• The power – Electric bicycles can function exactly like a bike and be used solely as such. When there is a need for an extra power boost, however, these machines can provide. For example, a rider can use personal pedal power for an entire trip, but kick on the electric to make climbing a hill easier on the legs and lungs. This makes the electric bike well suited for day-to-day commuting, exercise and more.

 

• The safety – Electric bikes offer all the safety features of a regular bike with a little twist. They have the power to get out of their own way or a car’s when the need arises. This is a big positive for bicycle riders in high-traffic areas.

 

• The time saved – Electric bicycles typically cut the commute time of a traditional bicycle in half even for a novice cyclist.  When compared to car travel with high traffic an e-bike enjoys the ability and benefits of riding in the bike lanes (unlike mopeds and cars).  Unlike a bus, you are on your own schedule and do not have to be slowed by multiple stops of traffic.  There are even electric bike models that fold up and go into a bag so that they can be taken on the train even during peak hours.  This allows you to get from home to the station, and from the station to your office.  You can even wheel it up to your office in its bag, all without breaking a sweat. 

 

• The operational and purchase expenses – When compared to other forms of transportation, electric bikes are fairly reasonable to purchase and they do not cost much to operate.  According to the Bureau of Transportation, the average annual operating cost of a bicycle is $308 while the average for a car is $8,220.  Additionally, liability insurance is not needed to ride these machines and there is no worry about having to pay at the pump, or for expensive parking fees.  While some local rules vary, most e-bikes do not require any special license to operate.  And unlike mopeds, e-bikes enjoy all the benefits of a standard bike such as traveling on bike paths and in bike lanes.

 

• The health benefits – While it may seem counter intuitive, e-bikes are good for your health.  It is true that “if” you rode your standard bike as much as an e-bike you would get more exercise.  Many people have traditional bikes that may be looking more like dust mops from lack of use.  E-bikes strip away many of the barriers that keep people from using standard bikes, especially as transportation.  E-bikes enable riders to get on a bike with the confidence that they can be tackle hills, headwinds, distances and loads without worry.  Even e-bike riders who purchase them to use more like a scooter often report weight loss, as they find it is simply fun to pedal along.  Riding a bike in general is a great source of exercise that almost anyone can benefit from.  It is considered a low-impact mode of exercise, that doesn’t strain your muscles or wear down your bones.  Therefore, even those with joint conditions or injuries of the legs or hips can safely partake and benefit from it.  With an electric bike you can even choose your level of exercise.  Use the throttle (or set the level) less for a more rigorous workout and for one that’s more relaxed.  Either way, you’re getting your body moving which is always a good thing.  Lastly, a bike ride does wonders for your mind as well as your body. It has been proven to release stress and improve overall mental health.

 

• The green factor – Most car trips are less than 5 miles.  Roughly 1 pound of C02 is saved for every mile pedaled rather than driven.  Electric bikes are an excellent alternative for the environment.  They do not require gasoline and they do not produce emissions. This makes using an electric bike to replace vehicle transit an excellent choice for reducing personal carbon footprints. If an electric bike happens to pull its power from solar energy, the green factor and sustainability can be even more impressive.  Having fun while you do errands on an e-bike may even inspire other to do the same. 

 

• The speed & work commuter – Electric bikes can travel faster than standard bicycles cutting a work commute in about half, and do so without forcing the rider to break a sweat. The amount of pedal power is always the rider's call.  Riding to work without messing up a professional look is totally possible with an e-bike.  And you might find that person is in a better mood for having enjoyed the outdoors and not stressing in traffic.  On the way home, pedal power is always an option for a bit of exercise. 

 

• The fun factor – E-bike are fun.  It’s that simple.  For many of us, riding a bicycle was our first taste of freedom.  William Wallace couldn’t have said it better.  With the wind in your hair, as you turned the corner out of sight from your childhood home…FREEDOM… and your first mode of transportation.  E-bikes can give you freedom once again, and viable eco-friendly transportation that is just plain F-U-N!

 

 

 

Electric bicycles are an alternative transportation machine that can make commuting fun & efficient.  Operating on human or electric power, this low-impact machine is fast becoming a popular replacement for cars for short-distance transit. The versatility of an electric bike is hard to top.