Sick of soul-sucking car commutes? Sore from struggling up hills on your treadly? Dreaming of being a cyclist but not sure you're up to the challenge?
Electric bikes can make cycling faster, easier and more accessible – and could help your body, your wallet and your carbon footprint.
But they don't come cheap: you're looking at thousands of dollars for a good one. So are these bikes worth the bucks?
Full disclosure: I own an electric bike and love it – it's changed my life for the better. So while I am biased, I've also experienced the positives and negatives first-hand.
I'll share some of my perspectives plus expert advice from our testers to explain the drawcards, drawbacks and things to consider about electric bikes to help you decide whether an e-bike is the right choice for you.
We've tested to find you the best.
Read electric bikes reviewOn this page:
So are electric bikes worth it? Our experts say yes, depending on your situation.
"I think they are, especially if you're doing a lot of riding in areas that have a lot of hills. The pedal assist really does come in handy," says CHOICE test expert Elias Plastiras.
Are electric bikes worth it? Our experts say yes, depending on your situation
"Personally, I definitely think they're worth buying," says Petr Valouch, another test expert who happens to be an electric bike owner. "Since I bought my bike six years ago I haven't looked back. It gives you the freedom to still use it for exercise and it gives you the extra boost when you need it on hills and against the wind."
"Owning and using an e-bike can become habit forming," says CHOICE expert Denis Gallagher. "For all those short treks where you'd automatically jump in your car, you will quickly reach for the helmet rather than the car keys. It's simply a lot more enjoyable and more of a treat than a chore to get from A to B."
Electric bikes are expensive, however, and they're not suitable for all riders or all situations, however, so your best bet is to do lots of research and take a test ride or hire one before you commit.
Should you buy an electric bike?
Our experts tested 10 electric bikes to see how they performed. Here's their advice on what to look for when buying an e-bike.
Our test experts put 10 electric bikes through their paces – literally – to see how they performed. Here's what Elias recommends you do before buying an electric bike:
"Go to the shop; check them out. Get on the bike and ride it – do a test ride," he says. "You've really got to test the bike out so you know what you're getting when you actually buy it."
Petr says it's also a good idea to see how easy the battery is to use: remove it, charge it and put it back onto the bike. And the features to look for?
"The main things are the comfort of the ride, the pedal assist, the safety features and the practicality," says Petr.
You've really got to test the bike out so you know what you're getting when you actually buy it
CHOICE test expert Elias Plastiras
You'll need to decide whether to go with a mid-drive or hub drive bike – basically, where the motor is located. There are pros and cons to each which we explain in How to buy the best electric bike.
A throttle can be helpful to get you going faster from a standing start, especially up a hill, but they do drain the battery faster. Bikes with a higher watt motor will also help you get going faster.
Elias says hydraulic disc brakes are the way to go as they're very effective, especially when going downhill at speed. Safety features like lights, reflectors and a bell are non-negotiables, obviously.
"And of course the assist level: can you go from a high assist to a low assist quickly?" he says.
Read more: How to buy the best electric bike
Try before you buy: Assess your chosen electric bike for comfort, safety and practicality.
Fresh air, exercise, a cheaper commute and more: here's what you'll love about electric bikes.
Whether you're already a cyclist or you want to become one but can't bear the thought of slogging it up hills, you'll love the ease of riding an electric bike.
They're not like a motorbike – you'll still need to pedal – but the motor essentially boosts your pedal power as you ride, making things faster and easier. Compared to a regular bike, you'll get far more out of your pedalling, which really helps on hills.
Because they're less physically demanding than non-electric bikes, they make cycling more accessible for people who wouldn't usually consider riding: people with physical limitations, commuters whose trip is just a bit too far or too hilly to cycle on a regular bike, and anyone who doesn't want to arrive at their destination a sweaty mess.
The pedal assist will help you ride faster and accelerate faster from a standstill than a regular bike, helping you keep up with the traffic
The pedal assist will help you ride faster – up to around 25km/h – and accelerate faster from a standstill than a regular bike, helping you keep up with the traffic. Slow cyclists aren't very popular during peak hour!
