Tip the Scales: 3 Reasons Why Riders Are on the Fence About E-Bikes
Written by: Rémy Rossi | April 18, 2024 | Time to read 5 min
Teetering and tottering in your decision to buy an e-Bike? You’re not alone— here are some of the reasons some riders may be on the fence.
More about the Author: Remy Rossi
Rémy Rossi is a bike writer, mechanic, and educator who got his start in community-based bike shops and co-ops. With a decade in the industry, he still wrenches on bikes when he can and plays bike polo on a fixie.
So you’re thinking of taking the plunge and buying an electric bike. But there may be a couple of things stalling your decision, and that’s totally normal. The best e-Bikes offer a boosted ride that’s just as natural-feeling as that of traditional bikes, but concerns about price, fitness, and maintenance may worry some potential buyers. Here’s the full scoop on some of the most common reasons riders may be on the fence about e-Bikes.
Now, I won’t pretend to hide my intentions. While I don’t think everyone necessarily needs an e-Bike, I think everyone should at least try them out. The new experience of riding with pedal-assist throws our brains for a loop in a good way and can open our eyes to different ways of getting around, even if we choose to stick with a standard bike in the end. Heck, even I probably spend more time riding my “acoustic” bicycles than an electric bike, and that’s okay!
Now, I won’t pretend to hide my intentions. While I don’t think everyone necessarily needs an e-Bike, I think everyone should at least try them out. The new experience of riding with pedal-assist throws our brains for a loop in a good way and can open our eyes to different ways of getting around, even if we choose to stick with a standard bike in the end. Heck, even I probably spend more time riding my “acoustic” bicycles than an electric bike, and that’s okay!
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Top reasons riders are undecided about e-Bikes
Below are totally valid reasons to give you pause before buying an e-Bike, but, as it turns out, there’s more to the story. I wouldn’t go so far as to say these are “myths” that need debunking, but purchasing a great e-Bike may be more accessible and affordable than you think!
Too expensive
The top reason that puts the brakes on buying an electric bike is the higher price tag. It’s no secret that electric bikes are more expensive than traditional bikes— the added motor, battery, and controller bump up the cost. But e-Bikes continue to get more and more affordable as technology advances and demand increases, fueling competition among the top brands.
The growth of e-Bike ridership means there are more opportunities to score a sweet deal on e-Bikes, too. For example, e-Bike brands may have overstock or demo models they are looking to unload, or e-Bike owners want to sell their used e-Bikes to upgrade to a new model. This is where Upway comes in.
We were worried about the financial barriers for consumers looking to get into e-Biking so we came up with an efficient business model to encourage affordable prices and e-Bike adoption. We recondition certified pre-owned e-Bikes from brands, bike shops, and individuals, meaning you can get a high-quality electric bike for up to 60% off! You don’t have to spend a fortune on a great e-Bike, ensuring they are well worth the investment for commuters, recreational riders, and beyond.
The growth of e-Bike ridership means there are more opportunities to score a sweet deal on e-Bikes, too. For example, e-Bike brands may have overstock or demo models they are looking to unload, or e-Bike owners want to sell their used e-Bikes to upgrade to a new model. This is where Upway comes in.
We were worried about the financial barriers for consumers looking to get into e-Biking so we came up with an efficient business model to encourage affordable prices and e-Bike adoption. We recondition certified pre-owned e-Bikes from brands, bike shops, and individuals, meaning you can get a high-quality electric bike for up to 60% off! You don’t have to spend a fortune on a great e-Bike, ensuring they are well worth the investment for commuters, recreational riders, and beyond.
Less exercise
Riders who cycle for fitness may be concerned that using an e-Bike won’t provide them with as strenuous of physical exercise. And while you won’t want to train for your upcoming race on an e-Bike, studies have shown that riding an e-Bike still offers a great workout.
For example, an Australian study from 2022 demonstrated that e-Bike use indeed supports increased fitness, strength, energy levels, and some weight loss. Even more, Professor Uwe Tegtbur at the Institute of Sports Medicine at the Hannover Medical School shared in a Der Spiegel interview that riding an e-Bike daily (12-15 km) has huge physical benefits, including better heart health, lower risk of disease and disorders, lower cholesterol, among others.
Compared to traditional cycling, riding an e-Bike can still support moderate to strenuous exercise. A study from 2017 in the Journal of Transport & Health concluded that e-Biking encourages moderate physical efforts on flat and downhill terrain and strenuous efforts on uphill routes. A BYU paper from 2019 even showed that e-Bikes can provide intense exercise, only that it doesn’t feel like a hard workout.
