Save Money, Save the Planet
It is big in China, Japan, Europe, etc.
, but the United States has been slow to adapt to this new technology.
Recently, however, more and more people are inquiring.
Last year 23 million were sold worldwide, and the number is expected to double by 2012, says Electric Bikes Worldwide Reports, a biennial publication tracking the industry.
In the US my experience is that this is usually (but not always) a different crowd.
One that is more middle-aged or older.
I recently worked with a 90 year young man to get him setup with an electric bike that was safe and comfortable to him.
These are people that want to ride, but may need an assist in the wind or up a hill.
Or, they are simply fed up with the high cost of their vehicle and want a very inexpensive approach to taking up to a 20 mile round trip ride to the store, to a friends, etc.
, which tends to be a high percentage of the driving Americans do.
In addition, making up to a 20 mile commute to work on a bicycle in an hour and showing up without a drop of sweat, and then recharging the battery for about 15 cents for the ride home can be very appealing.
According to a poll taken by ABC News in 2005 the average commute distance for Americans was 16 miles.
Easily attainable in less than an hour with a bicycle equipped with an electric bike kit.
Let's be realistic, we cannot completely get away from automobiles, but we do not have to be held captive by them.
According to Triple A, Americans spent an average of $8273 to drive a medium size sedan 15000 miles in 2008 (55.
2 cents per mile).
This does not include parking and fines.
The reality is with a little planning, and significantly less money, going car-lite is very possible.
My family and I are saving many thousands of dollars per year in Fairfield, CA by using electric bicycles.
It is my primary source of local transportation and I have logged thousands of miles on it.
All I did was pull an old Mongoose out of the shed and put a good quality electric kit on it, and have never had a problem.
A recent article about us came out in the local paper featuring my wife and me with our electric bikes.
And now I'm doing my best to help others embrace a mode of transportation that can provide as much or as little exercise as one desires for less than a penny a mile (based on battery charging costs).
There are certain safety laws that must be adhered to, but an electric powered bike that remains within the power output and braking system rules defined by both state and federal law, is considered a bicycle.
No insurance, registration, etc.
required.
The motor is independent of the pedal and gear system, so you only have to use it when you want to.
The technology has come a long ways and is very reliable.
The latest Lithium LifePO4 batteries will last for nearly 2000 charges and only weigh 10 lbs (or less).
It's not for everyone, and many cyclists much prefer a light bike and human power.
I think that is great.
For some of us, however, beating the gas pump with a little less sweat equity makes it much more fun and enjoyable! After receiving many comments on the local newspaper article and the bikes when we ride them, I decided to get a home business license and help others save money and the planet by installing electric bike kits on existing bicycles.
I have not made a profit in monetary terms, as it is a hobby that I enjoy, and that everyone I've helped now enjoys! That's profit enough.
, but the United States has been slow to adapt to this new technology.
Recently, however, more and more people are inquiring.
Last year 23 million were sold worldwide, and the number is expected to double by 2012, says Electric Bikes Worldwide Reports, a biennial publication tracking the industry.
In the US my experience is that this is usually (but not always) a different crowd.
One that is more middle-aged or older.
I recently worked with a 90 year young man to get him setup with an electric bike that was safe and comfortable to him.
These are people that want to ride, but may need an assist in the wind or up a hill.
Or, they are simply fed up with the high cost of their vehicle and want a very inexpensive approach to taking up to a 20 mile round trip ride to the store, to a friends, etc.
, which tends to be a high percentage of the driving Americans do.
In addition, making up to a 20 mile commute to work on a bicycle in an hour and showing up without a drop of sweat, and then recharging the battery for about 15 cents for the ride home can be very appealing.
According to a poll taken by ABC News in 2005 the average commute distance for Americans was 16 miles.
Easily attainable in less than an hour with a bicycle equipped with an electric bike kit.
Let's be realistic, we cannot completely get away from automobiles, but we do not have to be held captive by them.
According to Triple A, Americans spent an average of $8273 to drive a medium size sedan 15000 miles in 2008 (55.
2 cents per mile).
This does not include parking and fines.
The reality is with a little planning, and significantly less money, going car-lite is very possible.
My family and I are saving many thousands of dollars per year in Fairfield, CA by using electric bicycles.
It is my primary source of local transportation and I have logged thousands of miles on it.
All I did was pull an old Mongoose out of the shed and put a good quality electric kit on it, and have never had a problem.
A recent article about us came out in the local paper featuring my wife and me with our electric bikes.
And now I'm doing my best to help others embrace a mode of transportation that can provide as much or as little exercise as one desires for less than a penny a mile (based on battery charging costs).
There are certain safety laws that must be adhered to, but an electric powered bike that remains within the power output and braking system rules defined by both state and federal law, is considered a bicycle.
No insurance, registration, etc.
required.
The motor is independent of the pedal and gear system, so you only have to use it when you want to.
The technology has come a long ways and is very reliable.
The latest Lithium LifePO4 batteries will last for nearly 2000 charges and only weigh 10 lbs (or less).
It's not for everyone, and many cyclists much prefer a light bike and human power.
I think that is great.
For some of us, however, beating the gas pump with a little less sweat equity makes it much more fun and enjoyable! After receiving many comments on the local newspaper article and the bikes when we ride them, I decided to get a home business license and help others save money and the planet by installing electric bike kits on existing bicycles.
I have not made a profit in monetary terms, as it is a hobby that I enjoy, and that everyone I've helped now enjoys! That's profit enough.
