E-bike or regular bike: Making the right choice

When it comes to choosing between an e-bike and a “regular” (non-motorized) bike, the decision is usually dictated by how and where you ride, and what your budget is. This article will compare e-bikes and regular bikes, covering cost, speed, range, terrain, maintenance, and any legal rules. You’ll see the real-world pros and cons of each platform, allowing you to buy with confidence and enjoy every ride. 

So, what’s the difference between the two bike types? An e-bike is a bicycle with an integrated motor that assists your pedaling, while a regular bike (“push bike”) relies entirely on your power. In other words, the decision whether to buy an electric bicycle vs traditional bike comes down to whether you want a bike that gives you on-demand pedaling assistance or one that you need to power entirely yourself. 

Key differences at a glance 

• Assistance level: Pedal-assist vs conventional cycling, adjustable modes (e.g., Eco to Turbo) to support your effort. 
• Battery life: Typically, 20–80 miles (32–130 km) per charge, depending on mode, terrain, rider weight, and conditions. 
• Speed limits: In most countries, pedaling assistance ceases when you hit a speed of 25 km/h (standard “pedelecs”) to 45 km/h (speed “pedelecs”). Regulations in the United States allow for faster, power-assisted speeds of 20–28 mph (32 to 45 km/h). Local regulations and the type of e-bike you are riding dictate the exact speed at which the pedal-assisted power cuts off. 
• Rider effort: Noticeably less exertion, especially on hills and into headwinds. 

If you want to commute further, climb more easily, or keep pace with faster friends on group rides, an e-bike opens new routes and a new sense of freedom. However, if low weight, minimal maintenance, and simplicity are more your thing- a regular bike is the best choice. 

Before you choose your e-bike, you should get familiar with the features that shape how it rides and feels. Motor type and placement, battery capacity and range, and assistance controls such as pedal assist or throttle all influence performance, comfort, and maintenance. Understanding the basics of e-bike motor types, electric bike battery range, and pedal assist vs throttle will help you find the e-bike that fits your routes, budget, and goals. 

• Mid-drive motors (located at the crank): Excellent weight distribution, efficient climbing, smooth power that leverages your gears.   
• Hub motors (located at the front or rear wheel). Quiet and simple systems. Rear hubs feel more “push-like” and are often used on lower-cost urban e-bikes. 
• Torque vs cadence sensors. Torque sensors match assistance to how hard you pedal for a natural feel. Cadence sensors add power when the cranks are turning, which can feel more on/off. 

Canyon’s e-bikes use mid-drive motors, positioned at the crank for balanced handling, efficient climbing, and a smooth, natural ride feel. You’ll find these systems on models like the Spectral:ON and Neuron:ON for mountain trails, or the Grizl:ON and Endurace:ONfly for gravel and road adventures. Powered by leading systems from Bosch, Shimano, Fazua, and TQ, our mid-drive setups deliver the ideal blend of efficiency and power for every ride. 

Battery capacity is rated in watt-hours (Wh). Higher Wh = more potential range. Real-world range depends on: 

• Assist level (for example, Eco vs Turbo), terrain, rider/bike weight, wind, tyre choice/pressure, and temperature. Typical figures: 20–80 miles (32–130 km) per charge. 
• Charging time: 3–6 hours depending on charger and battery size. 
• Lifespan: 500–1,000 full charge cycles or roughly 3–5 years with good care (avoiding storing fully empty and avoid extreme heat). 

For seasonal battery care and pre-ride checks, see our e-bike season start checkup blog. 

Let’s break down the different types of e-bike assistant systems. There are three main systems: pedal-assist (the motor helps only while you pedal), throttle (power without pedaling, where legal), and S-pedelec (assistance to higher speeds with additional legal requirements). Canyon doesn’t offer throttle-equipped bikes. The vast majority of our models use pedal-assist exclusively. 

On Canyon e-bikes, mid-drive systems from Bosch, Shimano, Fazua, and TQ use torque and cadence sensors to match the support to your effort, so it feels natural and efficient. You control assistance with a bar-mounted remote and compact display, choosing modes such as Eco, Trail, or Turbo. You can see battery status and estimated range, activate walk-assist for ramps or steep "hike-a-bikes", and, on many models, connect an app for ride data and updates. 

 For maximum electric bike battery range, spin a steady cadence and use lower modes on flats, saving higher support for hills and headwinds. 

Canyon makes both a big range of e-bikes and regular bikes for specific surfaces and styles. The right choice depends on your routes, fitness, and how much help you want on climbs or long days. 

