Frugal Friends Podcast: Episode 494 – Commuting with an E-Bike (in any weather!) with Kevin Ha
Release Date: March 18, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 494 of the Frugal Friends Podcast, hosts Jen Smith and Jill Sirianni delve into the world of electric biking with their special guest, Kevin Ha. The episode focuses on the practicality and financial benefits of using an E-Bike as a primary mode of transportation, regardless of weather conditions. Kevin shares his personal experiences, overcoming barriers, and the significant savings achieved through E-biking.
Guest Introduction: Kevin Ha
Jen: "Kevin Ha is the creator of financialpanther.com. We met in 2016 when we were both baby bloggers at Fincon. Kevin has written extensively about personal finance and financial independence. What fascinates me the most is his use of an E-bike as his primary transportation mode, even in the cold and snowy winters of Minnesota, all while raising two young children."
— [02:34]
Kevin's E-Bike Journey
Kevin Ha: "I have always been a bike commuter, using regular bikes and bike-share programs. In 2019, during a trip to Dallas, I experienced E-bike bike shares and knew I couldn't go back to a regular bike. I invested in a $1,500 Rad Power Bike, which became my primary mode of transportation. This investment quickly paid off as I utilized the E-bike for personal transport and food deliveries, effectively offsetting the cost."
— [08:47]
Transitioning to a One-Car Household
Jen: "Did you ever own a vehicle? Do you still have one, or are you fully committed to the E-bike?"
Kevin Ha: "Our household is a one-car household with an electric car used rarely, mainly by my wife for work. I use the E-bike almost exclusively, even with two young children."
— [10:33]
Overcoming Barriers to E-Biking
Transporting Children
Kevin Ha: "Initially, I used a regular E-bike with a rear rack for one child. With two kids, I upgraded to a front-loading cargo bike, the Urban Arrow, allowing both children to ride safely. As they grew, I added a long-tail cargo bike for easier handling and increased capacity."
— [12:04]
Safety Concerns and Laws
Jen: "What about safety laws for biking with kids? It's not common in the States to see multiple children on a bike."
Kevin Ha: "There aren't specific regulations, but general safety practices apply. Helmets are a must, and it’s crucial to choose routes with good bike infrastructure. Cities often have hidden paths or multi-use trails that make biking safer and more enjoyable."
— [14:48]
Weather Challenges
Paige Desorbo: "How do you handle biking in Minnesota winters?"
Kevin Ha: "Rain is the toughest, requiring change of clothes and rain gear. For extreme cold, I use bar mitts (pogies) and a balaclava to keep warm. Proper layering and equipment make year-round biking feasible."
— [22:31]
Financial Benefits of E-Biking
Kevin Ha: "Transportation is typically the second-highest expense for households. Owning and operating a car can cost between $10,000 to $12,000 annually. Replacing even one car with an E-bike can save up to $12,000 a year, translating to potentially millions saved over decades through investment."
— [29:51]
Jen: "Kevin is spot on with these savings. The ongoing costs of owning a vehicle extend far beyond the initial purchase, including insurance, maintenance, and depreciation. E-bikes offer a cost-effective alternative with minimal maintenance costs."
— [29:57]
E-Bike for Food Deliveries and Side Hustles
Kevin Ha: "Using my E-bike for food deliveries with apps like DoorDash and Uber Eats allows me to maximize earnings. E-bikes bypass parking issues and traffic, enabling multiple deliveries efficiently. This strategy not only pays for the bike but also generates additional income."
— [35:46]
Jen: "Do you worry about theft when leaving your E-bike?"
Kevin Ha: "Depends on the location. In visible areas like restaurant entryways, I don't lock it up. In less secure places, I ensure it's locked to prevent theft."
— [36:54]
Lifestyle Shifts and Convenience
Kevin Ha: "E-bikes have allowed my family to engage more with our local community. We frequent nearby parks and playgrounds without the hassle of loading children into a car. Even for larger trips like Costco runs, a cargo E-bike with ample storage makes errands straightforward and efficient."
— [38:23]
Jen: "My experience aligns with Kevin's. Using scooters, we've faced parking challenges, whereas E-bikes offer speed and the benefits of bike infrastructure, making daily commutes and errands less stressful."
— [34:57]
Advice for Prospective E-Bike Users
Kevin Ha: "Start with an entry-level E-bike ($1,000 to $1,500) to test its viability for your lifestyle. Gradually upgrade to cargo bikes as needed. Invest in quality gear to handle different weather conditions and prioritize safety by selecting routes with dedicated bike paths."
— [40:51]
Jen: "Mapping out safe and efficient routes can alleviate safety concerns. Consider the proximity of essential services to reduce travel distances, thereby maximizing the financial and lifestyle benefits of E-biking."
— [60:13]
Conclusion and Resources
Kevin Ha: "For more insights, visit financialpanther.com or my YouTube channel, Financial Panther, where I share my experiences with E-biking and balancing family life."
— [55:50]
Jen and Paige: Encourage listeners to explore E-biking as a practical, cost-effective transportation alternative and to consider the long-term financial benefits and lifestyle enhancements it offers.
Notable Quotes
-
Kevin Ha: "If you can replace even one of those cars, you save yourself $10,000 a year."
— [29:57] -
Jen: "E-bikes offer a cost-effective alternative with minimal maintenance costs."
— [29:57] -
Kevin Ha: "E-bikes make it possible to engage more with your local community without the hassle of a car."
— [38:23] -
Kevin Ha: "Start with an entry-level E-bike to test its viability for your lifestyle."
— [40:51]
Key Takeaways
- Financial Savings: E-bikes significantly reduce transportation costs compared to traditional vehicles.
- Practicality: Modern E-bikes, including cargo versions, accommodate families and daily errands efficiently.
- Overcoming Barriers: Safety, weather, and initial investment are manageable with proper planning and equipment.
- Lifestyle Benefits: E-biking fosters community engagement, reduces environmental impact, and promotes a healthier lifestyle.
- Advice: Start with a basic E-bike, invest in quality gear, and map out safe routes to maximize benefits.
Additional Resources
- Kevin Ha's Website: financialpanther.com
- Financial Panther YouTube Channel: Search for "Financial Panther" on YouTube
- Frugal Friends Podcast: Available on Spotify and Apple Podcasts
Thank you for listening to the Frugal Friends Podcast! If you enjoyed this episode, please leave a rating, review, and comment on Spotify or Apple Podcasts. Visit frugalfriendspodcast.com for more resources and to pre-order our upcoming five-week financial management course.