Electric bikes have been around for some time but, up until a few years ago, were largely ignored outside of the main Chinese market. This was largely due to limitations in battery life and the heavy clunky appearance of many designs.
Recent innovations in new Lithium Ion battery technology, however, together with worldwide focus on green transport methods and rising fuel costs have given the electric bike a new lease of life and not just in China where, according to a report by Austin Ramzy in Time, June14th 2009, 21 million e-bikes were sold in 2008, outstripping car sales by 11.5 million units.
What is an Electric Bike?
An electric bicycle has an electric motor powered by a rechargeable battery and a method of control to either offer totally motorized cycling or a mix of pedal and motor power, known as pedal assisted cycling. Speed is limited to 15–20 mph, dependent on a country’s motor vehicle classification laws, keeping the so called e-bike within the bicycle category.
Advantages of Electric Bikes
- They offer the freedom and fun of cycling without the pain.
- They offer an environmentally friendly means of commuting.
- Electric bikes are cheap to run versus a car, the main cost being the initial purchase price plus low battery recharging costs.
- They offer an easy, sweat-free method of commuting in built up areas, avoiding the need for a shower upon arrival.
- Unlike electric mopeds or scooters, they are not subject to special laws or taxes as they are classed as bicycles.
Disadvantages of Electric Bicycles
- Range is limited to around 18–25 miles although improvements in battery technology are pushing this up to 40 miles in some cases.
- Batteries have to be recharged daily taking from 2 to 8 hours dependent on battery type.
- New battery costs can be high and disposal of old batteries offsets some of the positive green transport advantages.
- Electric bikes are heavy, especially cheaper ones using lead acid batteries which give a total bike weight over 30 kg. This can make pedaling without assistance difficult and carrying the bike a real strain.
Buying a Motorized Bicycle
Cheap models with heavy lead acid batteries cost as little as $200 with prices rising well over $3,500 for modern sleek designs with lightweight Lithium Ion batteries. Expect to pay around $1,500 for a good quality e-bike with parts built to last and an efficient battery with minimal recharging time.
There is a huge choice of electric bike brands in the market, some of which are niche and relatively unknown compared to the main bicycle brands. The US brand Izip and the German brand Heinzmann, for example, only specialize in motorized rather than conventional bicycles. Better-known mainstream cycle brands like Schwinn and Giant have now entered the market, however, in anticipation of the rising popularity of power assisted cycling.
Choose a Power Assisted Bicycle
Whether looking for an easy cycle ride or attracted by the potential cost savings of commuting to work via bike, electric bicycles offer an environmentally friendly method of transport and, with advances in battery technology, an efficient and healthy way of getting around.
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Helen Smeaton - Helen Smeaton runs a cycling and hiking business and is also a freelance writer and web designer. Read her profile for more information
