Buying an E-Bike in Chicago: Whizz Prices and Options (2026)
What a Whizz e-bike costs to buy in Chicago — Storm-1 and Storm-2 prices, batteries, accessories, and how buying compares to renting or rent-to-own.
Renting isn’t the only way to get on an e-bike in Chicago — you can buy one outright and own it from day one. Here’s what Whizz e-bikes, batteries, and accessories actually cost in Chicago, how buying compares to renting or rent-to-own, and what to budget for beyond the bike itself.
The short answer
In Chicago, a Whizz e-bike costs $690 for a pre-owned Storm-1, $1,090 for a pre-owned Storm-2, or $1,790 for a brand-new Storm-2. Spare batteries are $390 new or $270 used, and accessories run from $9 for a lock to $49 for an insulated backpack.
If you’re delivering full time and plan to keep riding for years, buying can be the cheapest option over the long run. If you’re not sure yet, renting or rent-to-own lowers the risk.
Whizz e-bikes for sale in Chicago
| Model | Condition | Price | Who it suits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Storm-2 | New | $1,790 | Full-time delivery — the long-range workhorse, brand new |
| Storm-2 | Pre-owned | $1,090 | Same bike, lower entry cost — the value pick for delivery |
| Storm-1 | Pre-owned | $690 | Part-time riders and commuters on a budget |
The Storm-2 is the delivery workhorse — built for long shifts and heavy use. The pre-owned Storm-2 at $1,090 is the sweet spot for most delivery riders: the same capable bike, but $700 cheaper than new. The Storm-1 is the budget entry point, better suited to part-time riding and commuting than to eight-hour delivery days.
Batteries
Battery capacity is what decides whether you can ride a full shift, so a spare is the upgrade most full-time riders make first.
| Battery | Price | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Storm Battery 18 Ah (new) | $390 | A second battery is the classic upgrade for long shifts |
| Storm Battery 18 Ah (used) | $270 | Cheaper way to get a spare |
Buy, rent, or rent-to-own?
All three are on the table in Chicago, and the right one depends on how long you’ll be riding.
- Buy if you’re committed and can cover the upfront cost. You own the bike immediately, there’s no ongoing rental payment, and there’s nothing to give back. The trade-off: repairs, battery replacement, and theft risk are yours.
- Rent if you’re testing delivery out or riding seasonally. A Storm-2 rents for $59 per week or $179 per month in Chicago — low commitment, and you can stop any time.
- Rent-to-own if you want to end up owning the bike but can’t pay for it upfront. Your payments go toward ownership instead of disappearing.
A rough way to think about it: a monthly rental at $179 costs about $2,150 over a year, while a pre-owned Storm-2 costs $1,090 once. If you’re certain you’ll be delivering long term, buying pulls ahead. If you’re not certain, that certainty is exactly what renting buys you.
For the full rental breakdown, see the current Whizz e-bike rental prices and plans.
Accessories: what you actually need
The bike is the big purchase, but a handful of accessories decide how well your shifts go. Here’s what Whizz stocks in Chicago, grouped by what it does.
The delivery essentials
| Item | Price | Why you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Backpack (insulated) | $49 | Keeps orders hot — platforms expect an insulated bag |
| Basket | $15 | Takes the load off your back on heavy runs |
| Molded Helmet | $44 | Non-negotiable |
| Phone mount | $14 | Navigate without holding your phone |
| Power Bank | $29 | Your phone dying ends your shift |
| Chain Lock | $9 | Basic theft deterrent |
| Sturdy U-lock | $39 | Serious lock for a bike you rely on for income |
| Single Bike Mirror | $9 | Situational awareness in traffic |
Battery and charging
| Item | Price | Why you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Charger Storm / Storm S | $49 | Replacement charger — always use the right one |
| Charger Monster / Thunder | $79 | For the Monster and Thunder models |
| Fireproof Battery Bag | $45 | Safer charging and storage at home — worth every dollar |
| Battery cover | $19 | Insulates the battery in Chicago winters, protecting range |
A note on the Fireproof Battery Bag and battery cover: these aren’t upsells for the sake of it. Safe charging is the single most important habit for an e-bike owner, and in a Chicago winter a battery cover directly protects the range you’re losing to the cold.
