Young and old, urbanites or simply lovers of sports or nature. Few resist eBikes, which are gaining so many followers as to speak of a true revolution in electric bicycles. In Europe alone, for each purchase of a car, up to 60 of this alternative means of transport materialize, especially advantageous for mobility in the city. However, the advantages of electric bicycles do not stop there.
What is an electric bicycle?
It is the cheapest and least polluting means of motorized transport. Equipped with a motor and batteries of very varied power and autonomy (between 180 and 250 watts in the first case, and over 50 kilometers in the second), these bicycles help the cyclist to pedal with less effort on steep slopes or in strong winds. against. That eBikes have an engine does not mean that they are like a motorcycle: pedaling is still the key to movement.
Electric bike sales skyrocket.
Sales of electric bicycles have experienced a significant increase in practically the entire world. Thus, for example, in just over a decade, in China this market has simply gone from not existing to moving up to 230 million units per year. Within the European Union, where the presence of these bicycles is increasing, Germany has two and a half million eBikes in circulation.
Why is this transportation system gaining in popularity? The reasons are varied and depend on the profile of each user, although many of the advantages are extensible to practically all of them. Before reviewing the personal benefits of using an electric bicycle for urban transport or for cycling, an essential aspect of this transport system is that which refers to the environment. The CO2 emissions into the atmosphere that derive from driving in a car exceed 40 times those of an electric bicycle. Therefore, choosing this option is betting on a much more sustainable transport.
Advantages of eBikes for urban transport.
Personally, when used for urban transport, these bicycles provide, like conventional ones, advantages for riding in heavy traffic and dealing with parking problems. Now, unlike models without motors, electric bicycles allow short and long trips, at speeds between 25 and 40 kilometers per hour.
According to the European Environmental Protection Agency, the CO2 emissions of a car are approximately 40 times higher than those of an electric bicycle.
In addition, those who go to work with them (use that in the United Kingdom accounts for 75% of the total for this means of transport), can benefit from the comfort provided by the extra help provided by the engine. This avoids getting completely sweaty to work, an aspect that leads many to not finish opting for the bicycle.
An ideal transport system for distances of up to 10 kilometres, eBikes also stand out for their health benefits, since they minimize the risk of muscle or knee overload, in addition to relieving pressure on ligaments, tendons and joints. Although this does not mean that we do not have to make an effort when we drive an electric bike, since you will have to pedal to move. They are recommended for cycling when you come out of an injury.
eBikes sale price and maintenance costs.
The sale price of electric bicycles, higher than that of conventional models, is one of the aspects that can be understood as cons of this transport model. However, the emergence of more and more options on the market, like this one, has driven a reduction in prices, so that quality models can be purchased for around 1,000 euros. Although you already have low cost electric bicycles on the market, such as the Xiaomi Himo V1, which you can buy for 230 euros.
Another alternative is used electric bicycles, a market that every day has more variety and better prices.
It is, therefore, the cheapest motorized transport option, which also allows savings on aspects such as road taxes, parking payments or insurance. Another aspect with which saving is enhanced is with the recharging of the batteries. Compared to a car, for example, the load required for these bicycles is much lower and, therefore, drives costs down. You can travel 100 kilometers on an electric bike for just 0.25 euros.
These are some of the aspects for which there is currently a revolution in the electric bicycle market, a sustainable and comfortable means of transport that can meet the needs of any population profile, as well as any type of use, whether for leisure or sports, or for getting around town, for which it provides another added advantage: the possibilities of intermodality in transport.
