Most E-bikes Are Meant To Be Toys
Most e-bikes are meant to be toys. They are built specifically for that purpose. There is nothing wrong with toys! We all need a leisure time outlet. Sadly, most who can afford a toy can afford something better. Those who really need affordable, reliable daily transport or are more active on their toy, have a hard time paying for what they really need.
Because of the popularity of toys, people are getting the impression that cheap bikes, like the above (which I sell) and many other styles, are appropriate for them. For most, they are not! Because of this, it is getting harder to find appropriate bikes, even though prices in general are falling. High end companies are coming out with cheap alternatives and really cheap bikes seem to be getting worse by the day. What is The Liquor Department Manager, at your local grocery store, supposed to ride to work?
If you are riding a few miles a day, in fair weather and are never in a really big hurry, you aren’t going to put much wear on a cheap bike. If you have to get up every day for work, ride in all weather and are usually in a hurry, these perfectly fine, cheap e-bikes are not for you. I’ve tried it. They won’t hold up!
There is a reason you do not see people touring on bikes with cheap components. The same motor and battery won’t be as reliable or get the same range on just any bike. I was reminded of this the other day riding my expensive traditional touring bike with a way above average conversion. When we weren’t speeding or climbing hills, I had to coast a lot while he was still pedaling. That gap grows enormously when you start comparing quality to a toy.
I am not sure of the answer. How do shops like mine help people understand? You get tired of chasing them away, but you also don’t want to be responsible when their toy turns to junk!
The mid-priced bikes (above $1k, well below $2k) seem to be the worst. Foks know they’ve paid more and expect more, but the upgrade is hard to see. Really more of a better toy. A lot better especially for just cruising around, but for reliable daily transport, not so much. Are you willing to ride traditional bike speeds? Can You live with less hillclimbing speed and power (still way easier)? Eliminate the gears to go with them and you can get an amazing commuter for around $1500. This one reminds me of riding single speeds in my 30’s. It’s eally fun, especially for those who want a challenge or have a flat commute.
Most though want to go a little faster (just try selling an EU spec bike in The U.S.). They don’t want to slow for hills and while they may never do it, they want to be able to ride 30+ miles securely, in the real world.
I have a friendly competitor that has decided to just sit this round of e-bikes out. He’s hoping cream will rise and some will just go out of business. Do I just start selling low end and inappropriate stuff (with warnings of course) until this all shakes out? Wait til you read the comments. People really don’t understand that this isn’t about some elitist gouging folks for more money. They really believe some flat out junk should hold up like the single speed BMX bike of their youth (which also would not hold up under their adult 200#’s). If you need to depend on your e-bike or expect it to last long enough to pay for itself, expect to work a little harder, spend a bit more, or have someone do a torque sensing mid-drive conversion for you.