Hello, been thinking about comututing more to work. Its a great off road ride, of about 18miles. Once or twice a week is great but any more on the analogue bike takes its toll. It takes about 1hr 30min each way. I have had a few goes on e-bikes, great fun, a different kind of fun. So been exploring the idea of an ebike to ease the commute and up the number of days I do it. Friend is going to lend me his Levo for a day. However I got to thinking what is the life span of an ebike, I could be putting over 4000 miles or more on a commute bike per year. They are not cheap, would the bike need a new battery, motor and drive train, after notching up the miles, that would be a significant cost. Still have to balance that against fuel saved, health and sanity. Anyone got experience of long distance, long term commuting on an e-bike.
“They are not cheap, would the bike need a new battery, motor and drive train”
The battery should be good for 1000+ charges - that should get you four years minimum of daily commuting, charging each day.
You’ll need more drivetrain durability than I’ve had - I’ve not been good enough at cleaning and lubing the chain or changing chain before the cassette is too worn, so I’ve only got 600 miles out of each cassette. Rotating three chains and using Putoline is the next plan. The Box - Prime Nine gears may be the way to go.
I don’t do long distance but mine gets used all year and in all weathers off road, had it 12 months and I’m still on original cassette and only had one chain. I clean it properly and lube after after ride. Every month I take covers off motor and put waterproof grease in and I don’t jet wash any areas of the motor. I make an effort never to change gear under load as that does kill gears and chains. It only has a cheap sram 11 speed chain too so nothing expensive. If you keep on top of cleaning and ride with sympathy I don’t see any issues
“I clean it properly and lube after after ride.”
I defy anyone to do this when they commute on their ebike! 😉
I maintained mine properly. Just had it set up so this took a few minutes every couple of months. Wax on the chain lasted a couple of months riding. cable oilers, puncture proof tyres, sintered pads in the brakes. cleaning bikes is something I do not bother with.
MIne was an add on bb kit, 50 miles a week commuting, 2 years summer and winter with no replacement parts.
I've used mine for 3 years no bother. Battery life reduction is only just becoming apparent. Maybe down to 75%.
Barely maintained apart from gear adjustment service and the odd lube. Chain stays clean.
Scott Esub Tour 20 £1300 in a Feb sale. Paid for itself many times over!
Thanks guys, sounds encouraging. Any more high milers out there.