How Much Does a Good eBike Cost?

Electric bikes are a great way to get around in an urban environment. They’re perfect for commuters, busy professionals, and anyone else who needs a little help getting from point A to point B. They are also helpful in tackling rough terrains, rocky paths, and jagged hills

If you have been planning to buy an electric bike for yourself, you might wonder how much does a good eBike cost… and what are the factors that impact the cost of an eBike? Well, that’s exactly what we’ll be discussing today, so read on! 

How Much Does a Good eBike Cost?

Honestly speaking, it depends on what you mean by ‘good.’ The definition of a ‘good’ eBike can drastically vary from user to user. 

A ‘good’ eBike for a rider who often has to take their ride on public transit would be a lot different than for someone who has to pass through a steep and rugged track everyday. In other words, the definition of a ‘good’ eBike varies depending on your use case. 

With that cleared out, here’s how much a good eBike in the 4 main categories costs, for most of the users.

• City: A good city eBike that can reliably transport you to and from work will typically cost around $800-$1000.
• Folding: A good folding eBike that you can easily store or take on public transit may cost around $1000-$1500.
• Fat Tire: A good fat tire eBike that can let you defeat rugged tracks in a comfortable way costs around $1500-$2000.
• Mountain: A good mountain eBike that can help you travel at steep hills and inclines will typically cost around $1000-$1200.

To sum up, if you want to invest in a good electric bike that will last for years and offer you the kind of performance and features you’re looking for, you’ll need to be prepared to spend anywhere between $1000 and $1500.

However, as we mentioned before, the eBikes in these price ranges are suitable for a majority of users – and not all of the users. 

There are plenty of cheaper eBikes out there with tags as low as $400… and there are plenty of premium eBikes out there as well, with tags reaching $12000 or even more. But most options on the market today cost from $1000 to $1500, and these eBikes are perfectly suitable for a wide variety of users.

Now that you know how much does a good eBike cost, let’s discuss the factors that impact the cost of an eBike.

What Factors Impact the Cost of an eBike?

In an eBike, the components found on the traditional bicycle – like the frame, wheels, spokes, and drivetrain – make up just 15-20% of the cost. 

It is, in fact, the “electric components” like the motor, battery, controller, pedal-assist sensor, LCD unit, and integrated lights that make up the bulk of the cost… and determines how much an eBike will cost.

And it makes perfect sense too… After all, these are the very components that differentiate an eBike from a conventional bicycle. Let’s now have a detailed look at how these components affect the final tag of your eBike. 

Type & Size of Motor 

Motor is one of the most expensive components in an eBike, and its cost varies depending on its size and type. Larger motors with a high nominal power output can generate more power continuously and are, therefore, more expensive.

However, it’s not the power output but the kind of the motor that makes a big difference. Hub motors, which directly spin your wheels, are inexpensive and more widespread compared to mid-drive motors, which rotate the cranks.

Mid-drive motors are extremely costly. Even the cheapest 250W mid-drive eBikes start from $3000 and there’s practically no limit to where the price can go. 

The reason behind their ultra-expensive nature is their advanced gear-reduction systems and intricate internal controllers that allow them to churn out an astonishing torque output. Moreover, these motors also require the bike frame to be designed specifically for them. 

If you aren’t looking for hard-core mountain biking, you don’t need to overpay for a mid-drive unit… and can instead go for a hub eBike. Even the most capable hub eBikes – such as the Tesgo Strength-STT with its behemoth 1kW motor – will cost you way less than $2000!

Type of PAS Sensor

The type of pedal-assist sensor is yet another important component that determines how much does an eBike cost.

The pedal-assist sensors control how much assistance your motor will provide you at any given time based on your pedal input, and can be of two kinds: cadence and torque. Torque sensors measure the pressure, or how hard you pedal… whereas cadence sensors measure the speed, or whether or not you are pedaling at all.

Torque sensors can sample your pedaling input up to 1000 times a second… whereas cadence sensors can usually do that 3-14 times a crank revolution. It means torque sensors can provide a highly responsive ride. They adjust your motor output in almost real time.

Understandably, eBikes with torque sensors are much more expensive. 

While a good cadence sensor eBike may cost around $1000-1500, a good eBike with torque sensor can cost you more than $2000. Luckily, there are a few exceptions like the Fiido D21, the Fiido X, and even the fat tire Fiido M21 that cost around $1500 – way less than what a good eBike with torque sensor usually costs. 

Battery Capacity (Ah)

The single most expensive component that determines how much an eBike will cost is, hands down, the battery. The cost of the lithium-ion batteries, which have long been the industry standard, can range from a few hundred dollars to well over $1000.

The battery’s cost is itself influenced by its size or number of cells, which determine how much charge it can hold…and how much range you’ll get. The charge capacity (measured in Ah or Ampere-hours) and the electrical energy content (measured in Wh or Watt-hours) can give you an idea of what to expect from your battery. 

The bigger these numbers are, the more mileage you’ll get.

For instance, the Gosen Q7-DB features two batteries of 48V 18Ah and 48V 13Ah (with a total charge capacity of 48V 31Ah and a total energy content of 1488Wh) and due to this huge battery system, it costs $2000. But you get what you pay for, and the Q7-DB can let you travel up to 140 miles (225km) on a single charge. 

Luckily, there are some exceptions here as well. For instance, the Fiido L3 features a huge 48V 23.2Ah (1113.6Wh) Lithium-ion battery and has a maximum range of 124 miles (200km)… but it still costs just $1000.

Lights, LCD & Controllers

While almost all eBikes feature a front headlamp, the presence of rear brake light can somewhat increase the cost. Likewise the presence of an LCD panel also adds up to the tag.

The controller that regulates current delivery from battery to motor is also a pricey piece of electronics. The eBikes meant for hills and off-road terrains need bigger controllers to let more current flow into the motor and generate more power.

Likewise, the eBikes that have additional accessories – such as a charging port, a mobile phone holder, an electric horn, and turn signals – or with features like fast charging will also cost more than the bikes that lack these things.

What About Conventional Bicycle Components?

As discussed before, the conventional bicycle components – such as the frame, drivetrain, brakes, and suspension system – cost way less than the electrical components like the motor and the battery. But they still have an impact on the cost. 

That’s especially true when they are high-end components like hydraulic brakes instead of mechanical brakes, or hydraulic suspension instead of spring shocks or dual suspension instead of just the front fork.

Another important factor is the material of the frame. 

Carbon fiber (such as on the $2k Tesgo Runner) is the most expensive, lightest, and premium material; steel is the least expensive (but heaviest) material; while aluminum is in the middle. It’s perfect in every way because it’s lighter than steel but stronger than carbon fiber.

The number of speeds also add up to the cost. An 8 or 9-speed eBike will be costlier than a 7-speed eBike. And yes, it’ll also be extremely capable at hill climbing due to the wide gear-ratio advantage. 

Likewise, the overall quality of the construction, the paint finish, the strength of spokes and bearings, are just some of the factors that add up to the cost of a good eBike.

The Final Word

Electric bikes are a great way to add an additional commute option in any city. 

Whether you are a student, a busy professional or just someone looking to explore the city from a different perspective, electric bikes are a fun and practical way to get from A to B. They’re also eco-friendly, cost-effective and good for your health. 

However, when buying them, you need to be extremely careful about your decision. You need to think how far would you be taking them? How fast would you be going? Do you have adequate storage space? You need to think through everything so as to buy exactly what you need. 

At Eridefox, we’ve got a wide variety of eBikes for all types of users in all price points. From lightweight city commuters to mighty fat tire off-roaders, we have got something for everyone. You can visit our complete line-up here!