From a morning commute through the city to traversing the countryside between camping spots, electric mobility is altering how we get about. As a result, many people are wondering what the best cost-effective option for their next electric vehicle is.
Electric bikes are more expensive than electric scooters in general. Even yet, the price difference between various e-bike and e-scooter categories may not be significant. Electric road bikes and off-road/mountain bikes, for example, can cost between $10K and $15K. Most high-end electric scooters, on the other hand, cost between $6K and $8K.
Why are electric bikes and scooters more expensive than each other?
Keep in mind that, unlike electric scooters, most electric bikes have more moving components and are built for a wider range of applications. This necessitates a more customized design as well as more durability than electric scooters. Other factors that contribute to the higher cost of electric bikes include:
Reason #1 – More Premium Materials
When comparing an e-scooter to an e-bike, you'll see that the latter has larger wheels, more parts, and a more wide chassis. All of these components necessitate the use of more carbon fiber, high-quality aluminum, and other materials. When compared to the majority of elements on an electric scooter, this is a substantially more expensive material.
Reason #2 – Brand Recognition
Owning a Rolex is preferable to owning a Walmart watch. The value of things we buy rises as a result of brand familiarity. Electric bikes have been around for a while and are often made by the same firms that make regular bicycles.
Newer electronic scooter brands like Dualtron, which has only been operating since 1999, have a lot easier time setting higher prices than brands like Pinarello, which was formed in 1953, or Trek, which was founded in 1976.
Reason #3 – The Factor of Human Use
Traditional bikes (and now electric bikes) have been used to go around for decades. Watch any WWII film and you'll see that everyone in the city rides bicycles. Long bike journeys throughout the country have grown fashionable in recent years, especially since the pandemic.
Biking competitions abound, including the Summer Olympics. Electric scooters haven't had the same level of popularity or incorporation into our daily lives, at least not yet.
Reason #4 – Convenience
When riding over long distances, the majority of users choose to sit. We can coast on electric bikes since they have comfy seats and cushions. Electric scooters require standing, which some individuals prefer not to do for long periods of time.
Electric Bikes & Scooters: Cheap vs. Expensive
The materials and quality of the components used in each gadget make the difference between inexpensive and costly electric bikes and scooters. Premium versions of motors, batteries, durability, shocks, brakes, and other components are all highly sought after by riders.
The material utilized in the frame is a fantastic example of this comparison. Off-road riders will seek out a heavier frame with more materials to ensure it does not break while riding. Electric scooters are in the same boat. Expensive models are more likely to have custom-made decks or strengthened necks to withstand harsh riding, which raises the price.
Is it True That Expensive Electric Bikes and Scooters Are Better?
The answer will vary depending on what you're riding and how you're riding it, but in general, yes. It almost always boils down to the quality of the materials, equipment, and add-ons employed in the bike or scooter's manufacture.
Some firms may be able to demand a higher price, but if they fail to deliver on quality, their reputation will suffer, and no one will buy their products in the future. Electric transportation that is more expensive is 80-90 percent of the time worth the money because of the high-quality materials and components utilized in its construction.
The Most Expensive Electric Bikes: How Much Do They Cost?
This varies depending on the country and the brand. The BlackTrail BT-01, which starts at $80,000, is the most expensive electric bike at the time of writing. It's made of carbon fiber, aerospace aluminum, titanium, and magnesium, all of which are lightweight. You can drive 120 miles at speeds up to 65 mph on a single charge of the leather-clad 17Ah Li-ion battery pack.
The average tends to be in the $10-$18K area for the most expensive electric bikes on the market. This will depend on the materials and components that are used, brand recognition, and extra services, such as a warranty, for example.
How much do the priciest electric scooters cost?
Dualtron is known for producing high-end electric scooters. The X2, in instance, is the current pricing leader, ranging between $6,400 and $6,800. Although there are more expensive scooters, this is the equivalent of a Porsche in the sector.
The Dualtron X2 comes equipped with a 72V 43Ah Li-ion battery that can propel you up to 68 mph for up to 93 miles, depending on your weight and size. This electric scooter is also on the top end of the market due to multiple control functions and excellent components. In general, the most expensive electric scooters are also the fastest.
3 Expensive Electric Bikes on the Market Today
These three examples are an excellent indicator of the present electric bike market. They aren't the most costly models, but they are the luxury bikes that most riders would consider buying.
