The question makes sense from the perspective of needing something to get around on and how much that costs. Don't forget to factor in the batteries which have to be replaced after enough charge cycles. Usually given as 300-500 cycles. We should look at it as, how much does that cost per mile, wearing out the batteries?


A little tedious, but picking a pack at random,


48 Volt 10 Ampere-hours pack is $665.

It has 480 Watt-hours (volts times amp-hours)

A full charge goes 24 miles (20 watt-hours per mile is generally given)

The full life of the battery is 12,000 miles (500 charges times 24 miles per)

Cost per mile is 5.5 cents


Compared to a small motorcyle, as OP is in his post

Gasoline costs $2.40 per gallon (local prices)

One gallon goes 60 miles (Japanese 250cc, some are allegedly even better)

Cost per mile is 4 cents


So even though electricity is dirt cheap by comparison, it actually would cost us more per mile for the ebike than for a small motorcycle.


In my opinion, it doesn't make economic sense unless you really like bicycles better in the first place. Enthusiasts will pay thousands for the bike, motor or not, so from their perspective it's not all that much more expensive.