Having an easier ride means you're more likely to stick with it, too, whereas if you buy a regular bike and find it difficult to ride, you might just abandon the idea altogether.
Read more: How to maintain your electric bike
This is one of the main drawcards of an electric bike. Each time you ride instead of drive, you're reducing your carbon footprint.
E-biking rather than driving can save hundreds of kilos of carbon dioxide being released into the atmosphere each year, but even if you're only using it for a couple of trips a week that will still make a big difference.
Fewer cars on the road means faster commuting time for drivers, so there's a flow-on effect too.
Yes, e-bikes do need electricity to charge, but even if your power comes from a coal-fired plant, it's still producing far fewer emissions than a fossil fuel-powered car. And if you have solar or buy greener energy, you'll be reducing your carbon footprint even further.
Making sure you get a good quality e-bike with good components will mean they last longer as well, and a longer lifespan for any product means a better outcome for your bank account in the long run.
Read more: Our top 3 tips for switching to cleaner energy
We've tested to find you the best.
Read electric vehicles reviewCommuting by car is exhausting, frustrating and feels like a waste of your time. But with an electric bike, you can skip the traffic by either riding around it at red lights or taking the cycleways.
You'll also never have to worry about finding parking – a huge win in built-up areas.
For a quick trip to the shops or to meet a friend for coffee, jumping on your e-bike can be much less hassle, and you'll arrive with a smile on your face and a spring in your step.
It's a sweet feeling sailing past cars banked up at red lights or riding straight into the heart of a busy location while other people spend 20 minutes finding a park!
You might be surprised by how quickly you can get around, too. My 7km commute from home to the office takes 20 minutes by car, but on my electric bike, it's just 18 minutes. The trip home is also around 20 minutes by bike but by car it's at least 25 in peak hour, or more if there's a crash or road closure.
They're not huge time savings, but I was pleasantly surprised to find that riding is actually faster than driving for some trips. Obviously it's different for every rider and every location, but it still makes for a far quicker and easier ride than a regular bike.
Getting around by bike is fantastic incidental exercise – you'll get to where you're going, but you'll also get a gentle workout on the way.
They're a great place to start for people who aren't fit or who have limited mobility due to joint pain or other issues. Even if you're riding slowly with the power turned all the way up, you're still moving your body and building up strength.
If you'd like a bit more of a challenge you can dial down the pedal assist. I set my bike at about half power so I'm still working hard but the hills aren't a killer (it's quite hilly near CHOICE HQ!).
Even if you're riding slowly with the power turned all the way up, you're still moving your body and building up strength
Electric bikes are heavier than regular bikes, so depending on how you like to ride, you may even be getting as much of a workout as you would on a non-electric bike. My bike weighs a hefty 35kg, so I figure that even with the pedal assist I'm still working about as hard as I would on a lighter non-electric bike – and with my child or a load of groceries on board, probably even harder.
It's also a great mental health boost: you're out in the fresh air and sunshine, getting those lovely endorphins flowing, and feeling good about reducing your carbon footprint. Plus, you're skipping the stress and boredom of commuting by car which would normally be a drain on your time, energy and happiness.
Read more: What to know before buying a fitness tracker
Even with the upfront cost, electric bikes come out well ahead of cars in terms of the toll they take on your bank account.
Think about how much you pay to run your car: there's the petrol, rego, insurance, servicing, tyres, tolls and car repayments if you have a loan. Depending on the type of car you drive and the distances you travel, that can really add up. All for something that sits idle most of the time!
When I bought my electric bike, I sold my car, which was a huge life adjustment but also a huge adjustment to my budget. With the savings I was making, I could easily justify the cost of the occasional Uber or taxi, and hiring a car or van as needed.
Every time you ride instead of drive you're saving money – and reducing the wear and tear on your car
Even if you were to buy an electric bike in addition to your car, every time you ride instead of drive you're saving money – and reducing the wear and tear on your car.
If you're not sure about dropping thousands of dollars in one go, some companies rent bikes, which is a good way to try out e-biking to see if it suits your life before you commit.
