If you’re considering purchasing an electric bike, we know that one of the biggest barriers to entry is cost. They meet the minimum requirements to be categorized as electric bikes, but are low quality and prone to early failure. The truth is, these bikes are just like fast fashion apparel. Similarly, companies producing low cost electric bikes promise the same experience as one purchased from a conventional bicycle shop. Putting on an item from one of these companies may look fine at first, but they’re not destined for a long stay in your closet. Many of these consumers may even consider disposing of an article of clothing rather than washing. When a consumer purchases clothing from Shein, Zara or H&M, they’re getting a product that looks like a higher fashion item, but made of inferior materials and not constructed for long term wear. As micro-mobility increases in popularity, consumers need to be aware of the differences in quality, repairability, and safety.
But to be fair, they’re not the worst offender in the new world of online direct to consumer (DTC) e-bikes. If you’ve read our poston Radpower, you know we have some strong opinions about what that company is doing in the electric bike space.
