Improve Your Commute With These Electric Utility Bikes

Commuting has a negative connotation, but getting to and from work doesn’t have to be a bad experience. Whether your commute currently involves public transportation, your own vehicle, or a combination of both, there’s another option out there — electric bikes. 

Learn more about what investing in an electric utility bike can do for commuters like you, your wallet, and even your community. Plus, discover what to look for when it comes to shopping for an ebike and learn more about some of the best electric utility bikes on the market for commuters. 

Investing in an electric bike is a cost-effective option for commuters 

According to Car and Driver, a new car costs $48,000 on average. You can get an electric cargo bike for a fraction of that cost and save money on gas,which J.D. Power reports Americans spend an average of $5,000 on annually.. Pair that with other car maintenance costs like oil changes, inspections, and emissions, and the cost of owning and operating a car can rival the cost of the vehicle itself. 

Even compared to public transit, electric bikes are a significantly cheaper option. The cost of public transportation depends on the kind you take and how often you use it, but investing in an electric bike is a one-time-cost that can help you avoid those unexpected public transit expenses, like ticketing or parking fees. 

Benefits of owning an electric utility bike as a commuter 

In addition to the monetary savings of riding an e-bike, there are several other benefits to owning an electric bike. When compared to traditional bicycles, you can go a lot farther on an e-bike. That’s because models like the ones offered at Rad Power Bikes come standard with a 750W geared hub/direct-drive motor powered by a 48V, 14 Ah (672 Wh) removable Lithium-Ion battery pack. 

That translates to a 25-45 mile range on a single charge. Here’s a better look at how far an e-bike can take you based on factors like the level of pedal assist, terrain, and rider size. The battery life of your electric power bike depends on several factors, but typically speaking they last about 5 years. Frequent e-bike riders may see a battery life of about half that (2.5 years), while a casual rider might see their battery last upwards of 6-7 years. Fortunately, there are ways you can prolong the life of your electric bike battery. 

Still, there are even more benefits to owning and operating an electric bike like the ones offered at Rad Power Bikes. Those benefits include: 

• Saving money on maintenance. Bikes require upkeep like cars, but the cost of adjusting the brakes or replacing tires on an e-bike are significantly less than those associated with cars. Plus, oil changes and other motor-related expenses don’t apply with electric bikes, so you’re saving there as well. 
• Potentially saving on healthcare costs. Riding a bike can potentially help you lose weight, lower cholesterol, lower your risk of heart disease, and improve several other areas of your health, from your mental well-being to your posture and coordination. Over time, these improvements can mean fewer health care costs for you. 
• Deferred depreciation. Electric bikes typically hold their value. When you buy a car, depreciation begins the second you drive it off the lot. With electric bikes, depreciation value is minimal. Of course, there will always be upgrades and newer models available. But the depreciation rate of an electric bike is significantly slower than that of a traditional car. 
• Contributing to a cleaner environment. Because they’re electric, e-bikes don’t pollute the air with carbon emissions. Opting to commute with an electric bicycle over a car or public transportation can help lessen pollution. 
• Saving on insurance. If your insurance provider covers e-bikes, you could save a ton of money compared to traditional car insurance. Some states even offer rebates for residents who use electric bikes.

What to consider when shopping for an electric utility bike

Buying an electric bike is a lot like buying a car with a few other special considerations to make along the way. First and foremost, consider your budget and how much you’re able to spend. Fortunately, there are a lot of affordable electric bike models out there, so you don’t have to break the bank. 

Next, consider how you’ll be using the electric bike. Is it something you’ll get daily use out of commuting to and from work? Will riding the electric bike be more of a hobby or something you only do occasionally? The answers to these questions will influence the kind of features you’ll want your e-bike to have. 

Another consideration that’s extremely specific to shopping for a bicycle is your bike inseam. Your bike inseam is the distance between where your body sits on the bike saddle and the ground. It’s like the inseam of your pants, but typically an inch or two longer. 

Electric power bike price 

Per Consumer Reports and the NCSL, the average price for an electric commuter bike is $2,000 to $3,000. Rad Power Bikes offers electric bikes at varying price ranges depending on your needs (the most expensive model is only $2,299). Most of the time, they run specials, sales, and deals on e-bikes.

Right now, you can save money on the RadRover 6 Plus, which is $700 off and now only $1,399. Active duty military, military retirees, veterans, military spouses and family members, plus first responders, medical providers, government employees, students, and teachers can save an additional $50 on the RadRover 6 Plus. 

