BIKE/BOARD

E-Bikes Are Replacing Cars and Getting Cheaper Fast

May 12, 2025

Most U.S. drivers average just 37 miles a day, well within the range of nearly all e-bikes currently on the market.
Fat tire e-bikes are popular for their versatility across various terrains.
Cargo e-bikes are becoming a practical alternative for urban transportation needs.
Affordability is crucial, with the $1,500-$3,000 range being ideal for first-time buyers.

Think you need a car for every errand, every commute, every “what if”? Let’s bust that myth right here. The average U.S. driver covers about 37 miles a day, according to federal highway data. That’s it. Not cross-country, not 200-mile marathons. Thirty-seven. And that stat alone is changing everything, especially when it comes to e-bikes.

At Electrify Expo, the largest electric vehicle and technology festival in the United States, more than 100,000 e-bike demo rides took place in 2024. These rides made something very clear: people are not simply curious anymore. They are actively test riding, making purchases, and reducing their reliance on gas-powered vehicles. The reason is simple. Today’s e-bikes, whether fat tire, cargo, or throttle-controlled, can comfortably cover 37 miles in a day, which is more than enough for most daily driving needs. And they often do so with plenty of range left.

The expo serves as more than a display of products. It also creates a space where hands-on experiences directly influence buying decisions.

Micromobility electric bike demo test ride at Electrify Expo Denver

According to BJ Birtwell, CEO of Electrify Expo, “Our attendees are primarily mid-purchase funnel and are in the mindset to purchase, so we want to give them a wide selection of bikes to choose from.”

Let’s talk fat tire e-bikes first. These bikes look different because they are different. Wide tires. Stable ride. Excellent for sand, gravel, snow, even pothole-filled side streets. They’re the kind of ride you hop on and instantly feel secure. And comfort matters, especially for new riders. Birtwell shared that these are some of the most test-ridden bikes at their events. They’re a hit because they remove hesitation. You feel in control, even if it’s your first ride since middle school.

Cargo e-bikes are becoming a practical solution to everyday transportation problems like traffic congestion, high gas prices, and expensive parking. More people living in cities and suburbs are now choosing cargo e-bikes instead of buying or keeping a second car.

They are using them for tasks such as dropping off children at school and making grocery store runs. One model gaining attention, the Rad Power Bikes RadWagon 4, supports up to 350 pounds of cargo and offers a range of up to 45 miles per charge, easily covering the 37 miles most Americans drive each day. Riders do not need to pedal hard uphill either, thanks to the 750-watt motor, which provides ample assistance when hauling kids, gear, or groceries.

Photo of attendees test riding Rad Power electric bikes at Electrify Expo in New York

This brings us to throttle control. Class 2 e-bikes are currently a popular choice for first-time buyers because they offer flexibility. Riders can choose to pedal when they want or use the throttle when they prefer not to. This feature is especially helpful when someone is tired, running late, or simply wants a more relaxed ride.

These bikes are attracting a wide range of users, from casual weekend riders to individuals recovering from injuries or dealing with limited mobility. According to Electrify Expo, there has been a noticeable increase in the number of Class 2 e-bike test rides, and interest in these models continues to grow. The appeal lies not in speed, but in accessibility and comfort.

But let’s not gloss over the money factor. E-bike affordability matters. A lot. The $1,500 to $3,000 price range has become the sweet spot for buyers. You get decent range, brand-name components, and long-term durability without tapping into your savings.

Kevin Michaud, Founder of GhostCat Bikes, states, “We started GhostCat Bikes with a simple goal: to deliver high-performance e-bikes at a best-value price point—between $2,000 and $3,000—without compromising on performance, quality or customer service.”

Even better news? Thanks to a 90-day tariff truce on Chinese-made e-bikes, prices might dip again. The 25% import tax that’s been driving up retail prices has been paused, at least temporarily. Why does that matter? Because nearly 90% of e-bikes sold in the U.S. are manufactured in China. With the pause in place, importers can breathe, retailers can adjust, and buyers, well, you might finally grab that bike you’ve been eyeing at a better price.

Affordability involves more than just the upfront sticker price. It includes the daily expenses that come with vehicle ownership, like fuel, insurance, routine maintenance, and parking fees. An e-bike doesn’t require any of those ongoing costs. When you add in the fact that most people only travel around 37 miles per day, the value of an e-bike becomes very clear. It isn’t a secondary gadget or a hobby item. It is a practical and reliable form of transportation.

Electrify Expo Seattle 2024 Micromobility Demo GhostCat electric bike

The e-bike industry is currently going through a period of consolidation, with larger companies acquiring smaller competitors. As a result, the number of available brands is decreasing, but this has led to improved distribution, more polished product selections, and in some cases, stronger customer support.

Electrify Expo plays a crucial role in this landscape by giving smaller brands a rare opportunity to connect directly with thousands of potential buyers. This face-to-face interaction provides real feedback, creates trust, and often translates into immediate sales.

So if you’re even remotely considering cutting your car use, or replacing it altogether, this might be your window. Prices are dipping. Infrastructure is improving. And the ebikes are being built to meet your actual needs. Not fantasy range. Not perfect conditions. Just real life. Short commutes. School runs. Grocery stops. You know, the stuff you actually do.

So don’t wait until your gas bill climbs again or your second car eats another paycheck. Try one. Ride a few. Feel them out before you commit.