How Much Does It Cost to Run an eBike?

Many factors determine the price of an eBike. These include the brand and model, quality of components, and frame style. Choosing an eBike that fits your needs and budget is vital to an enjoyable ride. However, the wealth of options can be overwhelming. Calculating the running costs of different models can get tricky, too.

In this article, you will learn about electric bike prices in the UK, including the cost of an electric bicycle.

What is the Average Cost of an eBike?

Typically, an eBike price is higher than non-electric bikes. Why? Because they have components that non-electric bikes do not have. These include the battery, electric motor, pedal assist, and (sometimes) a throttle. Together, these components increase the total cost of an electric bike.

So, what is the average price range? In the UK, expect to pay £1,200 to £1,800 for a quality value eBike. Electric bikes with more powerful motors and higher-capacity batteries will naturally have a higher sale price.

Price Ranges by Different Types of Electric Bikes

Not every electric bike is equal. Different types of electric bikes have different features and benefits. These all factor into the total electric bike cost. Understanding these price ranges can help you determine your eBike type and budget.

Electric Bike Type	Average Price Range
Commuter eBikes	£1,200 to £1,900
Folding eBikes	£1,600 to £3,000
Off-Road eBikes	£1,400 to £2,200
Cargo eBikes	£2,200 to £3,200
Mountain ebikes	£1,400 to £2,700
Fat Tire ebikes	£1,600 to £2,500

Commuter eBikes

Commuter eBikes are ideal for riding around cities, suburbs, and light off-road trails. They have powerful motors to help you climb steep hills, long-range batteries to help you ride further, and moderately sized wheels to help you remain stable on varied terrain.

Due to how versatile commuter eBikes are, they can be priced anywhere from £1,200 to £1,900 or higher depending on features and build quality.

Folding eBikes

Folding eBikes have a foldable frame design. By unlocking the latch in the centre of the frame, you can fold it in half. This lets you store it in compact spaces like apartments, offices, and in the back of vehicles.

Folding eBikes can come in various configurations, from fat tire to offroad styles. Due to their unique frame design, the price of a folding eBike is £1,600 to £2,800.

Off-Road eBikes

Off-road eBikes are ideal for tackling harsh terrain. They have large tires, durable frames, and sturdy suspension systems. These qualities enable them to absorb harsh impacts from bumps and rough debris.

The average price range of an off-road eBike is £1,400 to £2,200. Those with a full suspension system often yield a higher price tag.

Cargo eBikes

Cargo eBikes are unique for their frame design and high carrying capacity. They have built-in front- or rear-facing trays, which lets you secure storage baskets and child seats directly onto the frame. They also have an average carrying of 50 to 60 kg.

Due to their complex construction and high carrying capacity, the price of a cargo eBike is £2,200 to £3,200.

Mountain eBikes

Like off-road eBikes, mountain eBikes are designed to tackle harsh terrain and conditions. They have fat tires and sturdy suspension systems to absorb harsh impacts. Plus, they have high-capacity batteries so that you can ride further on endurance trips.

The average price of a mountain eBike is £1,400 to £2,700.

Fat Tire eBikes

As the name implies, fat tire eBikes have, well, fat tires! They have an average diameter range of 20x4” to 26x4”. This makes them ideal for cruising around town and riding off the beaten path. Some fat tire eBikes have a folding frame, too.
The average price of a fat tire eBike is £1,600 to £2,500.

Factors Affecting the Cost of Electric Bikes

Many factors influence the upfront and ongoing cost of an electric bicycle. These include the motor power, battery capacity, frame material, and additional features. Let’s explore these factors in greater detail.

Motor Power

Generally speaking, the more powerful a motor is, the more expensive the electric bike. This is because high-powered motors consume more energy, and they often have advanced features like torque sensors.

Battery Capacity

Like the motor, a similar logic applies to the battery. That is, the higher the battery capacity, the more expensive the electric bike. The average battery capacity is 600Wh to 864Wh. Some electric bikes have dual battery systems, which naturally results in a higher price tag.

Frame Material

For electric bikes, the most common material types are aluminium, carbon fibre, and magnesium.

Aluminium is the most affordable, as it is the easiest and cheapest to manufacture. Meanwhile, carbon fibre and magnesium are often more expensive. Their materials are harder to procure and their construction is more advanced.

Additional Features

There is more to the cost of an electric bike than the bike itself. You may need to buy other accessories, too. This could be as simple as a new helmet. Or it could also be high-visibility clothing, lights, kickstands, storage baskets, phone mounts, or bike covers. When preparing a budget, consider the cost of the accessories you need.

How Much Does It Typically Cost to Charge the Battery?

The great thing about electric bikes is how affordable they are to use. Compared to refuelling a car, the cost of recharging an electric bike is slim. You can even use a simple formula to calculate the recharging cost.

In the UK, the average cost of recharging an electric bike is £0.21. To calculate your average charging cost, use the following formula:

eBike wattage (Wh) x electricity rate = eBike recharging cost

Let’s say your eBike has 864Wh and you live in South Wales (electricity rate of £0.27). Based on this information, the average cost of recharging your electric bike would be £0.23. Far cheaper than refuelling a car!

What is the Estimated Cost of Replacing the Battery?

That depends on the battery type, capacity, and manufacturer. The higher the battery capacity, the more expensive it will be to replace. The number of charging cycles will also determine the lifespan of the battery. Most eBike batteries last for about 3 to 5 years before they need replacing.

There is no one set figure for the cost of a replacement eBike battery. But expect to pay £300.00 to £500.00 based on your model. Make sure your replacement battery is of the same spec and manufacturer.

How Much Does Regular Maintenance Cost?

That depends on your riding frequency and conditions. If you ride a few times a week on mostly flat terrain, you may only need maintenance once or twice yearly. If you frequently ride off-road in harsh conditions, you may need maintenance every few months.

Depending on your circumstances, expect to pay £90 to £200 for maintenance yearly. Replacement parts will increase your annual maintenance costs. The cost of labor will vary from place to place, too.

Comparing Costs – eBikes vs Cars

Curious about the cost of eBikes versus cars? Let’s compare the two by exploring the table below.

	Cars	Electric Bikes
Purchase cost	£19,600 – £25,700	£1,200 – £3,400
Maintenance	£400 – £800	£90 – £200
Fuel/recharging	£30 – £50 per refuel	£0.20 – £0.30 per recharge
Insurance	£622 per year	Zero

As you see, owning an electric bike is significantly cheaper than a car. It’s just a matter of preference. Can an electric bike replace your car? That depends on your location, place of work or school, and other lifestyle needs.

Are eBikes Worth It?

In our opinion, eBikes are worth the investment. They are versatile, easy to use, and comfortable to ride. Most importantly, they have a low cost of ownership. This means they are accessible to people on a budget.

Evaluate your circumstances. Think about what you want out of an electric bike. Do you want one for daily commuting or the occasional thrill ride? Answering these questions will help you choose the right model and at the right price too.

Explore the full electric bike range at Heybike UK today.