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The truth is that price isn't really what matters most here, it's more about whether you actually need an e-bike or just want one. Those are two different things and people mix them up quite a bit.
I have a colleague who bought one a couple of years ago and at first I thought it was silly to drop that much cash on it, but then I got it. He lives in a pretty mountainous area and what was happening is that after work he'd be too wiped out to go ride because it was basically just climbing the whole time. With the e-bike now he goes out almost every day, covers more ground and actually enjoys it. For him it was totally worth it. My brother, on the other hand, bought one because it's "cool" and basically uses it just like a regular bike because he lives somewhere pretty flat. That was just throwing money away.
If your area has technical terrain, lots of climbs, or you just want to get out more without showing up completely trashed, electric assist opens up a ton of possibilities you didn't have before. But if what you do is cruise around comfortably on easy trails, you're better off saving the cash. The price difference is significant enough to not let it slide unless your actual use really justifies it. Try one before you decide, if you can.
It really depends on how much you'll use the bike and what terrain you have nearby. If you're going to ride regularly on technical trails or mountains where you'd get tired quickly on a regular bike, electric assistance opens up a ton of possibilities and lets you enjoy it more without arriving completely wrecked.
Yeah, the price is steep, but these bikes last for years and electric motors are getting more reliable all the time; if you're going to use it at least a couple times a week, it's probably worth it.
Either way, before you shell out the cash, try one at a shop to see if it really changes things for you.
What you see is that electric mountain bikes are expensive, but the real cost comes after 🚴♀️ battery, maintenance, specific repairs... that adds up pretty quick. That said, if where you live has good terrain and you actually ride regularly, the fun factor and being able to do more rides without arriving completely beat has real value.
The way I see it: if you're going to use the bike at least 2-3 times a week, you'll probably justify it to yourself. Plus the battery technology is way better now than it was a few years ago, they last longer. But if you're just looking for a chill weekend hobby, a regular quality bike gives you the same satisfaction and you save a ton. The price doesn't lie about the level of components they have, but you don't need top-of-the-line gear to have a good time either.
Have you already tried an electric one borrowed or at a shop before dropping the cash? Because a lot of people end up regretting it because they didn't know that the motor feels different depending on the brand, and that changes everything. What nobody mentions is that if your area has easy trails or flat terrain, you're really not going to make use of the assist - you end up paying extra for something you don't need. It only makes sense if you're going to tackle serious climbs or pretty technical terrain on a regular basis.
flores95 asker
Not yet, but I'm going to try one at a shop before buying. I have some technical trails nearby, so I think it would actually be worth it for me.
If you've been thinking about buying one for more than a couple of months, it's probably worth it for you - the people who regret it are usually the ones who jump in without being sure. What nobody tells you is that before you drop the cash, you should rent one for a long weekend in the area where you'd use it most, so you can see if it actually changes how you enjoy riding or if you just end up pedaling with the motor on without really caring about the mountains.
My best advice is to test the motor on long climbs, not just on flat terrain, because that's where you really see if it's worth it! What nobody mentions is that you should be careful with batteries in really hot or cold climates - they lose performance super fast and can ruin your experience. If you live somewhere with extreme weather, that extra replacement cost is something you should think hard about before making the investment. And honestly, if it's just for occasional rides on comfortable trails, the electric bike probably isn't worth the expense; but if it's for frequent outings or challenging terrain, the difference between enjoying it vs. suffering is huge!
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