DIY vs Commercial E-bikes: A Cost-Effective Transport Solution for Blue Collar Workers

Bicycles are an important mode of transport for blue-collar workers in India.They are affordable and provide transportation, but are not as easy and efficient to use as gas-powered vehicles, such as motorbikes.E-bikes are a popular alternative to bicycles and are used by many.However, commercial e-bikes are not affordable for blue-collar workers.A cheaper alternative to commercial e-bikes is DIY e-bikes, where a regular bicycle is converted to an e-bike using a motor, battery, and other components.DIY e-bikes provide users with access to an e-bike but at a lower cost.Using an e-bike over a regular bicycle would help workers with their daily commute, as it is less physically draining and allows for faster travel.This research paper provides a comparative analysis of DIY and commercial e-bikes based on their performance, cost, safety, reliability, and environmental impact.In this research, the method was done by building and testing a DIY e-bike and comparing it with a commercial e-bike.This research will also demonstrate a 53% cost benefit on a DIY e-bike as compared to buying a commercial one.