E-bikes are comfortable and quick-but also quite expensive. We clarify the cases in which the purchase of an e-bike is worthwhile and when a conventional wheel is the better choice.
E-bikes are becoming increasingly popular. While they were freely past us a few years ago, they are now discovered almost everywhere. E-bikes have also arrived in city traffic and make short and long distances easier with their support. You can reach up to 25 km/h.
So a good time to get to the bottom of the question: Who is an e-bike really worth?
Because although e-bikes have many obvious advantages, they also have a few disadvantages. Sometimes they are only visible at second glance and should be included in the considerations before a hasty purchase.
Disadvantages: For whom an e-bike is (rather) not worthwhile
E-bikes are comparatively expensive
The most obvious shortcoming first: E-bikes are more expensive than classic bicycles. Depending on which e-bike model you are interested in, the prices between bicycles with and without electrical support differ huge.
And even if there are now many comparatively cheap offers for e-bikes, they should be examined exactly. Most of the time, the lower price is accompanied by compromises in stability, comfort and equipment.
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But not only the acquisition costs of an e-bike exceed that of a bicycle without support. The maintenance and repair costs are also significantly higher, for example if the battery has to be replaced.
An e-bike is therefore rather unsuitable for you if you cannot or would like to spend a little more money on your bike in the short and long-term.
In the video: Excellent: These are the best bike routes in Germany
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E-bikes are unwieldy
E-bikes are said that they are ideal for everyone who lacks physical fitness, but that falls a little too short. The bicycle supports the muscle strength of the legs, but thanks to the battery and construction, it is usually significantly heavier than a normal bike.
The additional weight is then noticeable when pushing or wearing - or if the battery fails and you have to drive without support despite the additional weight.
For this reason, an e-bike is not suitable for people who do not physically trust the handling of a heavy bicycle or who have to carry their bike up into the apartment regularly.
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E-bikes are popular with thieves
Speaking of bicycles in the apartment-if you think about buying an e-bike, you should think about a safe parking space beforehand. Because e-bikes are popular and accordingly worth a lot, bicycle thieves also know too well.
AGood bicycle lock* helps a lot, but of course cannot offer complete security. The best way to do the e-bike is in a shed or a lockable bicycle cellar. Only parked in the inner courtyard or even on the side of the road is the risk that the bike will soon have a new owner.
If you have no way of securing your bike safely, the purchase of an e-bike may not be worth it for you.
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For whom an e-bike is worthwhile
Despite the higher weight and price-a ride on the e-bike is of course much more comfortable than cycling without electrical support. Especially when it comes uphill, the battery helps to move forward quickly without going sweating. But even on flat stretches, the engine protects the muscle strength, so that you can hold out for longer and get your destination faster.
Transporting heavy saddlebags, supporters or child seats is also possible with the e-bike without noticeable additional effort. An e-bike is therefore particularly worthwhile for people who use the bike as an alternative to the car and thus want to manage many (long) routes and deal with errands.
By the way: Of course, when driving a bike, it is always advisable to wear a helmet. Because you usually travel much faster with the e-bike than with a normal wheel, protection here is particularly important. Thanks to the integrated visor, some models even protect against rain and small insects (See here on Amazon*).
Summarized the most relevant advantages:
- Driving e-bike is less exhausting
- An e-bike drive saves time
- An e-bike can replace a car in many points
So whether an e-bike is worth it for you or not depends on many different factors. In any case, it is advisable to do a test drive with the e-bike before buying to find out whether the comfort is right.
