Can an eBike Replace Your Second Car? We Put It to the Test

Expert Guides & TutorialsApr 08, 2025

Let’s be honest: for many households, that second car just sits around most of the time. Maybe it’s used for errands, school drop-offs, or quick grocery runs. But with rising gas prices, maintenance costs, and parking stress, more people are asking—do I really need two cars?

That’s where electric bikes come in. Affordable, efficient, and way more fun than being stuck in traffic, eBikes are becoming a real alternative for short trips. So we decided to find out: can an eBike really replace your second car?

We put it to the test over four weeks—and the results might surprise you.

What We Wanted to Know

We weren’t just looking for fun. We wanted to know if an eBike could handle the day-to-day trips a second car usually covers, including:

Commuting to work
Grocery shopping
School pickups
Weekend errands
Last-minute coffee or pharmacy runs

The goal was to replace as many short car trips as possible and see if it actually felt practical.

Spoiler: it didn’t just work—it made our lives better.

The Setup: One eBike, One Rider, Real-Life Tasks

For our test, we used a fat tire utility eBike with a rear rack, panniers, and throttle assist. Daily average distance: 5–15 miles. Weather? Mixed—sunny days, light rain, even a little wind.

We kept the car parked unless we truly needed it (like hauling furniture or doing a big Costco run).

Here’s how it played out.

Commuting: Faster, Cheaper, and Less Stressful

The daily commute was where we saw the biggest impact. What used to be a 25-minute drive (including traffic and parking) turned into a 20-minute ride—no gas, no stress.

No more circling for parking. No more sitting through five red lights. Just hop on and go.

Bonus: showing up at work already energized feels pretty great.

Groceries: Totally Doable with the Right Setup

Can you bring home food for the week on an eBike? Surprisingly, yes—if you have bags, racks, or a crate.

We were able to carry:

A gallon of milk
A few bags of produce
Pantry staples
And even a case of sparkling water

Is it the same as loading up an SUV? Of course not. But for 80% of our grocery trips, the eBike handled it just fine.

Tip: insulated panniers or a soft-sided cooler help keep things fresh in warm weather.

Kids and Errands: It’s Easier Than You Think

We tested some short school runs with a child seat attachment and light errands like pharmacy runs, post office drop-offs, and even hardware store stops.

With good planning (and a lock), it felt just as fast—and more fun—than driving.

You won’t miss the backseat chaos. Trust us.

Rain, Hills, and “What Ifs”

Of course, not every ride was perfect.

We hit a couple of rainy days, which meant raincoats and a towel for the seat. Uphill rides were made easy thanks to pedal assist and throttle. And as for those “what if I need to carry something big” moments? That’s what the first car is still for.

No single mode of transport is perfect for everything. But we were shocked at how rarely we needed the second car once the eBike was part of daily life.

The Numbers: What We Saved

Over four weeks, here’s what we saved by swapping the second car for an eBike:

Over $120 in gas
Around $40 in parking fees
Estimated 6–8 hours of time otherwise spent in traffic
Plus, we got light daily exercise and saved on stress

That’s not even counting longer-term savings on insurance, maintenance, and wear-and-tear.

So... Can an eBike Replace Your Second Car?

For most people, the answer is yes—especially if your second car is mostly for local trips. With the right eBike setup, thoughtful accessories, and a little planning, you might find you don’t need that extra set of wheels at all.

You’ll save money, reduce your environmental footprint, and rediscover how fun getting around town can actually be.

Final Thoughts: It’s Not Just a Bike—It’s Freedom

Replacing your second car with an eBike might sound radical at first. But once you try it, you’ll start to see things differently.

It’s not just about saving money—it’s about gaining freedom. Freedom from traffic, from gas prices, from car repair bills, and from the mental drag of stop-and-go driving.

If your second car mostly sits in the driveway, maybe it’s time to rethink it. One test ride could be all it takes to change the way you move—permanently.