A quick google search for e-bikes reveals bikes priced anywhere from $300 to $10,000. So why are some electric bikes more expensive than others?

Without a doubt, the costliest single item on an electric bike is the battery. Premium lithium ion batteries on e-bikes start at around $500 and go up to more than a $1000. Established electric bike manufacturers put great resources toward the battery of the e-bike because, in many ways, it’s the heart of the bike. The batter determines how much range of pedal assist you’ll get from the bike as well as how fast you’ll be able to go. A more expensive battery has great capacity to take you further distances. Also, a stronger and more expensive battery has a longer lifespan. Most top-tier manufacturers estimate battery life around 1000 cycles, with a full depletion and full recharge being one cycle.

Furthermore, manufacturers invest money and technology into the safety of the battery. You may have heard of instances when lithium-ion batteries on cell phones caught fire in recent years. Reputable electric bike manufactures install safety features on their e-bikes batteries to ensure that won’t happen.

Next let’s consider the price of components on a quality traditional bike. Walk into any bike shop looking to buy a new bike and you can expect to spend anywhere from $400 to $5000 or more. A more expensive price tag usually means better quality components such as brakes, gears, and wheels that will provide better performance and stand the test of time. The same is true for electric bikes: outside the battery and motor, electric bikes function exactly like traditional bikes, and higher-end components carry a higher price tag and, usually, a better and more reliable ride.

Not only does the price include more reliability and peace of mind, often a higher-priced bike can include a better warranty and strong relationship with a local shop. Purchasing a low cost bike online doesn’t allow for a consumer to interact with a shop that has professional technicians who can provide service to a bike for its lifetime.