Canyon e-MTBs add smooth pedal assistance so you can clear steep, technical climbs and squeeze more laps into limited time. Models like the Spectral:ON and Neuron:ON combine powerful Bosch and Shimano drive systems with agile geometry, making long days in the mountains feel effortless. They’re heavier than regular MTBs, but the added support can help you maintain traction and momentum on rough terrain. Want to take on big rides without feeling drained on the climbs? An e-MTB is for you. 

Regular MTBs, such as the Spectral, Torque, or Lux Trail, are lighter and more responsive on descents—perfect if you prefer a pure, muscle-powered ride and enjoy testing your fitness to the max on the way up. With no motor weight, they deliver maximum trail feel and a more direct connection to the terrain. 

Best for: 

• e-MTB: big elevation, longer days, group rides with mixed fitness levels 
• MTB: minimal weight, maximum connection to trail conditions 

Want to learn more before you decide? Check out our full comparison - MTB or e-MTB? - and explore our detailed MTB buying guide and e-MTB buying guide to find the perfect bike for your next adventure. 

E-gravel bikes keep your cadence high over rolling gravel and into headwinds, extending your rides and reducing fatigue. You cover more ground with steadier pacing and finish fresher, especially on longer mixed-terrain rides. 

Regular gravel prioritizes simplicity, low weight, and direct feel. You get maximum connection to the surface and the satisfaction that every bit of power comes from your legs. 

At Canyon, e-gravel options are available in our Grizl:ONfly range, which combines natural pedal assist with adventure-ready mounts for long days and bikepacking. The Grail and Grizl are our non-powered gravel bikes. The Grail is aimed at fast gravel riding and racing, while the Grizl focuses on stability, comfort, and bikepacking, but is still no slouch when it comes to speed.  

• E-gravel (Grizl:ONfly): long mixed-surface adventures, windy routes, hilly commutes, bigger social rides 
• Gravel (Grail, Grizl): racing and fast gravel (Grail), bikepacking and rugged exploration (Grizl) 

Ready to find your ride? Our gravel bike buying guide will help you choose the ideal setup for your riding style and terrain. 

Canyon e-road bikes give you a boost on long, tough climbs and into headwinds, helping you go farther and stay fresher on endurance rides. The Endurace:ONfly combines classic road handling with lightweight, natural-feeling assistance, making big mountain days and long routes more achievable than ever. 

Non-powered road bikes, like the Endurace, Ultimate, Aeroad, deliver the lightest, most aerodynamic options for riders who want maximum speed, responsiveness, and efficiency. Whether you’re chasing race results or pushing hard on fast group rides, they offer that unmistakable Canyon road feel. 

Best for: 

• E-road: hilly regions, endurance rides, keeping up with quicker groups 
• Road: racing, fast club rides, minimalist performance 

So, if you want classic road handling with adjustable assistance to go farther or faster, go for an e-road bike. If your priorities are light weight and classic road bike handling, a non-powered road bike is your best bet. For fit, frame choices, and component tips, see our road bike buyer’s guide. 

E-hybrids are great for urban commuting. They’re quick to accelerate away from traffic lights and great at carrying loads (child seats, panniers)–all while requiring less sweating. Regular city/hybrid bikes are easier to haul upstairs (due to their lighter weight), simpler to store, and cheaper to maintain. 

Best for 

• E-hybrid: daily commuting, errands with cargo, stop-start traffic 
• Hybrid: shorter trips, tight budgets 

For touring and fitness riding, Canyon’s Pathlite:ON delivers electric assistance with all-terrain versatility for long rides and weekend adventures. In the city, the Citylite brings lightweight comfort and style to everyday riding - also available as the Citylite:ON, with smooth pedal assistance for effortless commuting. You’ll also find sleek, fast urban options like the Commuter:ONfly and Roadlite:ONfly for riders who want performance with minimal effort–both of which also come in regular, non-assisted versions for riders who prefer being their own source of pedaling power. 

Ready to find your perfect everyday ride? Explore our hybrid bike buying guide for expert advice on choosing the best model for city commutes, touring, and beyond. 

How big your budget is when you make your initial purchase is important, but so is the total cost of ownership. Think about purchase price, maintenance, charging, and what you might save by riding more and driving less.

Prices vary by category, frame material, motor system, and component level, but the information below is a useful guide: 

• E-bikes: €1,500–€6,000+ (premium e-MTB/e-road at the higher end). 
• Regular bikes: €500–€5,000+ (top-tier race builds can exceed this). 

