Electric Bikes Increase in Popularity as Entry-Level Electric Transportation
Electric transportation is cool. As more people become concerned about the environment and the cost of energy, more and more consumers want an electric vehicle, either to replace their primary vehicle or act as a supplementary method of getting around. Millennials see cars differently than past generations. No longer are cars vital to their identity. But too often, shifting to an electric car can be too pricey. This is why so many people are choosing electric bikes.
A recent New York Times article says that many consumers are buying electric bikes as their first form of electric transportation.
Electric Bikes Are Growing in Popularity
This year, about 5 million electric bikes are expected to be purchased worldwide. In the United States, about 400,000 electric bikes will be sold in the United States this year, which is twice of last year’s total, according to PeopleForBikes.
Many people that are first exploring buying bicycles with electric motors get sticker shock. These e bikes appear really expensive compared with traditional bikes. But when you compare electric bicycles with high-performance electric cars, like the Tesla, an electric bike can seem a lot more affordable.
LEARN about Haibike, the Lexus of Electric Bikes
Electric Bikes Started in Europe
It’s not unusual in Europe to see people using electric bicycles as their primary form of transportation. America is catching on to the Electric Bicycle trend as urbanization increases and more and more people are using electric bikes for transportation and recreation.
It’s Convenient to Charge Electric Bike Motors
Electric cars require special power stations, which has slowed the spread of their popularity. An electric bike’s motor can be plugged into a standard outlet. It’s a convenient bicycle for commuting. Easily plug in the bike at the office or at home.
Types of Electric Bicycles
There are a number of types of bikes where electric motors are really helpful and make the entire bicycle-riding experience perfect!
Mountain Bike Are Going Electric
Conventional mountain bike-enthusiasts have been reluctant to buy bicycles with electric motors in the past. Macho attitudes are often prevalent in this sport. But more and more off-road bicycle lovers are discovering how fun it is to mountain bike with an electric power system—Climb an impossible hill. Hit any jump faster and higher. Electric bikes make the whole mountain bike experience more exciting,
“. . . even advocacy groups like the International Mountain Bicycling Association have abandoned their anti-e-bike stance and now support the use of pedal-assist bikes on some trails.”
New York Times
LEARN MORE about Electric Mountain Bikes
Electric Road Bikes
Many commuters or casual bike riders who like to only ride on the road or casual trails are looking for electric bike motors. Many empty nesters with health challenges or injuries that occur normally in life are turning to electric bikes. With that motor they can ride together, easily, at the same speed.
LEARN MORE about Electric Road Bikes
Electric Bike Technology is Constantly Improving
Many manufacturers of electric bikes are switching to more efficient mid-drive motors. This design improvement changes the electric bike’s center of gravity, making it more maneuverable.
There are new lithium ion batteries available that offer two key improvements:
- More efficiency, offering greater speed and torque.
- Increased range.
The modern bicycle motors provide really smooth transitions from motor-free-pedaling to pedal-assist, to pedal-free-throttle.
New Laws and Regulations
The New York Times points out that new laws are needed to help improve the popularity of electric bicycles. Many bicycle riders are concerned that some electric bikes have speeds that exceed 20-mph.
Buy Online
Is it time for you to invest in an electric vehicle? Are you interested in buying an electric bike online? Find a bike that offers you’re the best performance at the best price. Contact an electric bike specialist today. We’ll be happy to answer any and all of your questions to help you make the smartest decision.