Should You Replace Your Commuting Bike With An E-Bike?

If you commute to work by bicycle, you might be thinking about replacing your bike with an e-bike. Electric bikes have become more common over the past few years, and there are now lots of makes and models to choose from. Some can be had for a price similar to that which you'd pay for an ordinary bike. But should you make the switch? Here are some pros and cons to consider as you ponder your options.

Pro: You won't be as tired or sweaty when you get to work.

Cycling to work is good exercise, but it might leave you more tired than you'd like. You may also not like that you're arriving at your workplace covered in sweat. If you switch to an e-bike, you can still pedal part of the way and get some exercise. However, when you start to feel tired or get sweaty, you can use the electric motor instead, which will help save your energy.

Con: It can be tempting to just let the bike carry you.

If exercise is your goal, an e-bike may make it too tempting for you to just coast along and not get any exercise. You may arrive at work and realize you didn't even pedal part of the way. Of course, there are ways to balance this. You could ride your ordinary bike some days and the e-bike on other days, for example.

Pro: You may actually ride more often.

Right now, do you cycle to work every day, or do you alternate cycling with some other means of transportation, such as taking a bus? Switching to an e-bike might mean you actually ride more often. It's less demanding on you physically, and you can do it even on days you are tired. This might save you money on bus or cab fare, and it will get you outside more often.

Con: E-bikes require more maintenance.

Electric bikes do have a motor that needs to be maintained. The battery will also need to be changed from time to time. Some people find that this increased maintenance demands a burden in comparison to the maintenance required for a simple bike.

So, should you replace your commuting bicycle with an e-bike? Really, only you can make this decision. However, if you do decide to make the swap, you can look forward to easier rides to and from work, and perhaps more of them.

Learn more about electric bikes by reaching out to a local vendor.