Chicago weather gear
You’re riding through lake-effect wind, snow, and rain. This is where riders quietly lose earning days.
| Item | Price | Why you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Electric heated gloves | $49 | Chicago winter — cold hands end shifts early |
| Bike Mitts | $39 | Bar-mounted wind protection |
| Riding Gloves | $19 | Grip and protection year-round |
| Winter face Mask | $19 | Wind off the lake is no joke |
| Rainsuit | $35 | Rain doesn’t cancel orders |
Keeping the bike running
| Item | Price | Why you need it |
|---|---|---|
| Quick Fix Kit | $19 | Roadside fixes so a flat doesn’t cost you a day |
| Multi-Tool Kit | $15 | Basic adjustments on the go |
| Floor Pump | $9 | Correct tire pressure = range, grip, fewer flats |
| Frame bag with phone case | $19 | Keeps documents, tools, and your phone handy |
What it costs to get started — a realistic build
If you’re buying a bike to deliver with in Chicago, a sensible starter setup looks something like this:
- Pre-owned Storm-2 — $1,090
- Insulated backpack — $49
- Molded helmet — $44
- Sturdy U-lock — $39
- Phone mount — $14
- Power bank — $29
That comes to roughly $1,265 to be fully road-ready. Add a spare battery ($390 new, $270 used) if your shifts are long, and winter gear when the season turns.
Once you own the bike, servicing is on you. That’s what the WhizzCare Membership is for — a service subscription at $19 per month, available to riders who own their bike (bought outright, or after a rent-to-own buyout).
It’s all tax-deductible
An e-bike you buy to earn delivery income is a business expense. Because the IRS standard mileage rate applies to cars rather than bikes, you deduct your actual costs — the bike (through depreciation, or potentially all at once via a Section 179 election), plus batteries, accessories, repairs, and servicing. Keep every receipt. See our guide to delivery driver tax deductions for the details, and talk to a tax professional about your own situation.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a Whizz e-bike cost in Chicago?
A pre-owned Storm-1 is $690, a pre-owned Storm-2 is $1,090, and a new Storm-2 is $1,790. Batteries are $390 new or $270 used.
Is it cheaper to buy or rent an e-bike in Chicago?
Over the long run, buying. A monthly rental at $179 adds up to roughly $2,150 a year, versus $1,090 once for a pre-owned Storm-2. Renting is cheaper up front and lets you walk away, which is worth a lot if you’re not sure delivery is for you.
Should I buy new or pre-owned?
For delivery work, a pre-owned Storm-2 at $1,090 is usually the best value — it’s the same capable bike for $700 less than new. Buy new if you want the longest possible service life from the bike.
Do I need a spare battery?
If you ride full-time shifts, most likely yes. A second battery ($390 new, $270 used) means you keep earning instead of waiting to charge.
What accessories should I buy first?
An insulated backpack, a helmet, a solid lock, a phone mount, and a power bank. After that, add winter gear — in Chicago it pays for itself in shifts you don’t cancel.
The bottom line
Buying an e-bike in Chicago starts at $690 for a pre-owned Storm-1 and $1,090 for a pre-owned Storm-2 — the pick for most delivery riders — with a new Storm-2 at $1,790. Budget another $150–$200 for the essentials, consider a spare battery for long shifts, and don’t skip the winter gear. Own the bike, keep your receipts, and it becomes a deductible tool that earns for you.
Ready to buy? Whizz e-bikes are UL-certified and built for all-day delivery, with bikes, batteries, and accessories available in Chicago. Explore Whizz e-bikes and accessories.
Prices shown are current for Chicago as of July 2026 and may change — check the Whizz site for the latest.
