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For commuting to work, a pedal bike is best up to about 3 miles. You don't have to pedal hard and sweat, and you are just warming up at that distance. The electric bikes range varies but a typical lead acid 48V-12aH system will get you maybe 15 miles (more if you don't use the throttle as much). So the electric bike is best for trips of 3 to 7 miles if you don't have a place to plug it in, and 3 to 15 miles if you do have a place to plug it in.
I went through 3 sets of 4 batteries each over about 5 years. I think a set cost about $120. I finally got tired of paying for lead acid batteries that do not last long. I used the bike quite a bit but it seems like batteries should last more than a year.
I would like to try lithium batteries but never seem to be able to cough up enough cash to get a pack. It would probably be $400 to $600 to get a battery system (I haven't checked lately).
The real reason I stopped riding the electric bike is that I need exercise and riding (or walking) to work is great exercise.
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