Ditch the dealership

While out at Ken Ganley Kia in Boardman doing a routine oil change on my 2023 Kia k5. I decided to see the real cost of savings if I decided to just get an E-bike instead!

A Real-World Cost Showdown: Kia K5 vs. Heybike Ranger S

BOARDMAN , OH – June 7, 2025 – Let's be honest, the dream of a brand-new car is a powerful one. That new-car smell, the smooth ride, the latest tech—it’s alluring. A sleek sedan like the 2025 Kia K5 is a perfect example of modern, reliable transportation. But as gas prices hover and insurance bills land in our inboxes, the dream can start to feel... expensive.

What if there was another way? A way to get around town, enjoy the fresh air, and keep a staggering amount of money in your bank account?

Enter the challenger: the Heybike Ranger S, a tough and trendy folding e-bike. It might not have four doors or air conditioning, but what it lacks in luxury, it more than makes up for in pure financial freedom.

So, how much could you really save? We’ve broken down the numbers, and the results are nothing short of shocking.

The Traditional Ride: Breaking Down the Kia K5

The 2025 Kia K5 is a fantastic car, but owning it comes with a significant price tag that goes far beyond the dealership.

* The Upfront Cost: The starting MSRP for a new K5 is approximately $28,365. This is your entry ticket, and it's a big one.

* The Annual Grind: Ownership costs are a marathon, not a sprint.

* Insurance: Expect to pay around $1,788 per year for full coverage on a new car.

* Fuel: Based on average driving habits and gas prices, you're looking at about $1,863 annually to keep the tank full.

* Maintenance: Even with a new car, routine service like oil changes and tire rotations will run you about $466 a year.

Add it all up, and you’re spending $4,117 every year just to keep your K5 on the road—and that's before any unexpected repairs.

The Smart Alternative: The Heybike Ranger S

Now, let's look at the nimble contender. The Heybike Ranger S is built for commuting, errands, and weekend fun. Its cost profile is in a different universe.

* The Upfront Cost: You can get a brand-new Heybike Ranger S for about $1,349. (this includes installation and ongoing dealer support.) That’s less than the sales tax on the K5 in Ohio.

* The Annual "Grind": We use the term loosely because the costs are almost negligible.

* Insurance: E-bike insurance is optional but recommended, and it’s a bargain at roughly $120 per year.

* Fuel (Electricity): The cost to charge your battery is laughably low. Expect to spend around $25 for an entire year of riding. Yes, twenty-five dollars.

* Maintenance: A yearly tune-up and maybe a new set of brake pads will cost about $150.

Your total annual cost to run the Heybike Ranger S? A mere $295.

The Main Event: When Numbers Talk, You Should Listen

Let's put these two head-to-head and see the real savings.

* THE FIRST-YEAR KNOCKOUT:

* Kia K5 (Purchase + 1 Year of Costs): $28,365 + $4,117 = $32,482

* Heybike Ranger S (Purchase + 1 Year of Costs): $1,349 + $295 = $1,644

In your very first year, choosing the Heybike Ranger S over the Kia K5 could save you a mind-blowing $30,838.

* THE ONGOING VICTORY:

After the initial purchase, the savings keep rolling in. Every year you ride your e-bike instead of driving the car, you're saving:

$4,117 (Kia K5) - $295 (Heybike) = $3,822 in annual savings.

It's More Than Just Money

Okay, a folding e-bike won't haul groceries for a family of five or take you on a cross-country road trip in total comfort. We get it. The Kia K5 offers practicality and convenience that a bike can't match for every situation.

But think about your daily life. How many trips are just you, going less than 10 miles? The commute to work? A run to the post office? Meeting friends for coffee? Don't get us started on the health benefits!

For thousands of these short trips, the e-bike isn't just a cheaper option; it's a better one. You can ditch traffic jams, find parking anywhere, get some light exercise, and reduce your carbon footprint.

Just think 10 miles a day instead of a $10 a month membership to use a exercise bike?!

The Final Verdict

For the cost of just the annual insurance and fuel for a Kia K5, you could buy three Heybike Ranger S e-bikes and still have money left over.

While a car may still be a necessity for many, the numbers prove that supplementing your travel with an e-bike—or even making it your primary local vehicle—is one of the most powerful financial decisions you can make.

So, before you sign on that dotted line for a new car, ask yourself: could your transportation needs be met, and your financial goals accelerated, by embracing the two-wheeled revolution? Your wallet will be happy you did.

Visit our website to see which E-Bike is right for you!