Ebike vs Car: Can an Electric Bike Replace a Car?

In a world of increasing car prices, expensive gas and lack of parking space, the idea of having an electric bike is becoming very popular. For many people with reasonable distances to commute, it might be easier, faster and cheaper to use an electric bike than driving a car.

Ebike vs Car

Deciding on an electric bicycle vs driving a car may seem like a difficult choice. The challenge in making such a decision is that most of us drive cars on a daily basis and can’t imagine life without one. We are unaware of other alternatives because we have brainwashed ourselves into a routine that now includes driving a car to and from work, dropping kids off at school, running errands, etc. But an electric bike has its benefits too, and we’re here to compare the two to see if electric bikes can really replace cars.

Advantages of an Electric Bike vs a Car

Let's take a look at some of the benefits of riding an electric bike.

They're a lot of fun to use

Ebikes enable riders to feel more connected to their surroundings. An electric bike gives you unrivaled mobility, whether it's in your own neighborhood, around the city, or the great outdoors. Besides that, ebikes encourage you to appreciate all of nature's finest gifts, which is something you don't really get to do while spending too much time in your car.

Are you looking for something fun to use? Our Cruiser Bike is your best choice.

You will save money

Ebikes, as opposed to cars, save a lot of money in the long run. When you factor in the costs of registration, insurance, tires, servicing and repair, and depreciation, an electric bike becomes a far more cost-effective option. Although ebikes will not be able to completely replace car trips, it is fair to assume that they will minimize not just the amount of time you spend in your car but also the amount of money you spend on it each year. With proper care and maintenance, you’ll be sure to get the most out of your ebike.

Also it might be helpful to think about the ebike as a better alternative to a second vehicle. Sure it can’t take the family on vacation, but it is a great alternative to get groceries, or get to that PTA meeting. Even in colder climates, ebikes can be a great occasional transportation option.

Keeps you fit and healthy

Riding an ebike is similar to riding a normal bike, but you get the same physical benefits. Most electric bikes use pedal assist, but you'll always get a decent workout. Furthermore, if you have somewhere to go and don't want to smell dirty from an intensive exercise, you should raise the pedal assistance to avoid feeling bad while still doing something good for your body.

Avoiding Traffic

One of the best things about riding an ebike is that you don't have to worry about being stuck in traffic. An ebike not only allows you to ride further around traffic (because you have your own bike lane), but it also gives you more options for getting to your destination. Since you are no longer restricted to just taking roads and highways, you can find that you may reduce the distance from where you are and where you need to travel in some circumstances.

Environmentally Friendly

Above everything, riding an ebike is an environmentally sustainable option. We all love vehicles, even electric cars, but the amount of pollution they produce is enormous. Using an electric bicycle not only saves you money, but it also reduces your carbon emissions, making you more environmentally conscious.

Disadvantages of an Electric Bike vs a Car

Although there are many advantages to riding an ebike, they often present a few special challenges.

They are not cheap

An electric bike costs a lot less than a car, but still costs more than a conventional bike. You should consider insurance, accessories, and the tools you'll need to operate and maintain your ebike. While this is far less than the expense of a car, it is something to consider when purchasing an ebike.

Ebikes are heavy

While most bicycles are lightweight and simple to carry, ebikes are a different matter. With most ebikes weighing about 70 pounds without equipment, an ebike is not a bicycle that you can easily throw over your back.

You'll Need a Charging Station for the Bike

With an electric bicycle, you'll just want to make sure you have a charging station nearby. If it's your garage or an outdoor electrical outlet, you'll want a safe location where you can easily charge your ebike when needed. Although this may not be a challenge for homeowners, if you are a renter in the city, you should take this into account when buying. You might also be able to find a bike like the Cruiser Bike with a battery that is easy to remove and charge at your convenience.

However, you can increase your ebike’s range and practice these battery charging tips to solve that problem.

Ebike Laws Differ Between States

As the popularity of ebikes grows throughout the world, states are passing legislation to regulate their use. You should expect this landscape to change a little in the coming years, from classification to licensing, helmet standards, and which styles of ebikes are permitted in which areas.

Advantages of a Car vs an Electric Bike

Now let's look at the benefits of owning a car.

Range isn't an issue

Unlike an electric bike, you won't run out of power driving a car because all you need is a full gas tank. This means you won't have to wait for a battery to charge, and you won't have to be concerned with how far you can go.

Cars are more comfortable

Riding a car is undeniably more comfortable than riding a bike. Driving a car not only saves energy, but it also has a much easier ride than riding a regular bike.

Higher Speed Limit

Electric bikes operate at a limited speed while cars are able to travel at higher speeds. If you need to drive somewhere quickly, a car is still the safest option, as long as the road is not congested.

Disadvantages of a Car vs An Electric Bike

Like everything else, cars have disadvantages too.

Expensive to Keep Up

Whether you own a brand new or a used car, maintaining one can be expensive. Owning a vehicle is much more costly than you would expect, from the original purchase price to the eventual repair and servicing costs, as well as fuel costs.

Less Physical Activity

Although driving a car is unquestionably more convenient, it does not provide any exercise. Riding an ebike burns more calories than driving a 4-wheeled vehicle.

Cost Breakdown

As previously said, an ebike is considerably less expensive to buy and operate than a car.

Choose our Cruiser Bike for Your Next Ebike

As you can see, each option has its own set of benefits and drawbacks. At the end of the day, deciding which vehicle is best for you is a very personal choice that only you can make.

If you decide to purchase an electric bike, consider the our Cruiser Bike. Built in the USA with global components, you’ll enjoy longer bike rides and still get physical activity your body needs to stay healthy. Call our office today and someone will help you make the right decision.