Merits And Demerits Of Owning An e-Cycle

We’ve shared plenty of articles recently, shedding light on the benefits of owning an e-cycle over a regular cycle. While there are many, not everything’s rosy. Owning an e-cycle does have some downsides. And this article focuses on the merits and demerits of owning an electric cycle. Starting with the positives…

PROS

Getting around cheaply

Electric bikes are clearly one of the cheapest ways to get around, especially compared to other modes of transport. For starters, you don't need a licence to own and ride one, nor do you need to pay to park. It also has one of the lowest carbon footprints. Moreover, the cost of recharging its battery is immensely cheaper than refuelling a conventional petrol two-wheeler, or even public transit fares for that matter. The Toutche Electric Heileo M100 is a good option if you’re looking out for an e-cycle.

A healthier lifestyle

Unlike regular cycles, e-cycles can be used for daily commutes to work and back. It's a great way to introduce some physical activity to your routine. Besides, it has several health benefits like exercising your leg muscles, core, lungs and heart, all while getting fresh air.

Electric bikes could be beneficial for either beginner riders or people who have health conditions with limited physical activity. Riders can adjust the level of assistance they receive from the motor on their e-bikes based on their specific health and fitness needs. Those suffering from joint pain, exercise-induced asthma, heart and lung problems, or obesity may benefit from this form of exercise.

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More mileage for the same amount of effort

E-cycles utilise the power of the motor and battery to offer a slight boost with every pedal rotation. Regular cycles on the other hand rely purely on pedal power, which requires a certain amount of fitness level. The motor assist provided by an e-cycle enables riders to travel much further using less effort. For reference, the effort required to travel 5km on a conventional bike can carry e-bike riders close to 10km, thanks to the power of the motor. The Nexzu Roadlark for instance can travel 80-85 km on a single charge using pedal assist. 

A sweat-free commute

Some of the disadvantages of using a bicycle for your daily commutes are showing up at your destination hot, sweaty, and uncomfortable. But, an e-cycle allows you to ride the same route while exerting only a fraction of the physical effort. So a bicycle with an electric motor, such as the Essel Energy GET 1, can offer all the benefits of commuting on two wheels while eliminating many of the negative aspects. 

CONS

Significant upfront investment

E-bikes are expensive, which means you’ll end up shelling out a lot more in the beginning. For example, the Hero Lectro Electric C3 starts at Rs 28,999 in India as opposed to a regular cycle that retails at around Rs 7,000. That’s a huge price difference. But once you wrap your head around the fact that e-cycles only demand a higher upfront cost but are relatively cheaper to maintain, the price difference becomes insignificant. It’s also cheaper to buy and own compared to a good e-scooter or car.

Noticeably heavier 

There’s no getting around the fact that e-cycles are much heavier than regular cycles, thanks to the extra components. This becomes even more evident while trying to carry the bike up a flight of stairs or trying to ride it when it runs out of charge. The effort required is pretty apparent.

Complex parts

E-bikes and regular bikes share most of their components including the frame, chassis, tyres, and brakes which are easy to find, replace, and repair. However, there are a handful of unique components specifically designed for e-bikes. Complex components are harder to find and fix, making repairs more expensive compared to a regular e-bike. 

Long charge times

Last but not the least are the charge times. E-bikes, once out of charge, can take around 4-5 hours to fully charge. Sure, you could ride one without any charge as well, but it takes a bit more effort thanks to the added weight of the battery and motor.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, the strengths of owning an e-cycle far outweigh its weaknesses. The versatility and utility of electric bikes are hard to beat. They’re efficient, good for the environment, healthier and a lot of fun. With time, electric cycles will only become safer, lighter, and more affordable; ultimately making them more accessible.