The Wirecutter Show – “Is an E-Bike the Answer to Your Commuting Woes?”

Podcast: The Wirecutter Show by The New York Times
Date: September 5, 2025
Hosts: Christine Cyr Clisset & Kyra Blackwell
Guest: Chris Ryan, Wirecutter Senior Editor and Bike Expert

Episode Overview

This episode explores whether e-bikes can solve modern commuting challenges, particularly in busy urban environments and for everyday riders. It covers the practical pros and cons of e-bikes, addresses common concerns about cost, maintenance, and safety, and offers actionable tips on choosing, buying, and protecting your investment.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. E-Bike Basics: What Are They?

Timestamps: 03:26–04:07

• Definition and Regulation: Most states treat e-bikes like regular bikes, not requiring a license or registration—with Alaska and Hawaii as exceptions, where extra steps are necessary.

  • Quote (Chris Ryan, 03:35): “Almost all states treat most E bikes like regular bikes. You don’t need to have a license to ride one. ... Alaska, you do need a motorcycle license for any E bike. And in Hawaii, you have to register your E bike...”

• Use Cases: E-bikes are appealing for those seeking a sweat-free commute, individuals with limited physical ability, or as a car replacement for short errands.

  • Quote (Chris Ryan, 04:07): “Some people use them instead of a second car... It’s cheaper than a car for insurance purposes for sure. And also you get to skip the traffic.”

2. Practicalities: Weight, Storage, & Handling

Timestamps: 04:37–05:39

• Heft: Standard commuter e-bikes weigh 40–60 lbs; cargo e-bikes can weigh up to 100 lbs.
  • Quote (Chris Ryan, 05:00): “A regular commuter type E bike weighs between 40 and 60 pounds... But a cargo bike can weigh up to £100.”
• Urban Challenges: Finding secure, convenient storage is crucial, especially in cities where carrying them upstairs or through narrow halls is impractical.
• Advice: Consider your living and storage situation before purchasing.

3. Exercise & Battery Trade-Offs

Timestamps: 05:40–06:33

• Fitness: Pedal-assist e-bikes encourage physical activity but allow you to adjust the level of effort and assistance.
  • Quote (Chris Ryan, 05:46): “They have a sensor in the motor that can tell how hard you're pushing on the pedals, and then it amplifies the strength.”
• Range: Higher levels of assistance mean a lower battery range; riders must balance support and distance.

4. Cost Considerations

Timestamps: 06:42–07:39

• Price Range: Avoid super-cheap options (a few hundred dollars) lacking warranties; high-end models can hit $14,000, but solid picks are around $2,500.
  • Quote (Chris Ryan, 06:51): “You can find them online for a couple hundred dollars. I wouldn’t buy one of those... Our main pick is $2,500.”
• Luxury Features: At the top end, you’re paying for lightweight frames, powerful motors, long-range batteries, and customized cargo features.

5. Types of E-Bikes and Choosing the Right One

Timestamps: 08:03–09:15

• Cargo vs. Standard: Cargo e-bikes are designed to transport extra loads or children, often with a front bucket or extended bench.
  • Quote (Chris Ryan, 08:05): “A cargo bike is a bike that either has a bucket in the front ... or it has like a bench behind where the rider sits.”
• Individual Needs: Consider what you’ll haul—yourself, kids, groceries—when selecting type and accessories.
• Where to Buy: Local bike shops recommended for support, maintenance, and warranty handling.
  • Quote (Chris Ryan, 09:15): “You should look to see what your local bike shops carry because you’ll really want support when you have an E bike.”

6. Maintenance & Repair Realities

Timestamps: 09:37–13:36

• Limited Repairability: Most e-bike motors cannot be serviced or repaired by owners; few shops even try. Replacement is often the only option, making models with available parts lists and manufacturer commitment to spares important.

  • Quote (Chris Ryan, 09:43): “Not only can you not really repair your own bike’s motor—companies don’t provide documentation or access to parts. ... Most shops don’t even try—they ship [the motor] back to the manufacturer.”

