If you have a dilemma about what is a better choice - an electric bicycle or a car, you are probably already tired of long drives and traffic, tired of looking for a parking spot in a busy city, or the opposite - rarely using your car, but still spending money for not cheap insurance. 

In this article, EbikeBC will share the real-life story of Adam, who decided to sell a car and purchased an electric bicycle a few months after. To find out why he made the switch from a car to an electric bicycle, how it has changed his daily routine and why Adam picked an ENVO STAX - keep reading and don’t forget to share your thoughts in the comments below. 

First of all  - meet Adam. He is an engineer with an office job in the Great Vancouver area. Adam loves hanging out with his friends in Stanley Park, spending time outdoors and being active. Adam also doesn’t like being late for meetings, and with the Vancouver traffic, he sometimes wishes he managed his time better.

Pros and cons of replacing a car with an electric bicycle

Adam said that he knew about the benefits of electric bikes even when he was driving a car, and a few years ago, a friend told him about the Envo e-bike. Back then, he was intrigued but not entirely convinced that it was worth selling a car and buying an electric bicycle instead. 

“However, after doing the math and comparing the costs of insurance, gas, repairs, tires, and parking to the cost of an electric bike, I knew it was an easy decision. So, I sold my car and bought a Stax from Envo, and I've never looked back, “ - Adam shared.

-  How much money did you save after switching from a 4-wheel drive to a bicycle?

 “Costs vary a lot by car and driving history, but I drove a budget-friendly and fuel-efficient compact car, the biggest spending went on insurance, parking and the patrol, " - said Adam and shared more insights into and estimated prices of how much he roughly was spending on having a car and an electric bike. 

Comparing prices: How much cheaper is it to have an electric bicycle over the car 

$7970 is how much you can save by replacing a car with an electric bicycle.  

The prices are estimated, and they can vary depending on the brand of car, purpose and frequency of using it, as well as regional price differences. 

After doing his math, Adam decided to sell the car and move to a healthier, less expensive lifestyle. Counting the numbers was persuasive but still not enough to make a final decision, so he compared the benefits and downsides of having an electric bicycle over a car to make a square that it is 100% worth the transition. That is what Adam came up with:

Electric Bicycle VS a Car: downsides and Benefits

Electric Bicycle (e-bike) Benefits:

1. Cost savings: Electric bicycles are much more affordable than cars in terms of purchase price and ongoing expenses. They require minimal maintenance, and charging costs are significantly lower than fuel costs for cars.
2. Environmental friendliness: E-bikes produce zero tailpipe emissions and have a lower carbon footprint than cars, helping reduce air pollution and combat climate change.
3. Health and fitness: Riding an e-bike provides exercise and helps improve cardiovascular health. Even with electric motor assistance, you still engage in physical activity while pedalling.
4. Easy parking and maneuverability: E-bikes are smaller and more agile than cars, making them easier to park, navigate through traffic, and maneuver in congested areas. They can also utilize bicycle lanes and paths, avoiding traffic jams.
5. Commuting efficiency: In urban areas with heavy traffic, e-bikes often offer faster commuting times than cars. They can use bike lanes and shortcuts and bypass congested areas.
6. Reduced reliance on fossil fuels: Using electricity from renewable sources to charge e-bike batteries can further decrease your dependence on fossil fuels.
7. Reduced noise pollution: Electric bicycles operate quietly, reducing noise pollution in urban environments.
8. Flexibility and accessibility: E-bikes can be used on roads, bike lanes, and even off-road trails, providing greater flexibility for commuting, recreational activities, and running errands.

Electric Bicycle (e-bike) Downsides:

1. Limited range: Most e-bikes have a limited range per charge, typically between 20 and 80 miles, depending on the battery capacity. Long-distance travel may require additional charging infrastructure.
2. Limited carrying capacity: E-bikes usually have limited cargo space compared to cars, making transporting large or heavy items challenging.
3. Safety concerns: While e-bikes are generally safe, accidents can still occur. E-bike riders must be cautious, follow traffic rules, wear appropriate safety gear, and be aware of their surroundings.
4. Limited passenger capacity: Most e-bikes are designed for a single rider, making them unsuitable for transporting multiple passengers.
5. Theft risk: E-bikes can be targets for theft, and their smaller size makes them easier to steal than cars. Proper locking mechanisms and security measures are necessary to mitigate this risk.

