Take a look around and you’ll notice that the e-bike, or electric bicycle, is a popular and growing form of transportation within city limits.
And no wonder. As the law stands right now, as long as pedals are attached (even if not being used), the e-bike remains classified as a bicycle. No license or license plate is required and riders do not need insurance. As long as a rider is 16 years of age or older and is wearing a bicycle helmet, an e-bike is permitted to go anywhere a bicycle can go, travelling up to a maximum speed of 32km/hr.
While a normal, human-powered bicycle is truly the zenith of green transit, the e-bike is an excellent rival, being about 100 times more efficient than an automobile. With zero-emissions, the e-bike does not add to the smog and toxins in the air we breathe. Nor does it create noise pollution – the ride is silent and comfortable.
E-bikes are defined as a power-assisted bicycle with a battery powered electric motor that does not exceed 500 watts and reaches a maximum speed of 32km/hr. A reputable e-bike could cost anywhere in the range of $900 – $1500, while a scooter style e-bike could be up to $3000. There is also the option of buying a conversion kit to turn an existing bicycle into an electric one by adding a battery, for as little as about $400. It usually takes three to four hours to recharge an e-bike using a normal outlet and a full re-charge consumes about 3 cents of electricity. On one charge, an electric bike can travel between 20-50 kilometers, depending on the terrain and the model of the bike.
E-bikes make a perfect fit for commuters who want more convenience than using a transit system that is often disrupted or delayed, or for cyclists who find their commute is too long and sweaty for a comfortable and professional arrival at the office. They are also great for those with limited endurance due to age or health problems, but who still want to enjoy the biking experience.
However, it’s not all fun and games out on the road for e-bike users. Besides being spurned by some cyclists, shouting at them to get out of the bike lanes, and being labeled as lazy, e-bikers face another foe. Many drivers (of cars) dislike them on the roads, especially the scooter style e-bikes as they are wider than a normal bike and require more room to pass.
No one would think of sneering at someone riding a Vespa, especially if painted in one of those delicious Vespa colors. Why the e-bike, then? They are more eco-friendly than a Vespa or gas-powered scooter, and yet can travel almost as fast.
In such an unfriendly atmosphere, can the e-bike survive? Although no decision has been made yet, the answer may come soon, as the Ontario government is nearing the end of a three-year pilot program designed for studying e-bikes and how they integrate with other road users. October 3, 2009 marks the conclusion of the project, at which time, all information gathered will be assessed. Following this assessment, the program may be extended to allow for more evaluation, or else legislation will be drafted and proposals made.
Bob Nichols, Ontario Ministry of Transportation spokesperson, says the response to the project has been encouraging so far, and that the Ministry will be asking for more input from e-bike users, manufacturers, retailers and others.
The future of the e-bike hangs in the balance, but until then, many are getting around on a comfortable, silent, eco-friendly form of transportation.
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In the context of today’s world, ‘consuming’ and ‘balance’ in the same sentence seems to be an oxymoron.
on
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It will be interesting to watch how the ebike classification may change because of the scooters that put pedals on them just to qualify for bicycle status. I think that an electric bike is more like the Pedego. If you are not using the power, you can ride it just like a regular bike. Can’t say that for many of the ebike scooters.
http://www.pedegoelectricbikes.com
Hello – after reading your posts…I can’t help but tell you that if anyone here is looking to purchase an electric bike for the first time…they can get a high end bike through me… http://www.iBikeElectric.com The Europa from Ultra Motor…they normally run between $1800 and $1400 fro the older models…I have brand new in the box Europas below $ 800.00 and I have the best electric bike in the world…the A2B, sold at full MSRP $2699.00 but with free shipping and a free extra battery to double distance ( worth $ 600.00 from any store) and a companion Europa electric Bike for $ 600.00 with purchase of the A2b with free battery. If you want the companion Europa only with the A2B purchase and the free shipping of the A2B…the cost of the Europa is only $300.00 – now you can ride in any style high end for the lowest cost bikes in the world with superior lithium ion batteries!
We have seen this trend where electric bicycles are taking over private transportation, the trend is even greater in Asia where most of the people use bike as daily transportation, it is a very effective way to commute, to do your part in the conservation of the environment, you can find quality electric bicycles at http://www.jjwirelessworld.com at affordable prices, they can literally replace your expensive car and decrease dramatically your use of fuel.
There seems to be a similar trend around China, Europe and the U.S. (although the U.S. is probably the furthest behind). Electric bikes and scooters are growing in popularity and are becoming much more visible (and viable) for the average consumer. Although non-electric bicycles are definitely greener, let’s face it, most people are too lazy to ride a ‘standard’ bike everywhere. E-bikes are a great alternative and will get more people out of their cars!
Having only owned my ebike for one season, I can’t call myself an expert but I can tell you that there is a global revolution in transportation underway. Two months after I started customizing friends neglected mountain bikes into hip-ebikes (www.hip-ebikes.com) I caught this documentary online http://www.cbc.ca/documentaries/doczone/2009/pedalpower/
Cities like Paris, Amsterdam and New York don’t create individual bike lanes and recharging stations on a whim. La Route Verte au Quebec and the reclaimed DAR railway line in the Annapolis Valley, Nova Scotia are more rural extensions of this same idea: Safe, sustainable transportation routes which offer an alternative to driving.
To anyone reading this who has never tried pedal-assist ebikes, find a company that offers a ‘try it before you buy it’ policy and give it a whirl, you won’t regret it! You travel further, faster and for pennies – my ebike saved me $1600 last year in commuting fuel costs.
Robb,
I think it’s fantastic that more people are embracing this new form of transportation. I believe this would be perfect for my parents who are a little older and unable to ride a bicycle anymore. A great way to get around the city.
Thanks for the comment!
I got myself the green edge blackstar 2, and tried a few bikes before i settled on the blackstar. http://www.e-bikesdirect.co.uk do free test rides if you call in advance.
I agree about the “scooter with pedals” types. They are not legal in some areas mostly because so many of them are really heavy. Electric bikes have to be under 100 lbs in our state.
I have bought several electric bikes going way back to the eBike from Lee Iacoca. I now ride an R Martin R12 electric bike. It is by far the best deal I have ever found and it is really powerful. It rides and looks like a regular bike but has pedal assist AND a throttle. It is really cool. Here is the link to the one I ride: http://www.electricbikedistributor.com/r12-electric_bicycle.html
Check out there other stuff too. They have some of the best bikes for the price.
Jay