Since I purchased my E-Bike in November I have put 1,000 miles on it. About 75% of that was pedal assist with the remainder full throttle. While some argue you can’t ride a bike in the winter, I would disagree, I started riding my bike as soon as I got it and tried to ride at least 3-4 days a week thru the winter. Now with the weather being rather mild, it is a great time to commute to work on a bike. The nice thing about an E-Bike is that you have options. If you want to ride it in the street you can crank it up to full assist and throttle (about 30 mph) or if you ride on the trail you can turn it way down on pedal assist (about 13 mph). Not only does commuting on a bike give you a great workout it saves tons of money on gas. As for cost, I haven’t even noticed a difference in my electric bill charging it every night.
I do recommend a few things before buying an E-Bike, DO YOUR RESEARCH! I believe almost every locally owned bike shop sells E-Bikes. While I own an Ariel Rider (moped E-Bike) it may not be your cup of tea since it is a step over with a high center frame and weighs about 80 lbs. If you want something that is more comfortable and a good work horse I would recommend a Himiway, Juiced or Rad, they are step thru and you can accessorize them with about everything you would have in your car like Bluetooth speakers and GPS.
I also recommend with all the wind, sun and gnats you get eye protection and of course a helmet and you can never can have enough baskets.
I think the last time I put gas in my car was at the beginning of April, and I still have a half tank, I can’t tell you what the price of gas is. I even use it to get groceries and run errands. I also ride several other non E-Bikes.
Let’s admit it, most people drive vehicles that are too large for short commutes and if the weather agrees bike commuting is the best way to combat high gas prices.