This is stated by the Consumers’ Association, which compared the performance and prices of about a hundred e-bikes. Now that the electric bicycle is becoming increasingly common – and not only for the elderly – the range of cheaper variants is also increasing.
However, not everyone is wise to buy an e-bike for a reasonable price. The Consumers’ Association – which did not include the cheaper models in the test – warns that such bicycles are often less well equipped. Think of worse batteries, brakes or gear parts. “You can consider a cheaper e-bike if you cycle relatively little and accept the chance of a shorter lifespan,” says the consumer organization.
Mid-engine
Bicycles with a so-called ‘middle motor’ – a motor mounted on the bottom bracket – score the best. However, this does come with a price tag, because you will not find them under 1,750 euros. You pay a lot more for the best-tested e-bike: a bicycle from the Riese & Müller brand will cost you 4,000 euros. Two bicycles – from Batavus and Cortina – which, according to the Consumers’ Association, have a good price-quality ratio, sell for approximately 2,300 euros.
The very latest models are now equipped with an addition that allows you to use an app to set how fast you want to accelerate and how much support you want. You pay for that: you won’t find such ‘smart’ bikes for less than 2,500 euros.
Far-reaching consequences
The consumer association also states that choosing a particular brand can have ‘far-reaching consequences’. It points to producers VanMoof, Qwic and ES Master, all of which went bankrupt. You could lose a deposit or end up with a bike that cannot be repaired.
After years of significant price increases, the price of electric bicycles is now stabilizing. When these became much more popular during corona times, manufacturers increased their production. As a result, they now have large inventories and are selling older models at lower prices. Some manufacturers are no longer making new models for the time being, because they first have to get rid of the old e-bikes.
You are not done with the purchase price of the bicycle yet. Tens of thousands of e-bikes are stolen every year, which makes taking out insurance useful, especially when you store your bicycle in public places. You also pay money for regular maintenance, says the Consumers’ Association.
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