A decent bike needn't be expensive. For as little as 300€, you can have a new bike that'll do just fine for recreational use and simple commutes. Used bikes can usually be had really cheap, too, but for that you'd best know how to check the components and what to look for.
Race bikes, mountain bikes and pedelecs are a different thing, but those are either specialty sports equipment or luxury items.
Either way, (normal) bikes are easy and cheap to maintain, if used correctly.
In the US, you can get a pretty decent ebike $1,500-1,800. I wouldn't even consider them a luxury in many parts of the country, because we so often have to share the roads with cars.
Thanks! Heading out for my first 30+ miler in a bit. Doing the physical therapy exercises required after being hit by cars in the past on my bike. The random encouragement is appreciated!
Shit man I wish this had been posted this morning. I left to go for a ride about an hour away and traffic got so bad it was gonna take 2+ hours so I turned back and didn't get to ride.
imma decline this. My town is in the midst of a heatwave. It's too fuckin' hot.
Also the only bike in the family is a rusty piece with flat tires and the gears perpetually need adjusting. The chain is probably in awful need of lubrication.