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Free Electric Bike? Why a $1500 eBike is Practically Free

Free Electric Bike? Why a $1500 eBike is Practically Free
These could be free ebikes. Well, sorta.
Credit: GearLab
By Chris McNamara ⋅ Founder and Editor-in-Chief
Friday January 12, 2024

Is there such a thing as a free electric bike? Maybe. Picture this: the sun warming your face, the wind in your hair, and the effortless glide of two wheels beneath you. No engine roar, no noxious fumes, just pure freedom and a healthy dose of exercise. Sound like a daydream? It's your daily reality with an electric bike, and here's the kicker: owning one can practically pay for itself within a year.

Cargo bikes are especially good at replacing car trips to the beach, grocery store or school with your little ones.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens

While a $1500 electric bike might seem like a hefty investment upfront, consider it a savvy swap for the ever-draining expenses of car ownership. Gas prices skyrocketing? Forget it. Grueling oil changes and pricey repairs? Not anymore. An electric bike is more than just a trendy gadget; it's a gateway to a financial and environmental revolution.

The Free Electric Bike Numbers


Let's crunch the numbers. Imagine you commute 10 miles each way, five days a week, in a car averaging 25 miles per gallon. That's 100 miles a week, or 5200 miles a year. At current gas prices (let's be optimistic and say $3.50 a gallon), you're already shelling out $1820 annually just to get to work. Add in routine maintenance, oil changes, insurance, and the occasional (inevitable) repair, and that figure easily balloons to $3000 or more.

Many eBikes like the Specialized Haul have optional panniers that make hauling groceries a sinch. And you always get prime parking.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Now, factor in your trusty electric bike. Charging typically costs pennies on the dollar compared to filling a gas tank. Even assuming a generous daily cost of $1 for electricity, that's $365 a year – a fraction of what you were paying. But the savings don't stop there. Electric bikes require minimal maintenance, with no oil changes, spark plugs, or filters to replace. You'll also wave goodbye to costly repairs associated with engines and transmissions. You might just have a free electric bike on your hands!

The financial freedom an electric bike offers goes beyond immediate costs. Consider parking: finding and paying for a spot downtown becomes a distant memory. Traffic jams? So long! You'll zip past gridlock with a smile, arriving at work refreshed and revitalized. Plus, who needs a gym membership when you're getting a daily dose of cardio on your commute? Your health will thank you, and your doctor might even lower your blood pressure medication.

Folding electric bikes let you take eBikes with you without needing a bike rack. You need good trunk space.
Credit: Joshua Hutchens

Other Benefits


But the benefits extend far beyond your wallet and waistline. Electric bikes are environmentally friendly warriors. They produce zero emissions, contributing to cleaner air and a healthier planet. Imagine a world where rush hour doesn't mean a smog-filled nightmare but a chorus of chirping birds and rustling leaves. An electric bike isn't just a vehicle; it's a statement of conscious living, a vote for a greener future.

Of course, not everyone lives in a city utopia with perfect bike lanes and sunny skies. But even in less-than-ideal conditions, an electric bike can still be a game-changer. Errands, grocery runs, weekend adventures—all become effortlessly doable on two wheels. Forget battling for parking or stressing about gas prices; hop on your e-bike and rediscover the joy of simple, sustainable transportation.

Is A Free Electric Bike in Your Future?


So, is a $1500 e-bike a "free electric bike"? Not quite. But consider it an investment in your health, your wallet, and the planet. It's a passport to freedom, a gateway to a cleaner world, and a guaranteed conversation starter (everyone will want to try your new ride!). And who knows, maybe next year, you'll be cruising past gas stations with a smug grin, your pockets full and your lungs full of fresh air, thinking, "That e-bike was the best free thing I ever bought."

Remember, the choice is yours: continue fueling the gas guzzlers, or embrace the breeze and join the e-bike revolution. Your wallet, your health, and the planet will thank you.

Which Electric Bike is Best to Replace a Car


For most people, the best eBike to replace a car will be a cargo bike. Some models are geared toward carrying passengers, like the Aventon Abound, while others are geared towards carrying groceries and everyday items, like the Specialized Haul ST. If you are not planning to haul kids and a lot of stuff, most other eBikes come with racks or are easy to add panniers to for more of your daily items. A current favorite is the Ride1Up 700-Series. You can also attach a bike trailer to just about any electric bike, which gives more options for hauling kids, pets, or just about anything that will fit in a 3 x 3-foot space. In general, if you have kids, a cargo bike is usually the best option. If you have more modest transport needs, just about any eBike can be configured to carry groceries, backpacks, or other daily items.