How an ebike can help cut your travel costs
During the past few years of Covid-19 lockdowns and the growing popularity of working from home, the UK ebike industry has seen a surge in popularity as more and more people switched from driving to cycling in the absence of the daily commute. Almost three years on, as the commute becomes a familiar experience for many again, the ebike has remained a popular alternative to other forms of transportation due to its numerous benefits, including the significant cost savings that it offers.
If you are considering buying an electric bike in 2023 but are not sure if it’s worth the investment, here’s how an ebike can help cut your travel costs.
Cheaper than other forms of transportation
The main cost-saving benefit of owning an ebike is just that – you own the bike outright, and after the upfront payment on a reliable model the costs are much smaller than running a vehicle or using public transport. As the cost of purchasing or financing a new, or even a used, car continues to grow month on month, road legal ebikes are often considered a hugely worthwhile investment. Some ebikes cost roughly the same as one year’s worth of bus passes and are widely hailed as saving the average commuter over £300 per month.
The initial cost of purchasing an en electric bike can also be spread out as many dealers offer payment plans to offset the cost of purchasing a bike, making the initial investment less daunting for prospective buyers, and a much more attractive prospect than a costly new car.
It’s not just your wallet that will feel the benefits of an ebike – owning an electric bike can also improve your mental and physical health.
Saves time and money on the daily commute
Aside from charging costs, the day-to-day running costs of an e-bike are similar to that of a standard bike, meaning that the upkeep of an ebike is much more cost-efficient than a car or daily train tickets.
The numerous costs associated with running a car, including tax, insurance, roadside assistance and annual MOTs simply do not exist with ebikes. Compared to the numerous checks and certifications required to make a car road-worthy, the requirements to make an ebike legal are minimal, such as the requirement that the motor is 250 watts or less.
Road legal ebikes also avoid the numerous costs of maintaining a car, including the fluctuating prices of petrol. A full charge for the average ebike will cost between 5p and 10p – a huge cost-saving from the excessive and changeable prices of fuel. Ebikes can also be charged using renewable energy, whilst fully electric and hybrid cars still fall well below the number of diesel and petrol cars. If the mounting costs of maintaining a car are becoming a concern, or you are keen to offset your carbon footprint, then making the switch to an electric bike could save you time, money and hassle.
The growing popularity of cycle schemes
The benefits of e bikes are widely recognised, and as a result, several government-backed schemes are underway to encourage people to cycle to work. These schemes offer employees the opportunity to save between 32% and 42% off the cost of a new regular bike or electric bike and spread the cost over 12 monthly instalments. This cost-efficient benefit can save you up to £900 on a £2,500 bike, before the cost-savings on maintenance and charging are even considered.
Ready to cut your travel costs? Click here to visit the Nippon E Bikes website where you can learn more about the range of ebikes available and discover the best model for you.