E-Bikes for Commuters 

RadRover 6 Plus Electric Fat Tire Bike

Best electric cargo bike for commuters traveling on any terrain 

Buy from Rad Power Bikes, $1,399

The sixth iteration of Rad Power Bikes flagship model, this e-bike makes commuting and exploring a breeze. Whether you’re looking for something that’ll take you to work and back and allow you to get errands done in between, a bike that’ll work in the city as well as it does on the hiking trail, or a bike that does both, the RadRover 6 Plus is for you. With a weight limit of up to 275 pounds, a 750 watt motor that lets you go steeper at lower speeds, and a 45-mile range per charge, this electric bike was designed to handle your everyday needs, whatever that day might bring. 

Plus, this all-weather e-bike has hydraulic-disc brakes that provide you with better stopping power, a semi-integrated battery with a 10 LED display that lets you know when it needs a charge, and a suspension system that lets you take on any kind of terrain. The RadRover 6 Plus Electric Fat Tire Bike comes in two sizes — a high-step frame and a step-thru frame. The high-step frame was designed for riders 5’7″-6’2″, while the step-thru frame is ideal for those 5’2″-6’2″. 

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RadRunner 3 Plus Electric Utility Bike

Best electric utility bike for commuters 

Buy from Rad Power Bikes, $2,299 

Rad Power Bikes’ RadRunner 3 Plus was designed to get you where you need to go when you need to get there. Engineered so you can get the most out of your ride, this electric utility bike comes with a low-step frame, hydraulic brakes, and Rad Power Bikes’ most up-to-date tech. That means up to 45-miles per charge and a 750W motor designed to move up to 350 pounds. It boasts 10% faster hill-climbing capability than previous RadRunners! Plus, the 7-speed drivetrain and durable front-suspension fork makes it easy to tackle all kinds of terrains. 

The RadRunner 3 Plus is another all-weather ebike option from Rad Power Bikes with hydraulic-disc brakes designed to provide you with better stopping power. Whether you’re headed to the office or out on the trail, this electric utility bike will get you there. 

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Best electric utility bike for commuters with kids or cargo

Buy from Rad Power Bikes, $1,249

If your commute involves a lot of cargo, the RadRunner 2 Electric Utility Bike is for you. Whether it’s your laptop bag or groceries, this ebike was designed with your cargo in mind. 

Car-pooling gets a whole new meaning thanks to the RadRunner Passenger Package. The RadRunner 2 Electric Utility Bike’s 300 pound payload capacity allows you to invite a friend to enjoy the ride. You can instantly transform this urban utility e-bike into a 2-seater with a passenger seat that sits flush with yours, retractable footpegs, and a protective wheel skirt. With over 330 possible accessory combinations, you can customize this moped-style ebike to your heart’s content! 

Plus, this electric utility bike features a 16.5″ stand-over height making it the perfect option for those needing a more approachable package without sacrificing features or functionality. Other added benefits of the RadRunner 2 include the puncture-resistant tires and RheoLight, a coating that uses crystal glass pigments to better refract light that making you more visible to drivers at night that is only available with the limited-edition Pool Shark blue model ($1,549).

Best electric bike for the occasional commuter 

Buy from Rad Power Bikes, $1,899

If working from home is part of your lifestyle and you’re only in the office a fraction of the time, the RadTrike Electric Tricycle is for you. It’s one of the most comfortable electric bikes on the market, which combines the power of an electric bike with confidence-inspiring stability. This electric tricycle is more comfortable and more accessible than many other electric commuter bikes and comes ready with 415 pounds of payload capacity. Whether you’re hauling equipment, groceries, or a cooler of your favorite drinks, this tricycle has your back. 

Other perks of this electric tricycle include a generous step-through space allowing for easy on-and-off and a 10Ah/450Wh battery that’ll take you up to 55 miles. Plus, five levels of pedal assist and a throttle for extra, on-demand power mean riding is always easy, no matter where you’re headed. When you’re done with your ride, the RadTrike easily loads into vehicles or storage with its fold-down mechanism. 

As if that weren’t enough, this tricycle is completely customizable to meet your cargo needs, too. Haul items big or small with Rad Power Bikes’ curated kits. 

Make commuting an eco-friendly, cost-effective option with any of the electric bike models available at Rad Power Bikes.

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