PivoteVault GRX Carbon Wheel e-Bike | $10,000
When the world was still debating whether electric bikes were a good idea, Pivot was one of the first brands to enter the high-end e-bike industry. The Pivot GRX is now in high demand, with a waiting list.
This isn't a clumsy off-road bike, but rather a sleek design with outstanding handling that will make you look great everywhere you go. This is an 11-speed e-bike with three modes and top speeds of 28 mph that's great for trails or city commuting.
Polarna ebike M4 | $1,299.00
Until you sit down and engage the motor, the Kenevo appears to be a mountain bike. You have the durability to enjoy plenty of trail riding, but the lightweight design and hyper-responsiveness allow you to enjoy city exploration just as much as mountain exploration.
On 20" wheels made specifically for mountain biking's rugged terrain, you may expect speeds of up to 20 mph. This is a high-end e-bike designed for the weekend adventures we all wish we had more time for.
YETI 160E T1 E-Bike | $13,000 | 2022
The shocks are the first thing you'll notice about this powerful e-bike. This is a racing-oriented e-bike. You can not only enjoy a leisurely ride in the woods, but you can also compete on almost any mountain racecourse with this bike.
We’re talking about a TURQ-Series frame and a Shimano EP8 motor with a 630Wh internal battery. Top it all off with a Shimano XT drivetrain, and you have a beast that devours challenging rugged trails.
3 Expensive Electric Scooter on the Market Today
You'll notice a price difference between electric scooters and electric bikes right away if you look at these three luxury models that only serious riders buy.
Thrust Rion2 | $10,000
This scooter belongs to a category of scooters known as "hyperscooters" because of their high speeds. The fully charged 88.2V lithium battery 30Ah/84V will get you up to 90 mph and 45-50 miles before you need to recharge. This bad boy boasts dual motors, tremendous acceleration, and even a Rion mobile app to help you navigate and track your electric scooter's health.
Rion scooters are popular among racers because they are easy to personalize. Consider the street racers in the United States' Southwest. They buy top-of-the-line Hondas and turn them into speed demons. Rion is doing the same thing in the field of electric scooters.
Works Electric Hollyburn GS | $8,000
Get ready for 12,000 W max power, a top speed of 50 mph, and a range of 45 miles with the Hollyburn GS. This durable machine looks straight out of a science fiction novel. Everything about the Hollyburn screams industrial strength and speed. Between the power and 4-piston hydraulic breaking, you are looking at a ride that is incredibly fast and fairly safe.
This is like the luxury boat you buy to showcase how much knowledge you have as well as your love of premium products.
Dualtron X2 | $6,500
We mentioned it once already, but the Dualtron X2 is considered the best. This is more than a good-looking electric scooter. You will get a 90+ mile range at top speeds of 68mph. The X2 uses 8,300 BLDH hub dual motors to push the 13-inch ultra-wide tires all over the world.
You can see the shock power of this scooter. It has all the accessories you could want for upgrading, including a custom seat and bag ramp for picking up friends or local groceries. This is a fantastic secondary mode of transportation for people touring the country in an RV or converted bus.
Will an Expensive Electric Bike Save You Money?
Yes! Replace just one car trip with an electric bike at least five times a week, and you will have saved over $600 per year in gas and maintenance. Cars are expensive. They require custom parts for repairs, a lot of maintenance, insurance premiums, and often a high-interest rate car payment.
Electric bikes tend to be a single item purchase that you just plug into your wall to charge. You may have to replace a tire or two over the long run, but in general, you will save a significant amount of money so much so that the e-bike will pay for itself.
Things to Know About Expensive Electric Bikes and Scooters
If you have to replace anything more than a tire, you may be paying a premium. High-end materials are not cheap, and the demand for these products has only gone up because of the popularity of electric riding options. That creates a scarcity of raw materials that were already expensive.
You should check into the durability, maintenance, and waterproofing of the electric bike or scooter you are interested in buying first. That way, you do not end up paying significantly more in repairs or replacement costs if you frequently use these products for extreme sports or heavy use.
A Few Words in Conclusion
Yes, electric bikes are generally more expensive than electric scooters, but there are some caveats. It all comes down to premium quality materials, brand name, accessories and equipment used, as well as your own intentions.
If you only need a short-distance commuter electric scooter, you do not need to spend a high price. If you are a riding enthusiast who enjoys high speeds or off-roading, then expect to pay more for the durability and quality you will need. No matter what, these are fantastic transportation options that are only growing in popularity.