E Bike Vs Car: The Commute Challenge | Which Is Best For Getting To Work?

Chris loves riding his electric mountain bike to work, but is it better than using his car to commute? He timed how long it took to ride his EMTB to the office and compared it to his car.

Would you ride your electric mountain bike to work?

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[embn]

Would you ride your electric mountain bike to work?

[ternf]

The bike will be the same time every day. And loads cheaper. And more fun. And, as you mentioned, you arrive at work energised.

[DIZZYDAZZLER]

I live and work in Birmingham, my average time in the car to cover the 9 mile commute is 55 minutes, however on my E-bike (chipped of course) I can do the commute as fast as 32 minutes. I agree I feel far fresher when I get to work and again its another car off the road.

[DerrenWeekes]

Not only would you save on the cost of running the car, but a) save on time (if you drove you would want to find extra time for keeping fit); and b) possibly save the cost of a gym membership; and c) save on emissions and help save the planet :-)

[markt]

If you are in a suburb and commuting into a town or city centre in rush hour I'd bet that the e-bike will be the fastest mode of transport. Certainly is where I live. Car 25-35 mins, Bus 30-35 mins (40 - 45mins on a bad day), e-bike 22 mins. A lot more pleasant on the bike (mostly side roads or cycle lanes) plus fitness/wellbeing & environment benefits.

[shaereub]

I love how you showed the commute to work from both perspectives. It usually takes me 30 mins to go 6.7 miles to work on a regular mountain bike (quicker with Giant LaFree e-bike).

[lloydmunday]

What about adding the time for getting ready? Having a shower and changing into work clothes when arriving at work? All that can potentially add another 30 mins onto the trip? I'd love to commute on my ebike, but the time all adds up. But the ebike is obviously better, cheaper, just not quicker.

[anyaplays]

In Germany there is the one big problem, especially in a city center: you need a couple of airbags around your body while riding a bike. It's pretty risky to do so. Sad to say :(

[TheWebstaff]

Limited car to 155mph.. When limit is 70mph..
Now if you had a derestricted ebike... ;)
See what I did there..
PS lucky boy Chris that's a nice journey to work.

[sevenday]

I've been riding the e-bike to work since April ... on the way home I'm testing new trails.

[TheAx]

Fun riding a bike versus frustration driving a car Priceless! I recently started commuting most days on an ebike. I say most days because I am a fair-weather rider. I am 68 years old!

[Teamshmo]

The main reason people take cars is because you can use them any time. A bike to work is ok if everything is perfect. The second it rains or snows and you are screwed. Plus parking is way easier with a car. A bike you can chain it to something, but are inside worrying if it will be there when you get out.

[skillmeup]

I have done this before, rode to work three days, drove two days so I know the times well. It took me around 40 - 45 min in the car (parked), and around 50 min on the bike. You then have to factor in getting changed and being at your desk - that bit often gets left out of these discussions. Once I got used to it, I definitely preferred the bike.

[jonnyrae]

I work nights 7pm-3am. Get a good workout on eco mode on the way in and on the way home unless im tired i put it in standard mode on the way home. I love feeling energised when i get to work, less stressed, everyone at work think im mad but im less streesed, got more money since i got rid of the car, losing weight (on the e bike!) Get to enjoy nature by taking it all in, fresh air. No brainer for me rain or shine.

[chargeriderepeat]

Id mix up the ride.. but I rode the 6 miles everyday to work down the canal path, got there in exactly the same time and lost 20lbs, my fitness went through the roof..my whole life improved, the way I looked, my enthusiasm, tiredness dissappeared.
That was on a manual bike..I'd easily do 20 miles on my ebike with the same effort and it would be there for me in those 20mph headwind days.
Great vid and I love the Canyon.

[danytheunicorn]

I used to commute on my MTB to work and I loved it, only downside is the sweat but just bring extra clothes and you are good. Now I ride a 125cc scooter and it saves me a lot of time, that I use to actually go to the woods and MTB my way into happiness.
So to conclude, Bikes, E-bikes are a way cheaper, easier, environmentally friendly way to commute aaand the make you happier and healthier so, to me, it is a no brainer. Leave the cars for people that cannot ride bikes. Happy trails:).

[kamilk]

I'd love to see a time/cost comparison including motorbike and e-scooter as well.

[TheChromeRonin]

My commute into Wellington, New Zealand is about 10Km, but dropping 800m in the first 3K. Driving in usually takes 20 minutes plus parking time on a good day at rush hour Mazda RX8, 200HP, coupe. Driving in, speed hardly gets above 50Kph. Since October, Ive been riding my ebike, a 300watt conversion kit added to my trusty old mountain bike, but Ive set it up for commuting with more street friendly tyres, fenders and a carrier rack. Riding in takes about 17-20 minutes. However, its the drive home where the bike kicks ass. With the ebike, climbing the massive hill to home only takes me 20 minutes. Driving home in the car is usually longer in rush traffic at the end of the day. Also, when I ride in and home, I don't bother with the gym, so theres another 40 mounts in my day saved.

[rockinmuse]

Will be commuting on my ebike as soon as the office reopens in September. It’s going to be really interesting how it goes. Car commute is around 45 mins and I know bike will be longer (estimating an hour) but I can either choose a road route over some huge hills or off-road along an old railway line. And then variations on each. Looking forward to comparing the different routes.

[Jan-hbhv]

I love all kinds of bicycles. I will never understand how someone can drive a car.
AND I AM FROM GERMANY