A battery-free e-bike might seem like an odd pitch — but for the riders Monarc has in mind, it equals a price break.
The Minnesota company is cutting prices by up to $500 on some models for shoppers who want to reuse a battery and charger they already own, according to Electrek.
Here's what to know
Buyers of the Marker and Tracer can choose from three configurations: the original two-battery setup, a one-battery version, or a bike sold without a battery.
The pricing change is for repeat Monarc customers since it relies on the buyer already having compatible gear at home.
Prices fall in $250 steps as batteries are removed.
The Marker is $1,999 with two batteries, $1,749 with one, and $1,499 with none, while the Tracer comes in at $1,899, $1,649, and $1,399 in those same configurations.
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The company still offers its original two-battery setup as "the Monarc way" for riders seeking the most distance and versatility. The one-battery option, Monarc Base, is for buyers who don't need a spare pack and would rather save $250. The Second Monarc tier is meant for returning customers, shipping without a battery or charger and taking $500 off the Marker and Tracer for riders who plan to swap packs between bikes.
Because the battery is typically the costliest part of an e-bike, dropping a pack or two can save significant sums for riders whose trips are short enough to rely on home charging.
It also gives households a cheaper way to add another bike without buying duplicate hardware they may not need.
More background
When Monarc launched in June, one of its standout moves was including two batteries on both of its premier bikes. That's a notable departure in an industry wherein extra batteries are often treated as a profitable add-ons.
Monarc is leaning into a shared battery system, with compatible bikes built around the same packs, much like power tool brands.
Parts include Shimano CUES drivetrains, Talon P4 four-piston brakes, Gneiss reverse-arch suspension forks, and Bafang 750W motors. Monarc also has backing from parent company Lectric, the largest e-bike company in North America.
The option to drop the battery from the purchase price becomes a consumer advantage. Instead of pushing riders to buy redundant batteries, the company uses shared hardware to lower the cost of adding a second bike.
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