A good-quality electric bike usually costs between $2,000 and $4,000 at retail, though premium models can run much higher. At Upway, you can find both new and pre-owned e-Bikes from leading brands—often at discounts of up to 60%!
Bike-Share vs. Owning an E-Bike: What’s Right for You?
Written by: Rémy Rossi | May 21, 2025 | Time to read 6 min
Whether you want the grab-and-go convenience of bike-share or the freedom of owning your very own e-Bike, the choice is yours. I’ll help you decide.
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.
If you’re choosing to cycle through the city on an electric bike, you’re already winning. Fast, fun, and eco-friendly, riding an e-Bike gives you a leg up compared to gas-guzzling cars and timetable-bound public transit. But is it better to use the bike-share program in your city or own a personal e-Bike? I’ll swap my helmet for a thinking cap just this once and compare bike-share and outright e-Bike ownership.
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E-Bike options in mobility-friendly cities
Cities across the US are moving in the right direction when it comes to better, more sustainable urban transport. One key ingredient is cycling infrastructure, including everything from bike lanes, bike-share programs, parking racks, e-Bike incentives, and other things that make cycling safer and more enjoyable.
Bike-share programs are nothing new, with long-standing programs in major and mid-sized cities around the country. These programs operate large fleets of bicycles parked in designated docks around the city— anyone can grab a bike and ride for a fee, returning it to another dock near your destination. In recent years, these programs have amplified their fleets with electric bikes, making it even easier and quicker to cross the city.
Bike-share programs are nothing new, with long-standing programs in major and mid-sized cities around the country. These programs operate large fleets of bicycles parked in designated docks around the city— anyone can grab a bike and ride for a fee, returning it to another dock near your destination. In recent years, these programs have amplified their fleets with electric bikes, making it even easier and quicker to cross the city.
Of course, you can simply own your personal bicycle or electric bike to get around town. You’re not tied to designated parking spots, a monthly subscription or per-ride fee, and, let’s face it, your bike is probably nicer than the bike-share bikes. But ownership means you’re on the hook for maintenance costs and keeping your bike safe from theft.
Cost comparison: bike-share vs. e-Bike ownership
Using an e-Bike can help you save big compared to driving, but how does the cost of bike-share programs stack up against buying an e-Bike?
Most bike share programs charge around $20-$25 for a monthly subscription. Prices vary, and there’s typically an e-Bike surcharge compared to the standard bicycles, around a few cents per minute. So if you’re often reaching for the e-Bike models in the dock, additional costs can add up. There are also more expensive per-ride or daily passes. Many programs offer discounted rates for low-income residents, students, or folks enrolled in assistance programs.
No matter how you spin it, purchasing an e-Bike for yourself is a much larger initial investment. But that bike is completely yours, and you can even sell it or trade it in later on when it’s time for an upgrade— and Upway can help with this!
A high-quality electric bike typically retails for between $2,000 and $4,000, with top-tier models priced even higher. At Upway, you’ll find both new and certified pre-owned e-Bikes from top brands, available at up to 60% off! Plus, many states and cities are currently offering e-Bike incentives to lower the purchase cost for residents and encourage ridership, so that initial cost may be even more affordable than you think.
Pros & cons: owning your e-Bike
There are some major upsides to having your own e-Bike. Odds are that it’s a higher-quality ride and significantly lighter than those bike-share clunkers that are essentially bomb-proof. That means more comfort, and you’ll know that the bike fits you properly.
Your personal e-Bike is also customizable, so you can install a rear rack, panniers, additional lights, and more than go beyond that small front rack-ish thing on bike-share models. Arguably, the biggest plus is that your e-Bike is always available to you— sometimes there aren’t any shared bikes in your area, or the e-Bikes that are parked don’t have much charge left.
However, e-Bike ownership isn’t always all sunshine and rainbows. Buying an e-Bike is a larger investment upfront, and the cost may not be worth it for infrequent riders. Also, there’s the risk of someone stealing your e-Bike, which can really rain on your parade.
Pros & cons: using bike-share e-Bikes
I’ve used bike-share bikes a handful of times when traveling to cities without my personal bike, and I was a happy camper. I won’t be doing the Tour de France on those heavy bikes anytime soon, but they are surprisingly comfy and fun— and the e-Bikes in the fleet really whip, if you know what I mean.
The advantages of using bike-share are that it’s likely more affordable for infrequent riders and maintenance-free. These bikes are built like tanks, so you’ll rarely experience a mechanical issue or flat tire (flat tires are actually impossible on many models). Frequent users like the simplicity of not having to worry about bike theft or storing your bike inside your home, especially in smaller apartments or walk-ups.
Some downsides, however, include that the bikes may feel clunkier and heavier compared to standard bikes, though the e-Bike options compensate for this. There’s also the risk that there aren’t any available bikes at the bike-share dock you’re headed to, or it’s full at your destination dock, meaning you have to park it at another.
The required parking spot isn’t as flexible as locking up your own commuter e-Bike, but normally, bike-share docks aren’t too far from each other. Finally, the subscription and per-ride costs can add up, especially if you choose to ride a shared e-Bike most of the time. Those funds could go toward the purchase of a personal e-Bike and perhaps save you cash in the long run.
¿Por qué no los dos? Mixing ownership and bike-share
When talking to city-goers and cyclists, we seem to agree that there’s no wrong choice and that, actually, a combination of the two methods is a great idea. Using the bike-share can be convenient when going out or meeting friends, when you don’t want to have to keep track of your bike.
Shared bikes can be reliable in the winter months with bad weather or commutes when you feel like cycling. On the other hand, you can use your personal bike for recreation or longer rides, and when you’re sure there’s secure parking at the end of your ride.
In my book, whatever gets more people on two wheels is a win for me. Bike-share programs have stuck around because they are convenient and comfortable, and a crucial part of making our cities more sustainable. And if you’re dreaming of having your own e-Bike, Upway’s biggest deals make it more affordable than ever to get riding!
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do electric bikes cost?
Is it better to have a removable battery on an electric bike?
I’m a big fan of removable batteries since they offer more options for charging, along with the advantage of swapping in a spare battery to extend the range. Most electric bikes have a removable battery so a majority of bike manufacturers and riders must agree with me. However, a non-removable battery is definitely not a deal breaker.
Should I remove my e-Bike battery when not in use?
For short-term storage, it’s encouraged to leave the battery on the bike where it’s designed to be. For long-term storage, take it out and keep it at room temperature. Modern chargers are designed to prevent overcharging, but keeping it at 100% charge levels still puts extra stress on the battery.
Key Takeaways
- Cost vs. Commitment: Bike-share is typically cheaper upfront and great for occasional riders, while owning an e-Bike is a bigger investment that pays off for frequent cyclists.
- Convenience & Customization: Shared bikes offer easy access without the hassle of maintenance or storage, but personal e-Bikes provide better performance, comfort, and gear options.
- Hybrid Strategy Works: Combining both options— owning your own e-Bike and using bike-share as needed— can offer the best of both worlds.