What increases e-bike prices  

• Motor and battery: Mid-drive systems (e.g., Bosch, Shimano, Fazua, TQ) and higher-capacity batteries add cost and capability. 
• Integration and features: In-frame cable routing, integrated lights, racks/mudguard mounts, and high-end suspension/components increase price. 
• Weight savings: Lighter frames, wheels, and compact drives (e.g., “light assist”) come at a premium. 

What drives normal bike prices up 

• Frame and wheels: Carbon frames/wheels are lighter and stiffer than aluminium, but cost more. 
• Drivetrain and brakes: Electronic shifting, wide-range cassettes, and hydraulic disc brakes add to the total. 
• Aero/comfort tech: Integrated cockpits, and vibration-damping features push prices higher. 

Canyon frame abbreviations 

• AL = aluminium: the most budget-friendly. 
• CF, CF SL and CF SLX= carbon fibre: lighter and sometimes stiffer for a step-up in performance. 
• CFR = Carbon Factory Racing: Our flagship layups and pro-level specs. 

Across Canyon’s range, you’ll find AL builds that maximise value, CF, CF SL and CF SLX that deliver outstanding performance-to-price sweet spots, and CFR on select top-end models. On the e-bike side, expect higher prices when you move to more powerful mid-drives, bigger batteries, and lighter, integrated designs. 

Set aside 10–15% of your budget for essentials (helmet, lights, lock, pump, multitool, mudguards/panniers) and a first-year service–these make a bigger difference to daily riding than small spec jumps. 

While e-bikes and regular bikes share the same maintenance basics–namely, drivetrain care, brake pads, tyres, and routine tune-ups–the motor, battery, and software on an e-bike add extra costs over time. Here’s a quick side-by-side of typical ongoing expenses so you can budget realistically. Exact figures vary with mileage, weather, and workshop costs, but these ranges give a solid benchmark. 

E-bike 

• Battery replacement (3–5 years): €400–€900 depending on capacity. 
• Motor servicing/firmware updates: Usually via certified service; budget €50–€200 periodically. 
• Wear parts: Chains, cassettes, brake pads/rotors wear faster due to higher system weight and speed. 

Regular bike 

• Lower ongoing costs: Fewer electronic components. 
• Wear parts: Chains, pads, tyres €50–€200/year depending on mileage and weather. 
• Annual tune-up: €50–€120. 

Swapping even part of your daily car commute for an e-bike can pay back pretty quickly. The example below uses typical European prices and a fairly short 20km round trip. Adjust the inputs for your situation, and you will see the pattern is consistent: charging is inexpensive while fuel and parking will pilfer your wallet of pounds, euros and dollars. 

• E-bike electricity: A 500 Wh battery (0.5 kWh) delivers about 60 km of range. With electricity at €0.30/kWh, a full charge costs roughly €0.15. For a 20 km daily commute, that works out to about €0.05/day. 
• Car fuel: At 7 L/100 km and €1.80/L, fuel costs about €0.126/km. For 20 km, that’s €2.52/day, before adding parking (e.g. €5/day). 
• Daily savings: Comparing the two, an e-bike can save about €7.50/day. Over 220 workdays, that adds up to roughly €1,640/year, not including reduced car wear, insurance, or maintenance. 

Beyond the cost, e-bikes make commuting more predictable and pleasant. You avoid traffic jams, skip the hunt and charges for parking, and often take direct bike-lane routes for consistent door-to-door times. With pedal-assist, you arrive fresher and less sweaty while still getting light daily exercise to boost your energy and mood. With racks or panniers, carrying a laptop or groceries is easy, and the stop-start nature of urban riding feels calmer thanks to smooth acceleration. Many e-bike riders find their commute far more enjoyable and less stressful than the same trip made from behind a car’s steering wheel. 

E-bikes don’t suddenly turn you into a motorbike. Instead, they assist your pedaling up to a legal limit. The result is higher average speeds on hills and headwinds, and longer, more consistent rides.

• E-bikes: Assistance typically up to 25 km/h (15.5 mph) in the EU (pedelec). In some regions/classes, assistance can go to 28 mph (45 km/h) where legal. Your average speed rises most on climbs and stop-start urban routes. Naturally, you can ride faster than these limits, but you must do so under your own power once the pedal-assist ceases. 
• Regular bikes: No electronic limit, you go as fast as your legs allow. On flats, well-trained riders may equal or exceed e-bike averages, but on hills and into wind, e-bikes usually pull ahead. 