Most bike shops will also let you trial a bike before you buy. I was able to do a two-week trial before buying my bike – long enough to figure out whether it was something I could sustain, and to decide what add-ons I'd need.
Read more: I tried an electric bike for a month and fell in love
If you're not sure an e-bike is for you, try renting one first.
E-biking isn't all rainbows and sunshine. There are some very real drawbacks to electric bikes that you'll need to consider.
Buying an electric bike isn't a cheap proposition: the ones we've tested ranged in price from $1500 to $6999, but there are more expensive bikes on the market, especially if you're looking at a long-tail cargo bike or a box bike to cart the kids, dogs or groceries (or all three!) around.
Depending on how you plan to use your bike, there's also the cost of accessories and potential modifications, plus safety gear like a helmet, good-quality lock, gloves and highly visible riding gear. And don't forget to account for higher servicing and maintenance costs than for a standard bike.
It's also a good idea to take out specialist bicycle insurance to cover you for third-party liability and theft. Some insurers also offer cover for injury and loss of income.
There's no denying that you're more vulnerable on a bike than in a car, even if you're sticking to cycleways and footpaths. Stacking it on concrete can be painful at best and bone-breaking at worst, even on a non-electric bike.
And the faster you ride, the harder you fall, so an e-bike's quicker pace can mean more serious injuries.
Riding on the road is riskier again. You're not only relying on your riding ability and situational awareness, you're also depending on car drivers to actually check their blind spots or see you coming. (You'd be surprised how many drivers fail to spot my gigantic bike.)
Being hit by a car can end your bike-riding days – or your life. The human body doesn't stand much of a chance against a huge metal object travelling at speed. Even a car travelling at low speed can do significant damage that could affect you for the rest of your life.
Regardless of where you ride, the risk of injury is real and shouldn't be taken lightly.
Unlike in some European countries, where cycling is more common, Australian drivers often aren't used to bikes being on the road, so aren't familiar with how to drive safely around bikes.
Then there's the very real and unpleasant fact of copping abuse from drivers who don't think bikes should be allowed on the road.
It's not only frustrating, but can be quite scary when you're the target of an aggressive driver.
The heart of an electric bike is the lithium-ion battery, but they do come with risks. If you use or charge them the wrong way, they can overheat, catch fire or even explode.
When charging your battery, use the original charging cords and plugs that came with the bike, unplug it as soon as it's fully charged, and be careful about where you charge it: keep it away from flammable materials.
While a non-electric bike is only limited by how long your legs can keep turning, an e-bike will only get you as far as the battery lasts. That distance will depend on a number of factors including the size of the battery, how you ride and the power level you use, but it could be anywhere between 30 and 100km.
Most manufacturers will only give a ballpark figure because the range is affected by so many variables but, regardless, it's important to take into account. For some bikes, you can opt for a bigger battery if you need a longer range.
Like with any battery, e-bike batteries will decline over time so you may find that the range decreases the longer you have it. You can expect the batteries to last for about 500 full charges and replacements cost between $350 and $1000.
Electric bikes are gaining popularity not only with commuters, but also with bike thieves due to their value.
It's worth investing in a good-quality lock if you want your bike to stay where you put it. You'll need something that's hard to remove even with a portable angle grinder, which is a favoured tool among bike thieves.
A U-lock style is a good option, as is a built-in wheel lock, which immobilises the back wheel, making it impossible to wheel away if a thief does manage to get through your other lock.
One lock is good, but two is better – anything you can do to make it harder for bike thieves is well worth the money. None of them are foolproof, but locks are designed to slow down would-be thieves and the more locks, the less likely they are to select your bike to steal.
Even small e-bikes are far heavier than their non-electric counterparts, by virtue of their design. Some weigh more than 30kg.
They can be tricky to manoeuvre if you need to lift your bike (for example to carry it up stairs or mount it on a roof rack), or hard to push along when you dismount – or if the electric battery runs out unexpectedly.
If you're buying a bike rack for your car, take the extra weight into account.
