Electric Bikes – Forerunning Light Electric Vehicles

In a changing world of working towards renewable energy and maximizing resources – not to mention efficient transportation – there has been a dramatic increase over the last few years in the popularity of electric vehicles.  Among these is the electric bicycle, a masterpiece of environment that combines the best of two worlds – bicycling and electric motors.  An electric powered bike is an anomaly; something that until recently didn’t fit into most people’s idea of how to get around.  Lately however, their rise in popularity has proven them not only an exciting toy, but a viable means of efficient transportation.

Clean, quiet, and efficient, electric bikes fit into the category of LEVs (Light Electric Vehicles) that provide consistent and reliable transportation within short ranges.  For most of us, who travel within less than a ten-mile radius for the majority of our day-to-day lives, this is exactly what we need.  Electric bikes offer us the ability to quickly and efficiently run errands, get to and from work, stop by the post office, or get some exercise without burning a drop of gasoline.  As well as being environmentally friendly, they are also extremely convenient – rather than walking or riding a regular bicycle, you can maximize your transportation with minimal effort.  Electric bikes go up to 35 miles an hour – in many situations, that’s as fast as you can drive.

How Electric Bicycles Work

Electric bikes use a rechargeable battery to power their small electric motor, which gives them ability to travel at faster speeds with less effort than a normal bicycle.  This creates a unique combination of human and vehicle power; unlike any other main mode of transportation (cars, trains, busses), electric bikes actually draw on your efforts to increase power, while unlike other forms of transportation (regular bikes, scooters, walking), they also draw on their own independent power – electric bike motors.  It is this balance that makes these vehicles so unique – and so convenient; many Americans could realistically use an electric bike as their main means of transportation 95% of the time, while running around town or getting to and from the office.  Electric bike motors are rechargeable, meaning that you simply plug them into a wall outlet to “fuel up” and regain power.  Some of the newer models go even further – in an effort to up the ante even more with renewable energy, there are now electric bikes that are charged by solar panels, and others that can be recharged continually as you pedal by the energy put out by your own body.  Pretty amazing, huh?

The electric drive system is the main component that sets electric bikes apart from other bicycles.  Other than that, electric bike parts are exactly the same as those of a regular bike, and can be exchanged and repaired like any other bicycles.  These vehicles are designed to be sturdy, reliable, and fairly maintenance-free – electric powered bikes almost never experience engine failure like a car or truck, and those problems that do arise are likely to be simple matters and fairly inexpensive to fix.


Owning an Electric Bike

There are two main options open to those hoping to own an electric bike.  One is to simply buy one – the market is growing with numerous manufacturers producing their own version of the machine.  Electric powered bikes are now made by many brands, including e-Zee, Giant, Bromton, Birdy, and many others.  Many of these brands are found for sale on the Northwest Electric Bike website, which also offers a comprehensive overview of light electric vehicles or LEV’s.  Their slogan reads “augmenting, not replacing, human power,” a good summary of the goal of electric bicycles.

The other option open to those hoping to own an electric bicycle is to build your own.  There are many, many manufacturers of kits to transform your favorite bike into an LEV, including those made by Slipstream (one of the more popular brands.)  This is not necessarily a cheaper option – a cheap conversion kit can run about $700 for bicycles, while you can buy a cheap electric bike for under $500.  They may be, however, a better deal, since a good electric bicycle is more expensive than a good-quality kit, and the kit offers the added advantage of being able to use your own bicycle for conversion.

Another slight twist on the regular electric bicycle is the electric pocket bike, an incredibly nifty invention that rides like a regular electric bicycle and then folds neatly up – to a compact and carry-able bulk.  The e-Zee Quando bicycle folds quickly and cleanly into a package only 17 by 30 inches, 34 inches tall and weighing only 41 pounds sans battery.  This means no need to worry about leaving your bike unlocked or in the rain – simply pack it up and take it with you!

Electric bikes offer a clean, safe, efficient, and environmentally sound means of transportation.  By combining human energy with electric energy, they maximize your power when you want to ride hard, and when you want to cruise, allowing you the power to choose.  “Augmenting, not replacing, human power,” is key to beginning a new age of efficient and renewable energy in transportation.