Commuting by electric bike is one of the cheapest and quickest ways to get around a city. You arrive without breaking a sweat, you don't hunt for parking and the cost per kilometre is almost nothing. The key is to choose the bike according to the distance and what you'll do with it when you arrive.
Which bike for your journey
| Journey (one way) | What you need | Recommended models |
|---|---|---|
| Up to 8 km, with train or metro | Lightweight folder, under 20 kg | ENGWE Zip, ENGWE P20 |
| 5–15 km across the city | City bike with 500–720 Wh | DUOTTS C29, ENGWE P275 SE, ENGWE N1 Air |
| 15–25 km or with hills | 720 Wh or more, mid-drive motor or 75 Nm or more | ENGWE N1 Pro, ENGWE L20 3.0 Pro, ENGWE O20 Boost |
| Over 25 km | Very large battery | DUOTTS C29-K 1,800 Wh, ENGWE E26 3.0 Pro |
How much you save: electric bike vs car
For a 10 km journey each way, over 220 working days a year (4,400 km):
| Approximate cost per year | |
|---|---|
| Electric bike (electricity) | ≈ €8–12 |
| Electric bike (maintenance: brake pads, tyres, service) | ≈ €80–150 |
| Petrol car (fuel only, 6 l/100 km at €1.60/l) | ≈ €420 |
| Car (fuel, parking, wear and insurance) | €1,500–3,000 |
NovoDix's own calculations, using electricity prices of €0.15–0.20/kWh and 10% charger losses. Bike prices are indicative as of September 2026.
A €800–1,200 bike usually pays for itself in under a year if it replaces the car on your daily commute.
Tips to get started
- Parking: ask your employer whether there is bike parking; if not, a folding bike fits in the office.
- Security: a good D-lock or chain lock and, if you can, take the battery with you.
- Clothing: with medium assistance you won't sweat on journeys of up to 10–12 km.
- Route: look for cycle lanes and 30 km/h streets even if the route is a little longer.
- Rain: mudguards and a light waterproof jacket; electric bikes cope with rain, but don't submerge them or pressure-wash them.
Compare all the urban electric bikes and folding bikes.
Frequently asked questions
How many km a day can you ride an electric bike to work?
Up to around 25 km each way is comfortable for most people. With a 720 Wh battery you can do a 20–30 km round trip without charging every day.
How much does it cost to charge an electric bike?
A full charge of a 720 Wh battery costs roughly €0.12 to €0.16, which works out at about €0.20–0.30 per 100 km.
Folding or city bike for commuting?
A folding bike if you combine it with a train or metro or have nowhere to park it; a city bike if the whole journey is by bike and you have secure parking.
More guides
- Best Folding Electric Bikes 2026
- Cheap Electric Bikes
- ENGWE vs DUOTTS
- Electric Bike for Commuting: What to Choose and What You Save
- E-Bike Battery: Lifespan, Charging Cost and Care
- Mid-Drive or Hub Motor: Which Is Better on an E-Bike?
- Electric Bikes for Seniors: Step-Through Frames, Safety, Models
- Electric Bikes for Tall Riders or Riders Over 100 kg