Electric bikes may cost less to run than cars, but you'll still need to pay for maintenance to keep them running smoothly. Not every bike mechanic has the know-how to service an e-bike, so finding an electric bike mechanic is vital.
That specialised service will cost you more than a regular bike service, and replacement parts for e-bike specific components will be more expensive too.
Repairs that are straightforward on a regular bike can be far more complicated on an electric bike. Changing a flat tyre, for instance, can be quite the process if your bike has a rear hub motor. And the bike's electrics mean there are more things that can go wrong than with a regular bike.
You should also regularly give your bike a basic service at home. Read how to maintain your electric bike.
No matter how committed a rider you are, you're very much at the mercy of the elements on a bike. Heat, cold, rain and strong winds can make cycling unpleasant and sometimes even dangerous.
With the right gear, riding in the cold or wet is doable in all but the most extreme weather, but even in light rain the road can become slippery and if you live somewhere especially chilly you might have to deal with icy roads.
If you've decided to go car-free, you'll need to have a backup plan for days that you can't ride. I use a carshare service and there are plenty of public transport options in my area, but depending on where you live, a rainy day could quash your plans to ride.
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.
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Visit CHOICE CommunityHow The Electric Bike Is Changing Travel - Updated For 2023.
The electric bike revolution is here, and it’s changing the way we travel.
With their innovative design, ease of use, and low environmental impact, e-bikes are becoming increasingly popular with riders of all ages and experience.
But what exactly are e-bikes? And more importantly – are they worth it?
While electric-assisted bikes were designed with the 35 and over crowd in mind, they are now just as popular with a younger generation of riders who are embracing the technology.
For decades, bikes have been seen as a necessity, not a luxury.
This is changing.
The e-bike has undergone a revolution and is currently the most popular bike on the market.
Technology has improved, making them safer, more durable, and more reliable, while new laws have been passed that make them legal to operate on roads.
So whether you want to reduce your carbon footprint, or take advantage of this new technology on bike trips – let’s look at the pros and cons so you can decide whether going e-bike is right for you.
Their appeal lies in the ability to level the playing field for cyclists of all experiences.
Electric bikes allow couples, groups, and families with different fitness and experience levels to travel together while making cycling accessible across difficult routes and long distances.
Bicycles have always been a healthy way to keep fit, save money on transportation costs, and enjoy the fresh air with the freedom to explore on your travels.
But once you cross the 20-30 mile mark, for many riders, they become quite tiring.
Electric bicycles solve this problem by giving you a little push when you need it.
The pedal assist can give riders just enough boost to try routes that would otherwise be outside their comfort zones.
And because you don’t tire as quick, you can bike for longer, which can open up opportunities for trips you might not have even considered.
Electric bikes offer more flexibility than traditional bikes when it comes to distance and terrain capability.
They can be ridden anywhere from city streets to rough trails while providing more speed and ease of use compared to regular bikes.
They provide great exercise benefits without exerting too much effort due to their powered motors - perfect if you're looking for light physical activity without exhausting yourself completely.
They also don't require expensive fuel costs or extensive maintenance, you just simply charge up your battery overnight, and you're ready for another day of riding!
As well as being affordable and convenient, using an e-bike also presents environmental advantages by reducing carbon emissions - a major plus with a climate crisis looming over us.
With all of this in mind, it's easy to see how electric bikes are worth investing in - economically and socially.
A small boost can lead to incredible possibilities.
E-bikes make it easier for travelers to venture further than ever before with less effort – essentially taking the strain out of sightseeing and commuting.
Riders can keep pace with cars on even steep hills or head off the beaten path without breaking a sweat.
For cyclists intimidated by steep hills or just want to spend less energy pushing a traditional bicycle uphill, an e-bike offers freedom like never before.
An e-bike lets you travel further with less exertion, opening endless possibilities on long-distance bike tours.
They are fast, fun, and very efficient.
Cyclists who have had to stop biking long distances or rough terrain for any reason have found a renewed opportunity by jumping on an electric bike.
But these bikes aren’t just useful for travelers looking to put in the miles on long-distance tours and week-long trips.