• Lifespan: Mechanical parts (frame, gears, brakes) can last decades, but electrical components (motor, battery, controller) are limiting factors—expect about 10 years.

  • Quote (Chris Ryan, 12:23): “The bike part...meaning the frame, the brakes, the gears...everything except the motor and the battery and the Controller...should last for decades.”

• Battery Replacement: Routine; battery costs can be high (e.g., $1,000+ for a quality one). Avoid cheap, third-party batteries—these are a fire risk.

  • Quote (Chris Ryan, 13:37): “Do not want to buy...a replacement battery that costs a lot less that says it’s compatible, but you don’t want to get one of those. They’re the ones that are starting fires.”

7. Safety Considerations & Certifications

Timestamps: 13:49–15:48

• Battery Certification: Only consider e-bikes certified to UL 2271 (battery) and UL 2849 (electrical system), especially in markets like NYC.
  • Quote (Chris Ryan, 13:58): “...battery [should] be certified by an accredited testing laboratory for compliance with Underwriter Laboratory Standards 2264...and UL Standards 2849...”
• Proper Handling: Always charge high-quality batteries while you’re home and awake; don’t leave charging unattended overnight.
• Why Batteries Fail: Cheap models often lack adequate “battery management systems,” greatly increasing fire risk.
  • Quote (Chris Ryan, 14:49): “Cheap batteries don’t have good battery management systems and they’re pretty poorly built in general, which all adds up to pretty big fire hazard.”

8. Theft Prevention & Insurance

Timestamps: 15:48–16:35

• Insurance Is Complex: Some homeowner/renter policies exclude e-bikes, so check carefully or consider a standalone rider or e-bike policy.
  • Quote (Chris Ryan, 15:54): “Some homeowners policies don’t cover E bikes because they consider them motorized vehicles...But some do...”
• Registration Advice: Use platforms like BikeIndex.org to help recover stolen bikes and prove ownership.
• Basic Safety: Quote (Kyra Blackwell, 16:35): “And also always wear a helmet.”

Notable Quotes

• On Real-World Pros and Cons:
  Chris Ryan, 05:26: “Yeah, it is a hard thing. It’s harder in the city than a lot of places.”

• On the Value of Support:
  Chris Ryan, 09:15: “You should look to see what your local bike shops carry because you’ll really want support when you have an E bike.”

• On the Downside of Tech Advancement:
  Chris Ryan, 11:52: “That’s exactly the problem that we’re worried about with bikes. And when you’re talking multiple thousands of dollars, you think you’re going to be having that bike for a long time. ...With E bikes, that’s a little worrying.”

• On E-Bike Fire Safety:
  Chris Ryan, 14:49: “Even with a good battery...charge it while you’re at home. Don’t leave it on the charger and go out and don’t charge it at night when you’re asleep. It’s just not safe.”

Key Takeaways & Actionable Advice

• Consider your use case (cargo, commuting, exercise) and storage options before buying.
• Buy from reputable local shops for warranty, service, and parts support.
• Always purchase certified, manufacturer-approved batteries to reduce fire risk.
• Plan for regular maintenance, including more frequent component replacement due to weight.
• Check if your insurance covers e-bikes and register your bike for theft recovery.
• Always wear a helmet and never leave your bike’s battery charging unattended.

Important Timestamps

• E-Bike Classification: 03:26–04:07
• Storage & Weight Concerns: 04:37–05:39
• Pedal Assist/Exercise: 05:40–06:33
• Cost Ranges & Features: 06:42–07:39
• Types of E-Bikes: 08:03–09:15
• Repair Realities: 09:37–13:36
• Safety & Battery Certification: 13:49–15:48
• Theft & Insurance: 15:48–16:35
• Conclusion & Resources: 16:42–16:52

Resource Mentioned:

• BikeIndex.org for e-bike registration

For more on Wirecutter’s e-bike coverage, visit NYTimes.com/Wirecutter or see the show notes.