My biggest concern with e-bikes are the batteries. I have an elderly friend who bought an e-bike a few years ago and now the battery is dead. In helping him find a new battery, I learned a few things:
- e-bike batteries last approximately 3 to 5 years before they need to be replaced
- there is no such thing as a "standard e-bike battery"
- replacement e-bike batteries cost several hundred dollars
- replacement e-bike batteries may be difficult or even impossible to find once your bike is no longer the current model
- some enterprising individuals have started businesses to refurbish used e-bike batteries, but prices are still in the hundreds to refresh the batteries.
My friend didn't get a new battery because he couldn't afford it. So now his bike is a giant paper weight.
Hence, if you're in the market for an e-bike, ask a LOT of questions about the battery and what the plan is for replacements 5, 10, and 15 years into the future when the bike shop and manufacturer no longer supports your bike!