Purchasing an electric bike can be one of the smartest investments you can make. While their initial cost is higher than standard bicycles, ebikes come with added features and can even save commuters money by replacing car trips or public transport. We conducted an industry-wide survey to find out just how much are electric bikes and the extra costs for ebike owners.
Average costs
Quality electric bikes are more accessible than ever before thanks to recent advances in manufacturing, but they still require a larger initial investment than non-motorized bicycles. The additional tech and stronger frames to handle the added weight increase how much are ebikes. Some top-of-the-line models synchronize premium electronics with suspension and shifting systems and can cost upwards of $14,000! That said, average prices for ebikes today range between around $2,000 to $6,000. With so many models available, there is a wide spread of how much do electric bikes cost, depending on the type of bike and chosen components.
Types of ebikes
We conducted in-depth research into the prices of over 1,400 ebikes to obtain the most up-to-date information about how much is an electric bike in today’s market.
Folding and compact ebikes
The most affordable categories of ebikes are folding and compact models. These ebikes typically have a smaller silhouette and wheels and a moderate motor that’s ideal for city use. With an average cost of around $2,000 and the cheapest model priced at only $699, these ebikes are wallet-friendly options for urban riders on a budget.
Cruiser and hybrid ebikes
Cruiser electric bikes feature a relaxed riding position and a motor that’s right for zipping around the neighborhood or boardwalk. They are great, cost-effective ebikes that are priced as low as $739 but average around $3,300 for models with higher-quality components. Hybrid ebikes feature slimmer tires that roll fast on smooth surfaces and are the go-to choice for commuting. Commuter ebikes strike a great balance between range and speed for city riding. With so many models to choose from, hybrid ebikes normally cost between $2,600 to $5,200.
Road ebikes
The most expensive categories include road and mountain electric bikes. Race-inspired road bikes prioritize speed and low weight which requires a bit more engineering. The average price of an electric road bike is around $5,700 with the majority of models slotting in between $3,700 and $7,000. Road ebikes typically have smaller, ultra-efficient motors that give an extra boost to flatten out hills and allow you to keep up with stronger riders. This category is typically much lighter than other ebikes which vary widely in weight.
Electric mountain bikes
Electric mountain bikes (eMTBs for short) are priced higher than road ebikes because their powerful motors need to be able to climb steep hills and stand up to the inevitable bumps and bruises that happen on the trail. The average eMTB costs around $6,500, but the fanciest models can have a price tag of nearly $15,000! Those professional ebikes come equipped with electronic shifting and sensors all over the bike that can remotely monitor specs like suspension or tire pressure and control them via a smartphone app. This was one of the largest categories we surveyed, so there are plenty of more affordable options to choose from that let you fly up the climbs and smash descents as naturally as a standard MTB.
| Ebike type | Number of Ebikes in our Survey | Number of Ebikes that have their price disclosed by manufactureres | % of ebikes without price disclosed on their website | Average ($) | Minimum ($) | First Quartile ($) | Median ($) | Third quartile ($) | Maximum ($) |
| Mountain | 339 | 242 | 28.61% | $6,577.70 | $1,099.99 | $4,377.50 | $6,306.35 | $8,067.22 | $15,000.00 |
| Road | 125 | 99 | 20.80% | $5,744.31 | $1,046.00 | $3,699.00 | $5,252.00 | $7,000.00 | $14,750.00 |
| Hybrid | 404 | 329 | 18.56 | $4,116.69 | $825.0 | $2,599.00 | $3,470.38 | $5,245.00 | $11,582.94 |
| Cruiser | 486 | 423 | 12.96% | $3,344.93 | $739.00 | $2,340.26 | $2,999.99 | $3,989.00 | $10,139.00 |
| Compact | 47 | 42 | 10.64% | $2,733.75 | $709.00 | $1,823.00 | $2,049.50 | $3,053.58 | $9,299.00 |
| Folding | 39 | 32 | 17.95% | $1,807.20 | $699.00 | $1,429.50 | $1,632.54 | $1,902.25 | $3,995.00 |
| Total Set | 1440 | 1167 | 18.96% | $4,372.27 | $699.0 | $2,542.00 | $3,556.00 | $5,800.00 | $15,000.00 |
Differences between expensive and cheap Ebikes
The main difference between low-cost ebikes and models that cost a pretty penny is the quality of the motor and battery. More expensive mid-drive motors deliver more balanced power with smoother acceleration than rear hub drive motors. That said, both styles of ebike are capable of reaching high speeds. Ebike range differs between models but pricier ebikes typically have batteries that last longer and provide more miles per charge, up to 60 miles on some models. Other factors like low weight and luxury components can change how much an electric bike costs.
Electric bike charging and maintenance costs
While human-powered pedaling is always free, charging an ebike costs riders a few cents each time. To fully top up an ebike battery, it costs between 6 to 8 cents and that’ll give you about 20 or 40 miles of range. On average that’s about 250 to 500 miles of riding for only $1!
Just like standard bikes, electric bicycles will have to undergo normal repairs at some point whether it’s a tune-up, installing new tires, or replacing worn-down parts. With all their tech-savvy features, keep in mind that some ebikes have specialty parts that could cost a premium to fix or replace.
One of the advantages of ebikes is the range of accessories riders can put on their two-wheeler. While a phone mount or cargo rack will cost extra bucks, they are a great investment to boost the utility of your ebike— many models feature an integrated USB port to charge your smaller devices on-the-fly, too.
Final thoughts
Regardless of your budget, there’s an ebike out there for everyone. The additional fun while riding and relatively low charging costs justify their initial higher price and are a cost-effective alternative to cars and public transit. Whether you’re on the hunt for the perfect commuter ebike or want a boost on your local trails, ebikes are your ticket to a whole new ride.
For more info on commuting with ebikes check out.
