• someguy3@lemmy.ca
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      7 months ago

      If it replaces a car it’s cheap. Even replacing transit passes will save you money over some years.

      • tunetardis@lemmy.ca
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        7 months ago

        This. I have calculated that the ebike I bought will pay itself off in about 2 years from all that not-driving I’m doing. That’s just from fuel/maintenance savings alone. If I factor in that my car is getting quite old and I would probably need to have replaced it by now, it has already paid for itself. (I still need a car for bad weather and certain hauling needs, but I drive it only sporadically these days so it’s lasting forever.)

    • Passerby6497@lemmy.world
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      7 months ago

      I just started looking into getting a recumbent bike, and holy shit does adding pedelec features (ebike conversion)/peddle assistance) skyrocket the price. I knew it would be a bit expensive, but goddamn 😭

      • tunetardis@lemmy.ca
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        7 months ago

        My first ebike was a used tourist rental. As such, it was a bare bones model feature-wise. It only had one button you push to turn on pedal assist and that’s it. But the ebike shop owner was kind enough to put a fresh battery on it at no extra charge, and because it was designed for rentals, the thing was built like a tank and looked no worse for wear.

        I rode that thing for about 3 years before upgrading to a more tricked out fat tire bike that suits my usage patterns better. Then I gave the old one to my daughter’s roommate and it’s still getting good use afaik?

    • Mr_Blott@lemmy.world
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      7 months ago

      You can build your own for €500 if you pick up an old shit heap bike and put an electric wheel on it