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Ten Advantages of Ebikes

9/26/2020

 
Man standing next to an ebike in an urban setting

Ebikes have exploded on the scene, and for good reason.  They are an efficient and environmentally friendly way to get around.  With the sustainability of a bike and the assist of clean electric energy, an ebike might be what you need to get around in the COVID-19 world.    

​An ebike is for you if you want:
  1. A Workout
  2. Ride with a faster friend
  3. Haul a heavy load
  4. Vary your ride from day to day
  5. Reduce your number of auto trips
  6. Conquer commutes and the first and last mile
  7. Arrive less sweaty and exhausted
  8. Mitigate physical limitations
  9. Extend biking into the colder months ​
  10. Save money on commuting

Handlebar view of an ebike with display
A Workout
With an ebike you still have to pedal, you just get a little help if you want it.  Most ebikes offer the luxury of choice with three or more power levels so you can ride with no assist, a little to make up for the bike weight, or anywhere from a gentle push to a hearty shove.  You can still get your hearth rate up if that is the goal of your ride, but if you have had enough, the assist will get you back home with minimal effort.

Man and woman wearing helmets on bikes
Ride with a faster friend
The cycling speed gap is a classic cycling occurence--you want to enjoy a pleasant ride outdoors with your significant other or friends but there is a riding speed mismatch which often results in riders finishing seperately or the fast rider having to wait for the slower rider.  One solution is for the slower rider to utilize an ebike.  The assist available from the ebike motor will have everyone riding side by side or front to back and enjoy the time together.

Woman on an ebike pulling a trailer with 2 children
Haul a heavy load
Sometimes we load up our bikes with things we want to carry and we slow down peddling, work up a sweat, and come home exhausted.  An ebike helps carrying a load of goods or people without an extra  effort.   Instead of taking the kids to a park, take them on a tour of parks.  When you enhance your ride with Orblieb waterproof panniers or an Osprey backpack shopping will be easier.  Go a head, buy a watermelon, jug of milk, or 6 pack of beer!    Load up your ebike and leave your car at home.  ​

Map with push pins representing destinations
Very your ride from day to day
Don't be stuck taking the same ole route everyday to your key destinations just because it is the shortest or flattest.  Take the long way and explore other neighborhoods.  In many cases, an ebike is a faster way to get around than a carr.

Ride You Bike traffic sign
Reduce number of auto trips
Tread softly on the plant by using green transit place of a trip by car.  The non-polluting ebike is one of the more positive environmental things you can do for the planet.   An ebike is an option  for people who cannot afford or do not want to own a car.    Replacing a car trip with an ebike trip for communiting and running errands results in 1) healthier cities, 2) less traffic congestion and pollution, 3) healthier riders.  Studies show that 80% of trips are within four miles from home which  is a bike-able distance.  Forget the car and ride an ebike.  ​

Woman commuting on a bike
​Conquer commutes and the first and last mile
An ebike will take you door to door, from your home to work, the grocery store, library, coffee house, friend's, house, etc.  If at any point during your regular ride you start to struggle with the wind or a hill, turn on the assist to get a burst of power that assist so you can be on your way.  

Arrive Less Sweaty and Exhausted
Working out is one thing, but getting to where you want to go is another.  Using active transportation should not mean you have to get all worked up so that you arrive hot and sweaty.  Arrive refreshed.  
Mitigate Limitations
Even elite athletes experience aches and pains and normal humans do also.  A twitchy knee, a sore elbow, or an annoying hip should not prevent you from being active altogether, you might just need a little assist to ease yourself back in shape.  Level the playing field while on a bike with a little extra help that still allows you to get exercise.  
​
Extend Biking into the Colder Months
Even the hardiest of bike commuters can find cycling during the colder months and wet conditions a challenge and an excuse to put the bike back in the garage and head for the car.  But the ability to move faster and with ease is a motivator.  In New York City, Citi Bike ridership decreases by 60% from October through February, but ebike use during this period holds firm indicating that ebike users are more willing to brake whatever nature throws at them.  
Man standing in front of a bike with empty pockets
Save money on commuting
Battery  and motor technology is getting better and cheaper and helping to reduce the overall cost of ebikes.  But it is after you make the investment in the purchase of an ebike that you really start to save.  Batteries are charged with standard household current for pennies and a battery is expected to last for about 10,000 charges. Regular bike accessories and maintenance are very small compared to the cost of purchasing and maintaining a car for transportation.  Regular auto maintenance, licenses, gas, and parking really add up.  The ebike wins every time by a wide margin.

​"I love the e-bike!  I just can't say enough.  I love being on my old bike, but the e-bike has improved the quality of my ride.  I can put in as much effort as I want, or not.  It lets me ride without being concerned about having enough energy to last until the end of the ride." - Vicki

“When people first jump on an e-bike, their face lights up.  It’s exciting and joyful in a way that you don’t get from a regular bike.” - Ryan Rzepecki, Chief Executive of Jump Bikes

"Easing along on city streets at 20 miles an hour while enjoying the outdoors, combined with saving time by dodging traffic and saving gasoline money, beats the hectic race to our jobs that end in backed-up lines of cars incessantly honking." - Richard Mason

"E-bikes are like smack. If you don’t want to get hooked, don’t try one." - Lorenzo Semple


"I recommend everyone who can afford one should get one.   Sell your car, buy an e-bike. It will change your life." - William Henderson, CEO Ride Report 

"An ebike gets you as much exercise as you want." - Tora Harris, CEO, Juiced Bikes

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