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This question could probably be better answered on, say, an appropriate subreddit. There is a serious difference between the sort of bike you get at a departme

This question could probably be better answered on, say, an appropriate subreddit. There is a serious difference between the sort of bike you get at a department store and the sort of bike you can get at a bike ship in terms of component quality. Good components can last a ridiculous length of time. You can get puncture resistant tires if you are willing to pay the price. Chains are still a maintenance weak spot for bikes (they shouldn't fall off). There are belt driven bikes that are supposed to be more reliable than chain driven bikes.

rwmj 10y ago
Point taken, although in this case I didn't buy a "bike-shaped object", but something that cost about US$1200 (apparently that's not enough to spend for a decent e-bike).
- exDM69 10y ago
  That's dirt cheap for an electric bike. I don't think you get good quality parts for that price. My human powered bike is in similar price range (should be a bit cheaper in the US) and I've had to do some maintenance on it. It has quality parts but chains and sprockets get wear and tear and needs to be compensated by small adjustments (derailleurs, chain tensioner, etc) and the occasional spare part. I get my bike maintained at a bike shop about twice a year and regularly oil it. But I get 2000+ miles a year. I could do it myself for less but I don't have a space to work and store tools in.