Benefits of Having a Car over an Electric Bicycle:

1. Increased speed and range: Cars offer higher speeds and longer ranges compared to electric bicycles, making them more suitable for long-distance travel or commuting to destinations outside the range of an e-bike.
2. Weather protection: Cars provide shelter from adverse weather conditions, such as rain, snow, or extreme heat, offering a more comfortable and convenient ride.
3. Enhanced safety features: Cars are equipped with safety features such as airbags, seat belts, anti-lock braking systems (ABS), and crumple zones, providing a higher level of protection in case of accidents.

Downsides of Having a Car over an Electric Bicycle:

1. Higher costs: Cars are significantly more expensive to purchase, maintain, and operate than electric bicycles. Expenses include fuel, insurance, maintenance, parking fees, and potential repairs.
2. Environmental impact: Cars contribute to air and noise pollution, as well as greenhouse gas emissions, which have negative effects on the environment and public health.
3. Traffic congestion: Cars contribute to traffic congestion, especially in urban areas, leading to increased travel times, frustration, and reduced overall efficiency.
4. Limited parking availability: Finding parking spaces in busy urban areas can be challenging, leading to time wasted searching for parking or expensive parking fees.
5. Sedentary lifestyle: Compared to riding an electric bicycle, driving a car involves minimal physical activity, potentially leading to a more sedentary lifestyle.
6. Dependency on fossil fuels: Most cars run on gasoline or diesel, contributing to the consumption of fossil fuels and increasing reliance on non-renewable energy sources.
7. Maintenance and repairs: Cars require regular maintenance, including oil changes, tire rotations, and periodic repairs, which can be costly and time-consuming.
8. Size and maneuverability constraints: Cars can be difficult to navigate in crowded areas or narrow streets and may not be suitable for off-road or unconventional terrains.

After all the research, Adam was quite convinced that he wanted to sell a car and get an electric bicycle, but deciding what e-bike to pick and which one will fit him the best - was the next step of his journey. 

“Friend introduced me to Envo electric bikes. After trying a few more, I decided that the STAX would be the most comfortable, user-friendly, efficient, and nice-looking. It is a comparatively new product, and I was on the list of the first owners of this e-bike. Had a few test rides and read a lot about Stax. At the time, there were not many customer reviews and the bike was just launched, but I decided to trust my gut and just go for it”, - says Adam. 

ENVO Stax Electric Bike became a game-changing e-bike for Adam. This electric bike combines the best of both bicycle and car worlds. With its sporty ride, race-inspired geometry, and premium features, the ENVO Stax is designed to provide an exhilarating and effortless urban commuting experience. 

Why Envo Stax is the best city bike and perfect for commuting

This bike was designed to replicate the feel of a traditional bicycle, ensuring a familiar and enjoyable ride. With its optimized race-inspired geometry, agile steering, and responsive road feel, this e-bike offers a sporty position and maximizes power output, making it perfect for navigating city streets.

Stax electric bicycle will give you premium features for an affordable price. Adam purchased the bike from EbikeBC for $2,479 and customized it with some accessories. 

The ENVO Stax packs a punch with its premium build and advanced components. From the integrated headlight and hidden internal cables to the Bluetooth compatibility for smartphone connectivity, there is not much you need to have extra. You can add a throttle, fenders, kickstand and rear rack to make it even more versatile, multipurpose and comfortable. This electric bike offers exceptional value for its price, providing riders with a high-quality, efficient, and enjoyable commuting experience.

Weighing in at just 42 lbs, the ENVO Stax is one of the lightest electric bikes in its category. Its cutting-edge design and premium materials contribute to its lightweight nature, enabling riders to maneuver through crowded streets and effortlessly carry it upstairs or onto public transportation. With a powerful 500W motor, the Stax allows quick acceleration, conquering steep hills and extending your range with minimal effort.

With a range of up to 100 km per charge on pedal assist level 1, the removable battery and portable charger offer flexibility and ease of use.

While cars offer benefits such as speed, carrying capacity, and weather protection, the ENVO Stax Electric Bike provides a compelling alternative. It offers an eco-friendly, cost-effective, and efficient way to navigate urban environments while providing a fun and invigorating ride. 

Final thoughts:

In this article, EbikeBC shares the inspiring story of Adam, an engineer who decided to sell his car and purchase an electric bicycle. Through Adam's experience, we explore the reasons behind his switch, including the financial savings and lifestyle benefits. Discover how Adam's transition to an electric bike improved his daily commute, increased his savings, and contributed to a greener and healthier lifestyle. Explore the advantages and disadvantages of electric bikes and cars, and learn why the ENVO Stax Electric Bike became Adam's preferred choice for an exhilarating and effortless urban commuting experience.