Curious about how e-bike speed limits work, what influences your top speed, and how different motor types compare? Find the answers in our in-depth article: How fast can an electric bike go? 

Whether you’re planning long rides or tackling varied terrain, both e-bikes and regular bikes have their strengths. E-bikes extend your range and smooth out the climbs, while traditional bikes keep things lighter and more direct. Here’s how they compare: 

E-bikes and regular bikes each offer unique advantages depending on how and where you ride. Whether you’re commuting to work, exploring on weekends, or riding for fitness, here’s how they compare: 

Yes. The brilliant thing about e-bikes is that they allow you to choose precisely how easy or hard you must pedal. Want a sweat-free ride? Simply use one of the higher power modes. Want to work out harder? Choose a less punchy power mode. You determine precisely how much help the motor provides you. Many e-bike riders find themselves riding more often and further than before, which takes their fitness to a higher-level while being easier on joints.

For data on calorie burn and weight loss with assistance, check our guide E-bike calories burned & weight loss. 

E-bike rules vary by country and by city. Most regions classify e-bikes by both how assistance is delivered and by the maximum assisted speed. Always check local regulations before you ride, and ride courteously. 

EU (typical): Pedelec up to 25 km/h, 250 W nominal motor, pedal-assist only. Faster speed-pedelecs have different rules (registration/insurance/helmet requirements may apply). 

US (typical): 

• Class 1: Pedal-assist to 20 mph. 
• Class 2: Throttle (and assist) to 20 mph. 
• Class 3: Pedal-assist to 28 mph (often with extra restrictions)

General patterns (always verify locally): 

• Bike lanes/roads: Usually allowed for Class 1/2 (EU pedelecs, too). Class 3/speed-pedelecs may be limited under e-bike legal classification. 
• Trails (gravel/singletrack): Access varies by park or landowner–always check signage or official websites, as electric bicycle regulations differ widely. 
• Pavements: Frequently restricted. When allowed, ride at walking pace and stop for pedestrians. The answer to “where can I ride an e-bike” often depends on city rules. 
• E-bike safety quick tips: Wear a helmet, brake earlier due to heavier system weight, run quality tyres, use lights day and night, and keep firmware and batteries up to date.

E-bikes share much of the same basic maintenance as regular bikes, but add a few extra considerations due to their electronic systems.  

Shared basics (both): 

• Keep the chain clean and lubricated- replace it when stretched. 
• Brake checks and pad/rotor replacement as needed. 
• Tyre pressure before every ride- inspect for cuts and wear. 
• Annual service to refresh cables/hoses, bearings, and drivetrains. 

E-bike specifics: 

• Battery care: Store between 30–60% if unused for weeks, avoid extreme heat, and charge with the original charger. 
• Motor & firmware: Periodic dealer diagnostics/updates keep assist smooth and efficient. 
• Electrical checks: Inspect connectors/ports for moisture and damage. 
• Higher wear rate: Expect slightly faster consumption of chains, cassettes, and brake pads. 

Regular bike simplicity: Fewer systems = lower costs and easier DIY. For practical maintenance advice and tips, see our bike maintenance checklist.  

Still undecided? Use this quick checklist: 

Ask yourself: 

What’s your main cycling aim (commute, fitness, adventure, racing)? 

• Terrain: Mostly flat, hilly, or mixed? 
• Do you want to minimise exertion or maximise your workout? 
• What’s your budget (including maintenance)? 
• Any physical limitations (joints, back, cardiac etc)? 
• Will you need to carry loads (child seat, panniers, laptop)? 
• Where can you legally ride an e-bike in your area? 

Go for an e-bike if… 

• You face hills/headwinds and want to arrive at your destinations feeling and looking fresher. 
• Your commute is longer or includes heavy cargo. 
• You ride with faster friends and want to keep pace. 
• You’re returning to cycling or have joint issues. 
• Squeezed for time? Assistance helps you fit quality rides into busy days. 

Go regular bike if… 

• You value minimum weight, simplicity, and lowest upkeep. 
• You’re focused on racing or classic training stimulus. 
• You carry the bike up stairs or take it with you on public transport often. 
• You prefer the pure, mechanical cycling feel.

Canyon can help: Explore premium e-bikes with proven drive systems and lightweight regular bikes for every riding style. Use our comparison tool and bike finder to narrow options and help you with your buying decision. 

And remember - no matter what you ride, whether it’s an e-bike or a regular bike, the most important thing is to have fun on every journey.