They’re an increasingly popular option for day trips too, simply because you get the same hands-on experience but can pack more into your trip.
E-bikes can help breathe new life into cycling as they take the fear out of long-distance travel and make those daunting hills and roads a piece of cake for cyclists of all experiences.
The allure of mountain and off-road biking is the thrill of exploring rugged terrain that is usually unreachable by car.
The chasms, cliffs, and steep hills are a challenge to any rider, but electric-powered bikes make it easy to conquer those steep elevations.
For cyclists looking to enjoy spectacular scenery on a mountain trail, regular mountain bikes are often simply unusable because they do not manage steep inclines well.
E-bikes are an excellent way to make milder slopes accessible even for those who aren’t confident in their ability to take on more extreme hills that regular mountain bikes won’t be able to handle.
If you've ever tried to cycle around a busy city, then you know it's challenging.
There are endless obstacles to worry about, like cars that often end up being parked on the street, pedestrians doing what pedestrians do, and bicycle lanes that don't seem to make any sense!
Way too often, cyclists are forced to merge back onto the sidewalk because they've run out of space or can't cycle at all with so many people walking around.
Electric bicycles allow cyclists to bypass traffic, navigate busy and congested areas, and get around popular destinations much faster.
E-bikes are like having a personal transport system that is always there for you: and one that is efficient, reliable, comfortable, and enjoyable.
The convenience factor of an e-bike is hard to deny: with one charge, you can often reach distances far beyond what could be achieved by cycling alone.
Without needing specialist experience, anyone can use an e-bike to scale mountains and traverse previously inaccessible terrain with ease.
You can take on all challenges at your own pace while at the end of the day, still having enough in tank to enjoy the destination you worked so hard to get to.
Most travelers have their first encounter with electric bikes on a long-distance tour.
Most who opt for an e-bike are new to biking tours, often coming on the trip with a more experienced friend or group.
And generally, after trying one, or seeing someone in their group having a great experience, most people opt for an e-bike over their regular bike on longer trips.
Even if it might feel like you're swallowing your pride on your first trip, electric bicycles are slowly changing people's approach to active travel and will soon be a viable choice for most people.
However, many people don't know that just like cars and motorcycles, there are a lot of of e-bikes out there to choose from.
As the weather warms up and the cycling season gains momentum, the warm temperatures can zap your energy on a long trip.
If you're an avid cyclist, you know that the extra effort of pedaling across certain terrains and hills can be pretty frustrating, but that is all changing now that e-bikes have been designed to make pedaling easier.
Most E-bikes are fitted with a power switch where you can change the settings from “Eco” to “Turbo mode” for when you need a little more assistance or to catch a breather when taking on steep inclines.
Most electric-powered bicycles typically use a combination of different methods to power them.
They are usually either pedal-assist or they use a throttle (where a motor kicks in to help you go faster)
When looking for an e-bike, pick the right one that works for you.
If you suffer from knee or foot issues and don’t want to focus on pedaling, you can use a throttle-only bike.
But for those who worry about getting too much assistance from the bike and not being active, you can still pedal just like a normal bike and keep the assists for the tough terrains where it is needed.
The distance an electric bike can travel is the most important consideration when using an e-bike.
There are two key factors that determine how far an electric bike can travel.
> The capacity of the battery.
> The efficiency of the bike.
It charges just like a mobile phone by connecting the battery pack to an electrical outlet and generally gets a full charge in around 3 hours.
In my experience, it takes 3-4 hours to fully charge an e-bike battery.
Typically, a battery will last for anywhere between 30 – 70 miles on a full charge, but if you manage your power well enough, it can last longer.
The type of terrain and power needed will have an effect on your battery life so it can be important to plan ahead when tackling large hills and rough roads where you need a lot of assistance.
Some bikes allow you to choose different levels of assist to prioritize speed or battery life, which can help you manage battery life on a longer trip.
Here are some approximate charging times for different types of batteries to get an idea of what you can expect on more powerful e-bikes:
> 500-watt hours (0.5 kWh) battery: 2-4 hours.
