A beginner's guide to electric bikes

You can buy an electric car, motorbike or truck – and electric planes are around the corner. For many of us, battery storage is now an essential part of our home solar solution. It's no surprise, then, that the humble bicycle is also a part of the shift to battery power, with electric-powered bikes – or e-bikes – now one of the fastest-growing sales segments in the industry.

What are the advantages of an e-bike?

The secret to the e-bike's popularity is its versatility. For some, an e-bike can make commuting by bicycle a genuine alternative to a car or public transport because distances that normally require above-average fitness can be easily accomplished. For those unable to ride a traditional bike for health reasons, or who lack the confidence to ride with faster riders, e-bikes can be the difference between staying on the couch and getting active. Even serious cyclists use e-bikes to get to work faster and fresher, to expand their circle of adventure, or just to go faster. E-bike categories are even starting to pop up in the bike-racing world.

How much do they cost?

Today's broad e-bike market covers everything from commuter and town bikes to folding bikes, road bikes and mountain bikes – even cargo bikes. The cheapest electric town bikes now comfortably sit below $1,000, but you’ll need to hand over more than $20,000 for a real top-of-the-line e-Mountain Bike. However much you spend, it will be more than a comparable 'normal' bike due to its additional components. Maintenance costs are generally higher than for a traditional bike, with consumables such as replacement batteries making them a pricier proposition over the long term¹.

How far do they go?

Depending on the model, you can expect anywhere between 50km and 100km of powered riding², though whether you achieve your bike's stated range will depend on factors such as terrain and conditions. Battery charging generally takes from two to six hours³.

Do I need to register an e-bike or get a licence?

The concept of an e-bike might seem much the same as a motorbike but there are key legal differences. Even if it offers power without pedalling, it must still primarily be powered by the rider. Others only give you a dash of extra go when you're using your legs (these are legally defined in Australia as an "electrically power-assisted cycle" compared to the normal "power-assisted pedal cycle")⁴.  E-bikes are also power and speed limited in this country – regular power-assisted cycles to 200W and electrically power-assisted cycles to 250W, with power assistance required to cut out at 25km/h⁴. If your e-bike adheres to the laws described above, you won't need registration or a licence to ride it. You just need to follow the helmet, road, shared-path and other laws applicable to any bicycle user in your state.

How do I keep an e-bike safe?

E-bikes are hot property with thieves, but offer no more theft protection than a normal bike, so safe storage and a sturdy lock are essential. Technology is also being introduced to solve the issue – Bosch's latest e-bike power systems allow you to lock the motor by removing the bike's onboard computer display⁵.

If you’ve invested in a new e-bike and want to be sure it’ll be covered by your Contents Insurance, you might be relieved to know that GIO Contents Insurance will cover it, if it’s lost or damaged in an insured event. The exact amount you can expect to be paid out to repair or replace it can vary depending on the policy type you choose and whether you specify the e-bike on your policy.

Learn more about Contents Insurance

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¹ Electric Bike Maintenance Cost | bicyclevolt.com
² What is E-bike Range on Single Charge? How Far Can E-Bikes Go? | easyebiking.com
³ How to Charge an Electric Bike | electricbicycleplanet.com
⁴ Electric Bikes - Nearly Everything You Need To Know | glowwormbicycles.com.au
⁵ For a feeling of safety | bosch-ebike.com

Insurance is issued by AAI Limited ABN 48 005 297 807 trading as GIO. Any advice has been prepared without taking into account your particular objectives, financial situation or needs, so you should consider whether it is appropriate for you before acting on it. Please read the relevant Product Disclosure Statement before you make any decision regarding this product. The Target Market Determination is also available.