An E-bike Is A Great Way To Have Fun AND Save Money
The E-bike is one great way to have fun while saving money and there are precious few things that you can say that about.
Electric bikes (aka E-bikes) have been used, extensively, throughout Europe and Asia for years but have been slow to catch on in the USA.
We forget that most of the world pays more for gasoline than we do and maybe that accounts for much of our reluctance to embrace e-bikes.
And, there is also the on-going love affair that we have with our cars.
But, this attitude is changing and the sale of e-bicycles has increased over 60% in the last year. We never had $4.00 per gallon gas prices before and the economic climate is causing more people to look at alternative ways to save money.
So, there are a number of practical reasons for electric bikes besides some valid reasons that may be overlooked.
An electric bicycle changes the way you experience transportation and bicycling.
They are pedal optional so you can pedal for exercise, ride with motor power only, or just use the motor on hills or as needed.
It puts the pleasure back into getting from here to there. You can ride comfortably, and climb easily, so hills and wind are no longer an issue.
If you are commuting to work you arrive without the sweat that a conventional bike may cause.
I have several friends and acquaintances that love to ride bikes but either, live in very hilly area, or tend to not want to ride on a windy day. A stiff headwind can be like a hill that never seems to end. It’s a shame to curtail, or even give up, something that you really enjoy when there is an easy way to solve the problem.
Some boomers and seniors feel that a conventional bike may be too much of a challenge for them but an electric bike (that is pedal optional) could be perfect for them.
These bikes are appealing to folks that are concerned with the environment also. They are quiet and don’t emit toxic fumes like a gasoline engine does.
An estimated 80% of an average persons travel is with the driver only and within 10 miles of home. Maybe it is time to give the environment a break and consider an electric bike.
Some cyclists may rebel against them since bicycles are essentially human powered machines. But, under the right circumstances, I would get one in a heartbeat, before I would give up riding, or if I had a short commute to work.
What you can expect from an electric bicycle
On the positive side.
A very cost effective means of transportation.
A chance to get some exercise while running routine errands
Environmentally friendly
More convenient than buses
Most states do not require a license or inspection
If the battery runs out you can still get home by pedaling
You can park them just about anywhere
The upright riding position is easy on the back and hands
Just plain fun to ride
On the not so positive side
They are heavier than a conventional bike so make sure to consider the weight
The battery needs to be topped off regularly
They have a weight limitation usually around 240 lbs.
You need to make sure to check the local laws for requirements or restrictions.
It’s harder to change a tire since the motor is in the wheel hub.
Some things to consider The battery
The battery is one of the most expensive components on the bike.
SLA (or sealed lead acid) batteries are the least expensive, but the heaviest, and have the least charge cycles.
NiMH (nickel metal hydride) batteries are lightweight and fast charging but may be prone to memory loss.
Li-ion (lithium ion) batteries are light, charge the fast, and have the most charge cycles, but are also the most expensive.
Li-Po (lithium-Polymer) Are the newest, charge the fastest, are maintenance free, and can be shaped to suit the manufacturer. They are expensive but are likely the battery of the future for e-bikes.
The battery should deliver at least 24 volts.
Should be easily removable and accessible for charging.
Other notable features Max speed
Most e-bikes are limited to 20 mph when under battery power only. In fact this is the main reason most states don’t require a license. Speed is contingent on rider weight input, and terrain.
Max range
The max range is usually 15 to 24 miles contingent on rider weight, input, and terrain.
Typical controls
Twist grip throttle for speed control.
Keyed ignition
On-off switch
Battery power indicator
Rear hub enclosed gearing.
Twist grip shifter
Disc brakes on most
Motor and battery should be sealed.
Motors are DC and are built into the wheel hub.
Aluminum frame and components save on weight and prevent corrosion.
Two of the manufacturers of
quality e-bikes
are ECO and Currie Technologies.
