
Main Disadvantages
Many of the disadvantages of this list are related to the advantages of using a manual bike. This, in turn, may sound like a case for manual bikes to be considered better, but it is not. This is just to show you what you need to know before you decide to spend money on it.
So, that being said, let’s get into the disadvantages.
Higher Cost
When you are comparing the costs of a regular bike with an electric bike, the cost difference is clear. A manual bike might be a few hundred dollars for a good option, but an electric bike will likely cost quite a bit more. You are paying for the motor and the power it gives you, so the price is warranted, but it is still a disadvantage.
Battery Life
Since a regular bike doesn’t come with any electrical components, you don’t have to worry about a battery at all. With an electric bike, you not only need to have a battery for the motor to run, but they also tend to have lower battery lives. This can make them even higher in cost when you factor in the price of replacing batteries.
Heavier Weight
An electric bike comes with much more equipment than other bikes, which means that it will be heavier than other models. This might not be an issue all the time, but when you need to carry your bike up stairs or hold it long enough to cross over a deep puddle, then you will feel the difference.
Dealing with the added weight when transporting that bike in a vehicle can also be an issue since you likely need to lift it into the trunk or backseat yourself. If you are looking for a lightweight option, there are out there, but they will still be heavier than a manual bike.
High Maintenance Costs
When thinking about most electrical products, there is typically some sort of routine maintenance that you need to do to keep it working its best. Well, an electric bike is no exception. Because the electrical parts are what will likely need replacing over time, you will spend more on this than a regular bike.
This is on top of the other costs like replacing the wheels, getting new handlebar grips, and any other small fixes that might need to be done.
Manufacturing Issues
A big push for electric bikes is to help keep people from using their cars so often. This is because it will help reduce the amount of pollution in the air caused by automobiles. However, though many people consider this an advantage of riding an electric bike, it isn’t the positive change that they think it is.
Yes, using a bike instead of a car is better for the air quality, but this does not mean it doesn’t do its own damage. The manufacturing processes that are used to make these bikes are often not nearly as “green” as they claim to be. Some brands of bikes suggesting that they make their parts when in reality, they only make a few themselves and outsource the rest of the work elsewhere.
This is a huge issue when it comes to environmentally – conscious buyers, who like the look of a Made in the USA sticker, but don’t do their research. Some places around the world have very loose laws about green manufacturing, and if companies are getting products made there, the eco – friendliness of the bike might not be as high as they suggest.
Less Exercise Involved
Now, seeing this heading might make you think that this is one of the advantages, right? Well, maybe for some, but many people who purchase bikes intend to ride them for health reasons and to reach weight loss goals. These are two reasons that make a great argument for having a manual option over an electrical one since you don’t do as much work on an electric bike.
The motor helps you out so much that you don’t even need to peddle the same way that you would with a manual bike. This means that you will get less of a workout, burn fewer calories, and not get the health benefits associated with riding a manual bike like better posture and improved heart health.
Though you might get a smaller amount of the same benefits, if you are going to ride your bike to the store or beach instead of taking a car, then you would want to get the most out of it as possible. If you aren’t getting the health benefits that come with exercising, then you are more likely to stop using your bike after a while.
Conclusion
There are many advantages to getting an electric bike, which is especially true when you compare them to a car or truck. However, like any other product, the disadvantages are there too. Knowing what to expect when you purchase an electric bike will allow you to decide for yourself if it is worth the cost.
If you take a look at the disadvantages above and know that you are not interested, at least you found out now without spending any money. However, if you read this list and thought that you would still like to have an electric bike because of the advantages, then you know that you can handle the problems that come with it and will still love that it was worth the price.
Last updated on: