Cost? I could get a used Corolla for what ebikes are selling for. Sure, they’re a new product on the market and prices will probably come down, but there’s a massive proportion of the population who cannot financially justify an ebike.
Part of that is because Ontario vehicle registration renewal is free, which obviously isn’t free, it just means taxes pay for it instead. For comparison, registration in QC is $210-$300 per year, based on area; before any large size or extra cylinder fees.
Your insurance is also exceptionally low for Ontario.
Are you talking about licence plate renewals? I think they are free now, but they’ve always been around $75 (or so) per year. Quebec’s rate is brutal @ $300 per year.
Your insurance is also exceptionally low for Ontario.
CAA pay-as-you-go! Literally saved me thousands of dollars a year. I would highly recommend it to anyone who doesn’t drive more than 8000 km a year.
I wish I could get rid of my car for good. My wife still uses it, while I ride a bike for 99%+ of my trips within a 40 km radius. I’d much rather put any car-related payments towards an e-bike.
Thanks for the tip on CAA pay as you go, I only put in 4000 last year.
Québecs rate is brutal; but it’s because a lot of externalities of driving are covered by that fund. For example, if a pedestrian gets hit and runned, that find pays for it if the driver (and their insurance) can’t be found.
The $100 difference in finds are based on home much public transit is available where you are, the more transit, the more you pay. (Though I’ve also thought I should also get $100 off a yearly transit pass)
I got one on sale for ~$700. 250w, 10.4Ah, 45Lbs (and smaller than most bikes), folding, and has gears. I did have to air up the tires and tune the derailleur (and it does not have every feature), even though it was new I wouldn’t say “used Corolla of ebikes” would be a bad comparison especially on value (and that it may not be enough for everyone). It went cheaper after I bought it, but looks like that’s because it was discontinued (I don’t see it on their site anymore, also the company seems to have missed the point on it with a comparison to a new model).
But yeah, seeing headlines on this sub I know nothing new is going to compare to that on value. Like their “cheap” is gonna be a $1K+ bike that probably has some other issue like weighing 60Lbs or has no gears.
Cost? I could get a used Corolla for what ebikes are selling for. Sure, they’re a new product on the market and prices will probably come down, but there’s a massive proportion of the population who cannot financially justify an ebike.
Free corolla still costs thousands per year to put on the road, before gas and mileage maintained.
Free Corola can take you on vacation 300 miles away and keep you warm on your way to work.
The tough part is that now I need to maintain ownership of yet another thing, store it, and hope it won’t get stolen.
There are plenty of people who have traveled well in excess of 300 miles on a bicycle. Hell, bike touring is a vacation unto itself.
Clothes can keep you warm too.
I get the convenience of a car, but it’s not necessarily impossible on a bike.
FWIW, I pay less than $500 (Canadian) to insure and gas my Corolla. Yes, I hardly ever use it, but it’s still cheaper than even an ebike battery.
It looks like you are in Ontario.
Part of that is because Ontario vehicle registration renewal is free, which obviously isn’t free, it just means taxes pay for it instead. For comparison, registration in QC is $210-$300 per year, based on area; before any large size or extra cylinder fees.
Your insurance is also exceptionally low for Ontario.
Are you talking about licence plate renewals? I think they are free now, but they’ve always been around $75 (or so) per year. Quebec’s rate is brutal @ $300 per year.
CAA pay-as-you-go! Literally saved me thousands of dollars a year. I would highly recommend it to anyone who doesn’t drive more than 8000 km a year.
I wish I could get rid of my car for good. My wife still uses it, while I ride a bike for 99%+ of my trips within a 40 km radius. I’d much rather put any car-related payments towards an e-bike.
Thanks for the tip on CAA pay as you go, I only put in 4000 last year.
Québecs rate is brutal; but it’s because a lot of externalities of driving are covered by that fund. For example, if a pedestrian gets hit and runned, that find pays for it if the driver (and their insurance) can’t be found.
The $100 difference in finds are based on home much public transit is available where you are, the more transit, the more you pay. (Though I’ve also thought I should also get $100 off a yearly transit pass)
Depends on the bike, there are plenty of good budget options out there like Lectric and REI.
I got one on sale for ~$700. 250w, 10.4Ah, 45Lbs (and smaller than most bikes), folding, and has gears. I did have to air up the tires and tune the derailleur (and it does not have every feature), even though it was new I wouldn’t say “used Corolla of ebikes” would be a bad comparison especially on value (and that it may not be enough for everyone). It went cheaper after I bought it, but looks like that’s because it was discontinued (I don’t see it on their site anymore, also the company seems to have missed the point on it with a comparison to a new model).
But yeah, seeing headlines on this sub I know nothing new is going to compare to that on value. Like their “cheap” is gonna be a $1K+ bike that probably has some other issue like weighing 60Lbs or has no gears.