Car vs E-Bike? Leapmotor vs Opium Cost Comparison

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Welcome back to mobility insider.

In this video we are comparing two relatively cost-efficient modes of transportation stack up against each other on a daily commute and look at the total cost of ownership.

You will see how much cheaper it is to go by bike vs by car – the result my surprise you!

I have ridden over 300 km on the bike and over 500 km in the car and I will share with you the estimated total cost over 4 years based on 10,000 km per year. In two separate videos we have also tested the T03 car and the Opium S2 in more detail.

The Opium S2 is capable of up to 45 km/h with a range of 100 km at full power, and over 230 km in eco mode. It retails for approx 11’000 CHF and it is assembled in Switzerland while the frame is sourced from Taiwan. It is equipped with the latest technology including a pinion 12-speed transmission which can be set to auto-shift. It comes with low-maintenance Gates carbon belt drive and a 1,000-Watt TDCM Motor with 60 Nm and a large 1600 Wh battery.

The powertrain is incredibly powerful – you may need to get used to the high speed. It delivers fast and relatively inexpensive transportation, and it even recuperates power when going downhill or when braking.

The LeapMotor T03 fully electric car. It retails for approx. 16,000 CHF and is built in China – although LeapMotor also built some T03 in their Polish factory alongside the Fiat 500. LeapMotor in Europe is owned 51% by Stellantis who also owns a part of LeapMotor in China.

The Leap Motor T03 is what we call an A-segment-car, the smallest cars around. We used to see many of them around, such as VW UP, VW Lupo, Renault Twingo and Fiat Panda. But inexpensive small fully electric cars are rare these days.

The T03 has 95 HP and front wheel drive and delivers range of up to 265 km. The battery is 37.3 kWh gross and 36 kWh net, and charging takes 36 mins from 30-80%. 10-80% will take some 50 mins – but you will rarely charge on the go. This is a car for home charging. LeapMotor gives 5 years warranty up to 200,000 km and 8 years warranty on the battery.

The speed pedelec market is a growing niche market in Europe. About 200,000 units are sold per year in Europe. In Switzerland you need a driver’s license or an M-licence to drive it, and you may use the bike lanes which is great, and of course safer and often faster than a car. A speed pedelec also needs a license plate and insurance, and because it is very fast, too, you can easily exceed the speed limit in the 20- or 30 km/h zones.

The costs may vary depending on where you live and your personal circumstances – but I’d say this comparison is pretty close to what you should expect.

Thank you for watching – see you in the next one.

Filmed in Switzerland in December, 2025. Produced by DNTS Productions.