Is It OKAY To Choose E-Bikes? Breaking Down Cost, Efficiency, and Performance

Yes, it is OKAY to use e-bikes in Australia. The e-bikes industry in the country is about to reach USD 55.6 million by 2027.

Further, Brisbane is a leader in micro-mobility. Thus, various domestic and international e-bike companies consider this Australian city a potential hub for their businesses. 

Electric bikes, commonly called e-bikes, have become popular options for commuters and anyone looking for weekend fun. They have even become viable choices for improving fitness. 

Moreover, e-bikes are ideal for everyone and every lifestyle. Reputable stores selling electric bikes, Brisbane have many variations in their products.

Today, e-bikes offer many options, including foldable electric bikes, touring bikes, and even off-road versions.

However, along with the ease of availability and fun experience, e-bikes are redefining the commute system of Brisbane and various parts of Australia. So, there is a lot of enthusiasm among the users and even encouragement from government bodies to use e-bikes. 

For example, the Queensland Rural and Industrial Development Authority has its E-Mobility Rebate Scheme. 

But how and why have e-bikes become important for daily commute and weekend rides in Australia? Let’s decode.

How E-Bikes Have Become So Popular In The Last Few Years? 

Two major factors have propelled the growth of e-bike use in the last few years. First of all, people today are more keen to choose modes of commute that are eco-friendly. 

Again, pedal assistance has made e-bikes advanced alternatives to traditional bicycles. 

More Demand For An Environment-Friendly Mode Of Transportation

You cannot rely entirely on public transport if you have a busy schedule regularly. Yes, owning a public vehicle is the easiest solution to this problem. 

However, many commuters today are ditching private cars for e-bikes as they want a more sustainable alternative and they want to preserve the environment for posterity. 

Again, private cars run on petrol or diesel are reliant on limited resources of fossil fuel. Moreover, the emissions caused by these cars pose major health risks. 

So, to avoid or minimize all these problems, e-bikes can be better alternatives to private cars run on petrol and diesel. 

Pedal Assistance 

You have to pedal with your legs while riding e-bikes, which are similar to traditional bicycles. 

However, the battery-powered motor on the front or back wheel of an e-bike offers additional power. 

Furthermore, you can choose e-bikes equipped with Google Maps. So, from daily commutes to long weekend rides, e-bikes offer a more convenient and safer experience. 

What Are The Benefits Of Using E-Bikes? 

Without a doubt, e-bikes have become the ideal commute mode for most Australians. From ease of use to less environmental impact, they offer many benefits. 

Let’s delve deeper into them. 

Ease Of Use

Electric bikes don’t just make cycling easier. They are a great way to save time on many commutes. 

An e-bike allows you to get to work quickly, often quicker than using public transport. However, you won’t arrive hot and sweaty as you would on a conventional bike, as the e-bike provides assistance.

It also means you can travel greater distances in comfort. 

The Cost

One of the biggest gripes people have about e-bikes is the cost. However, they don’t have to be expensive. You can purchase an e-bike for as little as $500. Some of the best are as much as $5,000.

Let’s put that into context.

According to the Real Insurance report, the average spend on a daily commute is $20. That’s an impressive $4,000 a year, assuming you commute 200 days a year.

The most expensive e-bikes available are barely more than this. In theory, your e-bike will pay for itself in a little over a year, and you’ll start saving money. 

Of course, you need to think about the cost of recharging your e-bike. According to reports, it costs approximately 13.2 cents to fully charge an electric bike. 

That’s an impressive $26.40, assuming you charge it once a day when commuting. 

In other words, spend $5,000 on a bike, and you’ll still break even after a year and a quarter. Your e-bike will last much longer than that and start saving you money. 

Time And Efficiency

We’ve already mentioned how effective e-bikes are as a form of transport. They’ll save you time and money on your commute. They will even make general riding more fun. 

Conservative estimates suggest that an electric bike is between 20-35 times more efficient than EVs in terms of miles per kWh. They offer zero emissions and are a more efficient use of batteries. 

Naturally, that makes an e-bike far more efficient than a combustion-powered engine. 

Performance

The biggest concern about e-bikes is their performance. It’s not just about how much power they have. It’s the range that matters. 

E-bikes can be made to go over 45 km/h. Legally, they are only allowed to go 25 km/h on the road. That’s fast enough to get you where you need to go. 

The average e-bike can travel between 40-75 kilometer. The average commute is just 16 km. In short, the average person can get to work and back on one charge.

Summing Up: Understanding The Future Of E-Bikes

E-bikes are most definitely worth it. They are considerably faster than traditional bikes and involve less effort. 

They are also better for the environment and offer decent performance. Best of all, even the most expensive ones will save you a little over a year. 

So, the future of e-bikes looks promising, and the market will continue to grow. Along with growing zeal among users and government incentives, there is also active advocacy from various communities and groups in Australia. 

For example, WalkSydney, a pedestrian advocacy group, has sought more help from the government to incentivize e-bikes. The group has further highlighted how more teenagers are choosing e-bikes for better travel comfort and safety with a sense of independence. 

So, if you haven’t already invested in one, it’s time you took a closer look.