Goldtone EB-5 for beginners?

Hi, I've been wanting to learn banjo for a while. My motivations are largely punk-oriented, and I also want to learn more production/effects stuff, so I thought I might start with a cheaper electric banjo. There is the added benefit that I'm living in a small apartment and I'll be less disruptive to my neighbors. But now I imagine there are problems with this as well. I've read I won't get the same sound by default, and I imagine maintenance will be more difficult? I was hoping to get some thoughts from experienced players; is this a bad idea?