> 750-watt hours (0.75 kWh) battery: 3-6 hours.
> 1,000-watt hours (1 kWh) battery: 4-8 hours.
> 1,500-watt hours (1.5 kWh) battery: 6-12 hours.
And all-in-all, the cost to fully charge an electric bike comes in at around 5-15 cents. So, if it takes 500-watt hours (0.5 kWh) to charge the battery, and you are being charged $0.10/kWh for electricity, it would cost about 5 cents to charge the battery.
Pretty good value!
Knowing the type of trips you'll be taking ahead of time will help determine which option is best for you.
Also, it’s important to consider the terrain when considering the battery range.
Hills require more power, so your battery will drain faster or get a little more use, so make sure your bike has enough power to tackle any potential challenges!
Although, some e-bikes now allow you to choose different levels of assistance to prioritize speed or battery life, which can help you manage battery life on a longer trip.
Electric bicycles are always seeing technological advancements, particularly with how the hidden motor inside makes the entire bike run.
But does that mean that they are faster than your normal bicycle?
Not necessarily, as e-bikes are usually restricted with the top speed they can assist you with.
Currently, the assists will help you up to 32 km/h in the US and 25 km/h in most of Europe.
However, the max speed varies depending on the laws within the country you are in as well as the class of model you are using.
Many people have the misconception that e-bikes are heavy.
This is not the case. In fact, the average weight of an electric bicycle is 20 kg. The motor, battery, and frame material are the heaviest components.
Lighter bikes are easier to maneuver but heavier ones tend to last longer and come with more accessories like storage racks, and headlights.
Make sure whatever model you choose fits comfortably within your budget while also providing all the features that matter most to you.
And think about your own comfort too; look for adjustable handlebars and seats and shock-absorbing forks that can provide extra cushioning over bumpy roads.
E-bikes are quite popular with travelers on long trips looking to carry heavier loads, typically for camping or when traveling with a family and needing that extra gear.
Depending on what you are packing can depend on the type of bike you need.
But when traveling with us at BikeHike we always have a support vehicle on hand to take your excess luggage and anything you don’t need on your bike journey so you never have to worry about packing too much.
E-bikes are great for exercise, as they will improve your leg muscles and your cardiovascular system.
They are more environmentally friendly, too, as they emit less CO2 than cars, and don't require the maintenance that cars require.
They are even easier to maintain than your regular bike while traveling since they have fewer moving parts.
The benefits of electric bikes are many, including the reduced pollution of fossil fuels, the resulting reduced carbon footprint, and the ability to enjoy traveling with less effort.
The short answer is yes; they are safer than regular bicycles due to how they are designed.
They utilize an in-line electric motor powered by a battery, which takes the place of traditional pedaling, and this makes them very safe to ride on the road and ultimately gives you even more control.
A study from Portland University found that 60% of owners felt safer riding an electric bike, and 42% of riders felt they had helped them avoid accidents.
Get hands-on with the advantages of an E-bike with our Croatia to Montenegro trip.
Experience the ride of a lifetime through Croatia, Bosnia, and Montenegro and tackle the scenic mountainous regions of the Balkans where you will use your electric pedal assists to their full potential to tackle these tough terrains, all while soaking in the magnificent views and rich heritage of each destination.
No matter where your travels may take you, an e-bike can help make life easier and more fun.
Whatever your reason for choosing an e-bike, you can always expect to get the same amount of enjoyment out of it as your traditional bike.
And with its combination of convenience, sustainability, and affordability, investing in an electric bicycle can truly be worth every penny spent!
Happy Travels,
Trish Sare
Trish Sare is the owner of BikeHike and a passionate outdoor enthusiast with over 30 years of experience as a world traveler. She's lived, traveled, and guided extensively in North, South and Central America, Europe, Oceania, Africa, and Asia. She has guided and helped to develop every one of our multi-sport holidays. In her spare time, Trish is usually outdoors either mountain biking, hiking, sea kayaking, trail running, or climbing. Trish has a passion for the world and all of the amazing cultures that inhabit it and does her best to immerse herself directly into their distinctive lifestyles.