Zoomo Zero vs generic e-bikes: What is the best e-bike for delivery?

As e-bikes continue to grow in popularity, alongside the population's increasing prioritisation of a sustainable future, so too has the market. With a large pool of competitors, Zoomo remains at the forefront of the industry thanks to our innovative technology and accessible payment plans.

Cost of E-bikes

A generic e-bike’s cost of ownership is at least +40% more expensive than the Zoomo Zero, with the total cost of use typically +70% more expensive. These costs accumulate due to a variety of both software and hardware factors that Zoomo has championed and overcome to maintain its position leading the industry.

Fleet Servicing

The overall wear and tear of a generic e-bike is far greater than the Zero, as it requires servicing twice as frequently. These generic e-bikes suffer much higher failure rates, at lower usage, on multiple components including brake pads, rotors and cables, just to name a few.

Generic e-bike riders also require four times more call-outs than Zero riders. The most popular reasons for these call-outs are due to faulty lights, tubes, cables and kickstands. The frequency of generic e-bike call-outs and servicing requirements under commercial use, are extremely onerous and essentially impossible to meet. The nature of the Zero’s call-outs tend to be accident based, and Zoomo’s free servicing makes these circumstances contained, safe and quick to overcome.

Cost of Spare Parts

When it comes to the cost of spare parts, generic e-bike parts can be +60-70% more expensive than those of the Zero given the amount, frequency, and cost of the parts needed. Generic e-bike parts are also frequently out of stock, creating build-ups of down bikes and driving parts prices further up.

Fleet Lifespan

Under commercial use, you should expect to replace a generic e-bike every 6-12 months. They have structural features that hamper the length of useful life. For example, their controllers may be fully integrated with the pedal assist system, motor wiring and display wiring. This means that if any of those components are faulty, the entire controller needs to be replaced.

Security Against Theft

The Zoomo Zero is equipped with a native motor lock and discreet GPS system, significantly decreasing the possibility of the e-bike getting stolen. In comparison to the Zero, generic e-bikes are twice as likely to get stolen than a Zero as they have no security features or IoT tracking.

There are several major business risks associated with using non-commercial grade e-bikes.

Safety First

Couriers safety should be placed first and foremost in every company's business prioritisation. Each month, 25% of generic e-bike lights break, making the bikes both unsafe and illegal to ride. Unlike generic e-bikes, Zoomo e-bikes have never had a battery fire incident. 

Water Damage

The generic e-bike is also prone to water damage, with infiltration occurring at about +90% within consumer fleets. This means the printed circuit board (PCB) and battery management system (BMS) can get fried, which is not only costly to the business but extremely dangerous when it occurs on the road.

Riders have been vocal, to both their company and their customers, about the Zero being their bike of choice due to comfort, durability and safety. Some companies even use the Zero as a reward or incentive to riders who opt in to longer shifts, whereas the generic e-bikes are usually given to riders who work less regular and shorter shifts.