Electric Bikes

Electric Bikes can provide a boost to your commute

Green transportation need not mean huffing it up hills on foot or a road bike.  Electric bikes provide an excellent, earth-friendly transportation option for commuters and people running errands.  Cheaper and more eco-friendly than a motorcycle, you can get an electric bike than can take you around town without fuel and with relative ease.

Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs) like electric bicycles are a growing market these days, as consumers look for transportation options that are both easy on the wallet and the planet.  There are a wide range of options available, including variations on range, speed and cost.  Some have even claimed that electric bikes offer the benefits of a second car, but without the insurance, fuel and maintenance costs.  I must say, I agree!

Now, you can either buy a pre-fabricated electric bike, or you can do-it-yourself and convert a traditional bicycle to a hybrid electric bike, as shown here:

LEVs on the loose!

At a popular website, electric-bikes.com, features of pre-fabricated models are described as follows:

Electric bikes and motors, when combined with a long list of bicycle options, extend ordinary bikes into flexible and utilitarian vehicles. You’ll be amazed at the possibilities. Electric bikes also combine well with bus and train for long-range point-to-point transportation. Expect your e-bike to easily cover 10 miles at nearly 15 mph. For most of us, that’s enough for our local errands. For some, it will get us to work faster than driving – and without the stress. Add more batteries for more range. Add a trailer and you’ve got a small, easy-to-use vehicle capable of hauling 100+ pounds of cargo. Or add an enclosure with some cargo space for a velomobile.

Lest you think that an electric bike sounds just like a scooter – do not be fooled.  It really is more of a hybrid vehicle, relying on human, as well as electric power.  Because of its features, many jurisdictions regard it as a non-motorized vehicle and regulate it as such.  If you really want to get technical, then you should refer to them as power-assisted velocipedes.

A number of well-known bicycle manufacturers, including Schwinn, have gotten into electric bike production.  And, there are a number of websites and even brick-and-mortar stores selling them these days.  You won’t have to search far and low to get one!

Thinking about purchasing an LEV?  Here are some quick facts to consider:

• Cost: Ranges between $400-3000 for most models, and about $500 for a conversion kit for your existing bicycle
• Range: 15-25 per charge
• Speed: about 18 mph
• Cost for electricity: $5/year
• Recharge time: 2-4 hours
• Options: power-on-demand, or power-assist (consider how many hills in your area and, if a lot, you may want power-assist)
• License and registration?  Not required!
• Emissions?  Zero!

These options make an electric bike a great alternative for a responsible teen who may not be driving yet, or for a spouse to have at home when the car is in the shop.  Of course, no fuel saves on monthly gas expenses.  Use of an LEV may even qualify you for a tax credit for green commuting!

Before you consider an electric bike, you’ll want to talk to a professional who can answer questions regarding model, battery life, recharging, and maintenance.  Here in my hometown of Bend, Oregon, there is a great Electric Bikes store right near the Old Mill District – conveniently located for both residents and tourists alike!  Just a few miles away, I think I could get there on my old mountain bike…. but oh, how nice if I had an electric ride instead.