Electric Bike vs Car Comparison: Which Is Better?

A bike versus car debate has lasted for years. While electric bicycles are gaining popularity, four-wheeled motor vehicles continue to dominate the roads. That said, e-bikes have a lot of advantages over cars, making them a go-to solution for those seeking a convenient, cost-effective, and sustainable option to get around. But can a two-wheeler fully replace a car? Let’s compare both means of transportation based on several factors to resolve the heated debate and determine which is better: an e-bike or car.

Cost Comparison

For many, finances are the primary consideration when choosing a preferred means of transportation. E-bicycles have an obvious advantage on this point, as they are more affordable than cars.

• Cost of ebike: the average e-bike cost typically ranges from $1,000 to $2,000 (for a basic commuter), while the most durable, customized models may reach $10,000+. The cost of an ebike depends on a wide range of factors, so that anyone can find the right model according to their needs and budget. This includes:

• Battery capacity

• Motor type and power

• Frame material

• Suspension system

• Drivetrain system

• Braking system

• Add-ons (front/rear rack, display, lights, tires, etc.)

• Cost of car: according to Experian, the average price tag for a new car in the US has reached $47,900 this year. At the same time, the average cost of a used car has exceeded $25,000, which is at least twice as much as the price of the best new electric bike.

Car vs Electric Bike Maintenance Costs

Electric bicycles have fewer mechanical parts than four-wheeled vehicles and, thus, require less maintenance. The American Automotive Association estimates that the average car owner spends approximately $12,000 per year or $1,000 per month to maintain their vehicle. E-bikes, in turn, require minimal maintenance (tire replacement, chain and drivetrain service, brake tune-ups, etc.), which results in smaller ongoing costs of $400-$800 per year. Hence, electric two-wheelers prove to be a better option for those making an ebike vs car decision with the purpose of saving more money in the long run.

Read also: Riding Electric Bikes in the Rain: Is It Safe?

Car vs Ebike Cost per Mile

We should do a little bit of math to compare the car vs electric bike cost per mile. E-cycles require no fuel as they are powered by rechargeable batteries. Therefore, we will factor in the electric costs to define how much you may spend per each mile of the ride. 

E-Bike Cost

Let’s take the Agile Avant bike with a 720Wh battery as an example. Since electricity is priced in kWh, we should first convert watt-hours (Wh) into kilowatt-hours (kWh):

• 720Wh = 0.72 kWh 

To calculate how much it costs to charge the battery fully, we will use the formula:

• Battery capacity x 1.25 x cost of electricity per kWh

Assuming that the average US residential electricity rate is $0.17 per kWh, this gives us:

• 0.72 kWh x 1.25 x $0.17 = $0.153

Hence, the full ebike charging cost is 15 cents. Since the battery range is 70 miles, Agile bike operation per mile proves to be extremely cheap:

• $0.153/70 = $0.0022 or 0.22 cents

Car Cost

Now, let’s find out how much it takes to fuel a gas car. The formula is:

• Gas price per gallon/miles per gallon (MPG) = car cost per mile 

The average MPG for US cars is 24.4, while the average gas price is $3.19 per gallon. So, the car’s cost per mile is:

• $3.19/24.4 = $0.13 or 13 cents

These simple calculations show that e-bikes cost about 59 times less than cars. The economy is obvious.

Environmental Impact

E-bikes prove their sustainability across all lifecycle phases:

• Manufacturing: e-bicycles require fewer resources for manufacturing, minimizing environmental impact. The production of one electric bike contributes to the emission of 96 kg CO2, compared to 134 kg for a car. 

• Operation: electric cycles produce zero harmful emissions since they do not burn fossil fuels. 2 wheeled bikes also emit only 9 g of CO2 per mile, which is 30 times less than a regular car, emitting 271 g of CO2 over the same distance.

• End-of-life: many e-bike components, like tires, electronics, and frames, are recyclable. Cars, in turn, produce significantly more waste and require complex disposal processes, which have a negative environmental impact.

Also read: Do You Need a License for an Electric Bicycle? Considering E-Bike Laws in the US

Convenience

Riding vs driving comparison comes down to the purpose and duration of a trip. Cars offer clear advantages for long-distance travel due to their enhanced convenience, speed, and cargo capacity.

However, e-bikes are more suitable for short trips and daily errands in big cities. They make travel easier with electric assistance so that you can get to work or a grocery store without breaking a sweat. Traffic congestion is not a problem for a maneuverable bicycle, so it often allows you to get from point A to point B faster than cars, especially during rush hours in busy urban environments. Parking is also easy; you just need to choose a good bicycle lock to keep your two-wheeler safe when you are not around.

Electric Car vs Electric Bike

While electric vehicles are considered a greener alternative to regular cars, they still have a greater environmental footprint than bikes, as they require more manufacturing and operational resources. Electric cars are also less cost-efficient than e-cycles, which can be seen in the table below:

Conclusion

So, car or electric bike, which transportation option is better to choose? Summarizing all of the above, the electric bike is better than the car in many aspects. These two-wheelers, equipped with electric motors, are cost-efficient, environmentally friendly, and convenient for covering short distances quickly and effortlessly. However, the decision is still yours – it depends on your traveling needs and financial capabilities.

If you opt for an electric bike instead of a car, Avant will be your perfect choice for years to come. Whatever needs you pursue - daily commutes, family trips, off-road adventures - we have got you covered!