How much does an electric bike cost ?

Electric bikes are becoming increasingly popular in the U.S., with the e-bike market projected to reach $62.3 billion by 2030. These bikes provide an eco-friendly, cost-effective alternative to vehicles, buses, and other transportation methods, encouraging many people to look into e-bikes as a new way to commute around their cities.

If you're considering making an electric bike purchase, knowing how much an e-bike costs can help you decide on the right model for your budget. It's also very useful to understand the various types of e-bike, so that you can get a feel for the price of the type of machine you actually need and want to ride. After all, there's no sense in overpaying for a bunch of functionality you won't use, or indeed, saving a couple hundred bucks only to discover the bike isn't suitable for the type of riding you are doing. 

There are many types of e-bikes available, each designed for various types of riding and terrain. Different e-bike models offer varying features, which can affect their price. Some of the most common e-Bike types include:

An electric city/hybrid bike  is ideal for daily commuting and errands. City / Hybrid e-bikes typically have a sleek and lightweight design, making them easy to navigate through traffic, and often come equipped with features like racks and fenders for carrying cargo.

According to the National Conference of State Legislatures, the average price for an electric commuter bike is between $2,000 to $3,000, compared with $1,000 for a conventional midrange commuter bicycle.

Cargo bikes are used for carrying heavy loads and often feature a larger frame, cargo racks, and panniers for transporting goods. Although they aren't built to be the fastest e-bikes, they are popular with delivery companies for their durability and load-carrying capacity. Cargo electric bike batteries tend to be more powerful than other types of bikes.

At Upway, our most expensive cargo e-bikes are around $9,000, while the most accessible begins at $1,600. The vast majority of our inventory sits in the $2,500–$3,500 range. 

Electric folding bikes are created for portability and convenience. They have a compact size and lightweight design that allows them to be easily folded and carried onto public transportation or stored in spaces much smaller that traditional bicycles ever could be.

It's very common for electric folding bike users to zip along a bike path to reach a transit point, before folding it up and boarding a train or bus to complete the next leg on their journey. It's this sort of multi-modal transportation that many see as the future of mobility. The average price of a folding e-bike from Upway is $2,500.

Road e-Bikes are designed for speed and performance and are similar in appearance to traditional road bikes. Full size road bikes often have lightweight frames and larger wheels, making them ideal for longer rides on paved roads and well-surfaced bike lanes.

As with conventional bikes, electric road bikes prioritize efficiency and weight, so they may have smaller batteries and motors. The average price of a road e-bike on Upway is $2,700, although you can grab a great deal on some models for as little as $1,100.

Electric mountain bikes are designed for off-road terrain like bike trails, forest roads and mountainsides, and come equipped with features like high-performance suspension systems, fat tires, and more powerful motors. The quality level of these components can be a big factor in the overall price, particularly the suspension system.

Upway's huge range of almost 200 used electric mountain bikes vary in price from $1,900 to $6,000.

An e-bike's price depends on several factors, such as the design, motor, battery, and maintenance costs. The price range for refurbished electric bikes can be as low as about $900, up to a higher-end cargo model from premium brand Riese & Müller that costs $9,000 or more.

The motor's type, size, and capacity impact the price of your e-bike. Larger motors, like models over 750W, are more expensive than less powerful 250W models. Low-power motors are typically used in pedal-assist-only bikes, providing just enough power to enhance the rider's pedaling power, making them ideal for city commutes.

Mid-power motors range between 250W to 750W and are found on pedal-assist and throttle-controlled e-bikes. They are typically used for traveling longer distances at higher speeds.

Price is also influenced by the e-bike's torque, measured in Newton meters (Nm). Higher torque levels mean higher speeds and better hill-climbing capability. Bikes with at least 70 Nm are recommended for hilly areas, while high-performance e-Bikes often have torque values of around 90 Nm. Bikes with more torque often have a higher price tag.

The battery capacity and chemistry can influence an e-Bike's overall cost. Bike batteries are measured in Watt-hours (Wh) and range from 250Wh to over 650Wh. Larger-capacity batteries cost more than lower-capacity batteries because those extra Watt hours provide longer battery life and allow you to ride further off a single charge.

Most e-bikes use lithium-ion batteries; however, the cathodes and anodes in the batteries are often made from different metal combinations, such as nickel and cobalt, that can influence the battery's performance.

Li-ion batteries that use premium-grade metals provide a longer lifespan, increased energy density, and better performance. These batteries usually cost more than low-quality batteries but need to be replaced less often.

The battery brand also influences the cost because some brands guarantee capacity and range retention. For example, Shimano guarantees its batteries will retain at least 60% of their capacity after 1,000 charge cycles.

E-Bike frames are typically made of aluminum, carbon fiber, or steel. Just like with traditional bikes, aluminum is the most commonly used material for e-bike frames because it's lightweight, durable, and cost-effective. 

Carbon fiber offers a high strength-to-weight ratio without compromising durability, but the complex manufacturing process can significantly increase the cost of the e-Bike. Steel is a sturdy and durable option that can withstand heavy use but tends to be heavier and less efficient than other materials, which can impact the performance and cost of the e-Bike.

The e-bike's overall design can also impact its cost, particularly if it is designed to seamlessly integrate its electrical components into the frame, such as the battery, motor, and wiring. For instance, an e-Bike with an integrated battery and motor built into the frame may cost more than one with an externally mounted battery and rear hub motor, which requires less complex design and production.

Riding an electric bike offers a convenient, cost-efficient way to get around your city, whether heading to work, buying groceries, or visiting friends or family. The cost of an e-bike depends on the design, battery, and motor, making it essential to look for a model with the functions you need while remaining within your budget.

Upway carries a wide selection of brand-name certified e-bikes for any price range. We have city, all-road, folding, and cargo electric bikes, with prices that save you 20% to 60% on the cost of a new model, and sometimes our customers making thousands of dollars of savings by shopping with us. Shop our electric bicycles to find the right option for you.