For example, an Australian study from 2022 demonstrated that e-Bike use indeed supports increased fitness, strength, energy levels, and some weight loss. Even more, Professor Uwe Tegtbur at the Institute of Sports Medicine at the Hannover Medical School shared in a Der Spiegel interview that riding an e-Bike daily (12-15 km) has huge physical benefits, including better heart health, lower risk of disease and disorders, lower cholesterol, among others.
Compared to traditional cycling, riding an e-Bike can still support moderate to strenuous exercise. A study from 2017 in the Journal of Transport & Health concluded that e-Biking encourages moderate physical efforts on flat and downhill terrain and strenuous efforts on uphill routes. A BYU paper from 2019 even showed that e-Bikes can provide intense exercise, only that it doesn’t feel like a hard workout.
On the flip side, the gentle, low-impact exercise of riding an e-Bike may be exactly what draws people to them in the first place. Electric bikes are more inclusive, accessible options for riders with decreased strength levels or certain mobility limitations. Cycling as a whole goes easy on body parts like the knees, hands, and lower back, while pedal assistance can help riders pedal at full strength, especially cyclists who suffer from joint pain or lingering injuries.
Note: A portion of the scientific research for this article originated from the work on another article of mine published with Sundays, Upway’s e-Bike insurance partner.
Higher maintenance
There are more complicated parts on an electric bike, but that doesn’t necessarily translate to e-Bikes requiring more maintenance than non-motorized bicycles. There may be a steeper learning curve to get familiar with your e-Bike’s features and pedal assist modes at first, but you won’t be reaching for a wrench very often at all.
A recent 2025 study from Ireland analyzed e-Bikes, battery recycling, and the circular economy and found, in part, that “the basic mechanical features of e-Bikes are more likely to fail than ebike batteries”. Simply put, the expected maintenance of an e-Bike actually looks quite similar to that of standard bicycles. E-Bike batteries and motors are protected from the elements and are incredibly reliable, long-lasting components.
But as with any type of bicycle, there will be maintenance or required repairs at some point. And repairs on e-Bikes can indeed be more involved and costly. If it’s an issue with the electric system, you’ll have to go to a bike shop that has the expertise and parts needed for your e-Bike, and the repair cost is likely going to be higher.
For that reason, I recommend investing in a high-quality model with a drive system from the likes of Bosch, Shimano, Specialized, or Yamaha that are well known across the industry, rather than proprietary brands that make it harder to source spare parts. All e-Bikes from Upway are certified, inspected, and come with a one-year warranty that covers any issues.
A recent 2025 study from Ireland analyzed e-Bikes, battery recycling, and the circular economy and found, in part, that “the basic mechanical features of e-Bikes are more likely to fail than ebike batteries”. Simply put, the expected maintenance of an e-Bike actually looks quite similar to that of standard bicycles. E-Bike batteries and motors are protected from the elements and are incredibly reliable, long-lasting components.
But as with any type of bicycle, there will be maintenance or required repairs at some point. And repairs on e-Bikes can indeed be more involved and costly. If it’s an issue with the electric system, you’ll have to go to a bike shop that has the expertise and parts needed for your e-Bike, and the repair cost is likely going to be higher.
For that reason, I recommend investing in a high-quality model with a drive system from the likes of Bosch, Shimano, Specialized, or Yamaha that are well known across the industry, rather than proprietary brands that make it harder to source spare parts. All e-Bikes from Upway are certified, inspected, and come with a one-year warranty that covers any issues.
🤝 Why you can trust us for buying an e-Bike?
- Great prices: Get your next e-Bike for up to 60% off retail prices, in new or like-new conditions.
- Quality Guaranteed: Every e-Bike is rigorously certified by a team of professional mechanics, and comes with a 1-year warranty.
- Delivered to Your Door: Delivered to your home within a week. Change your mind? Return it thanks to our 14-day return policy.
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Take your pick, from an electric mountain bike to a speedy Class 3 e-Bike, Upway is your go-to spot for huge deals on electric bikes.
Key Takeaways
- Easy & Flexible Commuting: City e-Bikes make commuting easier by reducing physical strain, helping riders arrive sweat-free, and offering the flexibility to ride on their own schedule.
- Cost & Time Savings: While e-Bikes require an initial investment, they save money in the long run by cutting down on car and public transit expenses.
- Eco-Friendly & Health Benefits: E-Bikes provide a greener alternative to cars, helping reduce emissions in cities. They also offer a low-impact way to stay active.
