Yes, e-Bikes are safe to ride, and they continue to get even safer due to better battery technology and safety certifications. Riders should keep in mind, however, the additional weight and higher speeds of electric bikes. Upway recommends against purchasing low-quality e-Bikes or used models that haven’t been inspected by a professional.
Are Electric Bikes Worth It for Daily Commuters?
Written by: Rémy Rossi | June 18, 2025 | Time to read 6 min
That’s it— you’ve asked the real question. Let’s get down to the nitty-gritty to discuss whether electric bikes are actually worth it for daily commuters.
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.
It’s no secret that electric bikes are more expensive than traditional bicycles without a motor and battery. But neither is there any mystery around the many benefits of e-Bikes for daily commuters: faster speeds, easier hills, and a pleasant boost. Are e-Bikes worth it?
The debate is an important one when deciding how to spend your hard-earned cash. Electric bikes aren’t necessary for every cyclist out there, but I think they can be totally worth it for frequent commuters.
The debate is an important one when deciding how to spend your hard-earned cash. Electric bikes aren’t necessary for every cyclist out there, but I think they can be totally worth it for frequent commuters.
🤝 Considering buying an e-Bike? Trade in your old electric bike for an even bigger discount! Click here to get a price estimate.
Why you should consider an electric bike for commuting
Our daily trips to work, school, or wherever else we need to go are kind of a big deal. These commutes take up a large chunk of our time, whether they are a long distance or simply the fact that we make the ride (and back) every day. So, it’s worth trying to make the commute as enjoyable and efficient as possible. That’s where electric bikes come in.
Electric bikes can improve your commute in a few different ways. The pedal assistance from the motor can help you travel faster with less effort, flattening out any hills along the route so you arrive at your destination with more energy and fewer sweat stains compared to traditional biking. And if you’re not already cycling to work, the extra oomph of e-Bikes can provide a practical alternative to other forms of transit, like the subway, bus, or car trips.
Electric bikes can improve your commute in a few different ways. The pedal assistance from the motor can help you travel faster with less effort, flattening out any hills along the route so you arrive at your destination with more energy and fewer sweat stains compared to traditional biking. And if you’re not already cycling to work, the extra oomph of e-Bikes can provide a practical alternative to other forms of transit, like the subway, bus, or car trips.
Save time and effort on your daily ride
I’m not a morning person. So anything that lets me snooze for a few minutes longer is a major plus. Riding an electric bike means you can ride a bit faster and expend less energy along the way. You can toggle through the different pedal assist levels on the commuter electric bike depending on how fast you want to go. Got hills? Bump up the assistance and avoid arriving at your destination drenched in sweat.
Even if you’re not a speed demon, an electric bike lets you take on a longer commute than you would on a standard bicycle, for example. Swap that train, bus, or car ride for an assisted spin on an e-Bike, all while getting some fitness in and breathing the fresh air.
Even if you’re not a speed demon, an electric bike lets you take on a longer commute than you would on a standard bicycle, for example. Swap that train, bus, or car ride for an assisted spin on an e-Bike, all while getting some fitness in and breathing the fresh air.
Commuting on an e-Bike can save you money
I recently compared the costs of riding an e-Bike versus driving a car, and the results are staggering, though perhaps not surprising. Regarding fuel or charging costs, riding an e-Bike costs as little as $0.22 per 100 miles, making it up to 68 times cheaper than a gas-powered car and 21 times cheaper than an electric car. That rate is also significantly cheaper than a bus or local metro ticket.
Charging your e-Bike costs just $0.08–$0.10 on average, so you can commute all week for just a few dozen cents. And bike parking is always free! Many cyclists are also able to charge their electric bikes at work, significantly reducing the already low electricity costs of maintaining an e-Bike. Electric bike maintenance will be required at some point, though yearly costs are typically under $300, per my very rough estimate, taking into account a basic tune-up and a few new parts.
E-Bikes are better for the planet than cars
The carbon footprint of our daily commutes adds up quickly, and it’s worth trying to reduce the emissions produced by that constant to and fro. Of course, non-motorized bicycles or walking are the most sustainable ways to commute.
Electric bikes offer a huge reduction in emissions compared to driving and using public transport. E-Bikes can help the environment because they produce zero emissions during use, decrease city noise pollution and congestion, and cause less damage to infrastructure.
Research indicates that e-Bikes equipped with Bosch drive systems consume approximately 11 watt-hours of energy per mile. This level of energy use results in roughly 3.5 grams of CO2 emissions for every mile traveled. In contrast, cars generate about 240 grams of CO2 per passenger mile, while public transit systems produce between 80 and 176 grams of CO2 per passenger mile.
Electric bikes offer a huge reduction in emissions compared to driving and using public transport. E-Bikes can help the environment because they produce zero emissions during use, decrease city noise pollution and congestion, and cause less damage to infrastructure.
Research indicates that e-Bikes equipped with Bosch drive systems consume approximately 11 watt-hours of energy per mile. This level of energy use results in roughly 3.5 grams of CO2 emissions for every mile traveled. In contrast, cars generate about 240 grams of CO2 per passenger mile, while public transit systems produce between 80 and 176 grams of CO2 per passenger mile.
🤝 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.
🚲 We also buy e-Bikes. Click here for an estimation!
Benefits of riding an e-Bike that may surprise you
Economists have a fancy word for serendipity: positive externalities, though one could argue that serendipity is already a pretty fancy word. Strictly speaking, externalities are the side effects on third parties, but there are surprise benefits from e-Bikes for everyone involved.
When more individuals choose to ride bikes or electric bikes, cities become cleaner, less congested, and healthier. At a personal level, you’ll likely start to take your e-Bike on more trips than just your commute, such as errands, social outings, and more. E-Bikes are a great form of exercise, and riding with kids on a cargo e-Bike can be a fantastic way to spend more time together! You may find yourself riding more and getting to know the local cycling community even better.
Potential cons of riding an electric bike
- Higher cost: Electric bikes do come with a higher upfront cost than regular bikes, most of the time. While e-Bikes are far more affordable to purchase and maintain than cars, they still come with a steeper price tag compared to traditional bicycles.
- E-Bike theft risk: Because e-Bikes are more valuable and appealing to thieves, you may feel uneasy about leaving your bike unattended. Whenever possible, park your e-Bike in a secure location— such as inside your workplace or a locked bike storage facility— to reduce the risk of theft.
Sticker shock? Upway can help
An excellent electric bike doesn’t have to be beyond your budget. Upway sells like-new and pre-owned electric bikes at prices of up to 60% off retail, so you can snag a model from the top brands for less. Browse some of our favorite commuter e-Bikes from powerhouse brands like Gazelle, Aventon, and Specialized that are sure to revolutionize your daily ride!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are electric bikes safe?
Are helmets required when riding an e-Bike?
Helmets are always a good idea when riding any type of bike, and some states require them. Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, and Oregon are some of the states that require wearing a helmet when riding an e-Bike, though most states don’t have a legal requirement.
What is the warranty on Upway bikes?
Upway offers a one-year limited warranty on all its e-Bikes that covers mechanical and electrical defects. We also provide guaranteed delivery and will compensate as warranted in the rare case of any shipping damage.
Key Takeaways
- Time & Energy Saver: E-Bikes offer faster, less strenuous rides— especially helpful for longer commutes or hilly routes.
- Big Cost Advantage: Commuting on an e-Bike can be dozens of times cheaper than driving or taking public transport.
- Eco-Friendly Alternative: With ultra-low CO2 emissions, e-Bikes are one of the greenest options for getting around the city.
