One year on...

[Synthman]

I've had my bike for a year now, can't believe the time has gone so quick! It has been a minor battle to keep it going, but I've decided I want to try and keep it running because it has been very quick and convenient when it works, as well as loads of fun! By the end of this year I'll be looking at getting a new battery, as its already 42 months old.

The battery has done 150 charges, and I estimate I've ridden approximately 1600 miles. A couple of weeks ago I tried to work out the running costs, taking everything into account but I misplaced the paper I worked it out on. I did find it quite interesting and I will post back when I find it.

 

[jerrysimon]

Like you I have recently completed about 1300 miles on my DIY ebrompton over the last year or so. About 250 cycles on my battery.

Rather than work out the running costs what I did was work out how much I had saved in petrol on my daily commute.

I took into account that in the car I have to drive twice as far (I cylce directly across the city rather than round it like in the car) so that meant some 2600 miles.

I drive a VW Golf so taking MPG it worked out at around £400 in petrol at todays costs. I know its crude as there are many other issues like cost of the bike, depreciation/wear and tear on the bike and car. But hey it made me feel good

For me its not just a money thing or any burning need to be green, but rather the relaxing experience of cycling to and from work every day and how it has transformed my outlook on the daily grind of life. Being a bit of a geek, I also greatly enjoyed the DIY experience and tinkering in my shed on the project. Finally, of course, there has been the fun of posting, sharing and meeting people from this great forum.

Regards

Jerry

 

[Synthman]

Well, I don't have a car so can't compare it to petrol costs, although that is one of the things putting me off a Vespa. However, it has saved me loads of bus fare (only place that has higher fares than Oxford is London) and more importantly, something which I can never get back, the time wasted on bus stops, and journeys on overcrowded buses. The ebike is a lot quicker and more comfortable and fun, and for the price of a single bus fare can charge the bike over 25 times, never mind return trips or a day pass which is nearly £4.

I did find the note I made, but I reckon they might be flawed or have mistakes somewhere!

On 150 charges, (my bike can't do more than 14 miles on a full charge) and approximately 1600 miles, I can say the electric costs are insignificant.

Electricity:
£8.00 on peak rate (5p/10 miles)
£4.00 on off-peak rate(25p/100 miles!)

Total spent on buying bike, accessories, and parts and repairs in first year: £1171.00 (parts and repairs £81)

Then I worked out the true cost per mile, for the first year and subsequent years. These assume I do the same distance, and spend the same on parts and repairs as the first year. Because the electricity costs made so little difference, I will only use the peak-rate results! Also, I've put in £350 for a replacement battery to cover the years 3-5...

First year: 73.6p/mile
Second year: 5p/mile
Third year: 27p/mile
Fourth year: 5p/mile
Fifth year: 5p/mile

Average cost per year, over the course of 5 years: £370.00 (23p/mile)
Average cost per year, over the course of 4 years: £442.40 (27p/mile)

I don't know if this is any good, or of any use to anybody, but there you go anyway.

Also, for the record of battery charges, I've done 152, as of today...
Number of times battery went flat to the point of cut-off: 66
Full charges from empty: 58
Full charges from a partially discharged state: 76
Partial charges (i.e. not to fully charged):18

 

[Synthman]

Also would like to edit the title to add "cost of ebike ownership" or something but its too late. Could a moderator do it for me?

 

[EdBike]

Hmmm... this could make for some interesting data. Maybe if I made a calculator to plug your figures into and work out how happy you are? There'd maybe be lots of ifs and buts, but really interesting info potentially.

In retrospect, you you reckon you switched to the e-bike mostly because of the money or because of the other benefits?

 

[Synthman]

Hmmm... this could make for some interesting data. Maybe if I made a calculator to plug your figures into and work out how happy you are? There'd maybe be lots of ifs and buts, but really interesting info potentially.

In retrospect, you you reckon you switched to the e-bike mostly because of the money or because of the other benefits?

Well, I was looking for my first personal transport, and the bus service was truly appalling and slow. A short journey that takes 16-18 mins on the ebike could take anything from 30-60 mins on the bus, sometimes more, and usually have to wait ages.

Also, I really liked the look of the bike when I first saw it over 3 years ago, decided I wanted it then but put it off for a while. The price was the other factor, I actually wanted a Vespa PX125 instead, but wanted to get the ebike as a stopgap and to practice on. Now I'm used to the twist and go on the ebike, I would rather get an automatic Vespa now, or when I can afford it. Being cheap to run is another bonus for the ebike.

The ebike can also go on cycle lanes and paths, this saves loads of time as not even motorbikers can keep up with me sometimes!

I had my first power cut-out on a hill today. It was a very steep hill, and combined with the wind the power went completely. I turned it off for a minute and it recovered fine, although it must mean my battery is now declining as this has never happened before. This is the one thing I'm really not happy about, the dealer sold it with an ancient battery that's been tampered with.

The other thing is if I can get a trailer to connect, it would make the bike far more useful, but there isn't a good place to attach it to. Might have to make another thread for that.

 

[tillson]

The basic sums that I have done regarding the running costs for an electrically assisted bike confirm that they are definitely not a way to save money. They score highly in other areas though, as you have pointed out. The freedom to use cycle lanes, short hops across pavements and foot paths, the pleasure of cycling, the exercise to name but a few. Its just a case of where your priorities lie.

 

[banbury frank]

bike trailer

Trailers on Ebay looks good

Ebay Item numbers

130397972605

400130858549

400163229984




Frank

 

[Synthman]

The basic sums that I have done regarding the running costs for an electrically assisted bike confirm that they are definitely not a way to save money. They score highly in other areas though, as you have pointed out. The freedom to use cycle lanes, short hops across pavements and foot paths, the pleasure of cycling, the exercise to name but a few. Its just a case of where your priorities lie.

Aye. I was quite shocked at the first year's cost. I should have worked out how much it would be without buying a replacement battery, but I'm scared of what I might find out! Also, if you have any figures available for posting I would be very interested in seeing them.

Trailers on Ebay looks good

Ebay Item numbers

130397972605

400130858549

400163229984




Frank

The first one wouldn't attach to my bike and I don't like the look of it. The second one looks more likely, I've seen a similar one in my local cycle shop. The max weight and the size is a bit low for what I might use it for, but its the only thing that might be remotley suitable.

Here's a pic of the bike.

I think if I made some kind of contraption to connect it where the topbox used to be? Any ideas?