If you love the idea of biking to work, but are not so big on the idea of arriving sweaty and tired, then it’s time to consider an electric bike.
While they’re relatively new to North America, electric bikes have been a popular form of transportation in Europe and Asia for more than a decade. And no wonder. They’re super economical to run, they’re much faster than a standard bike and, best of all, they’re extremely fun to ride!
Just imagine experiencing all the joy of biking, with none of the strain. Fly up hills, carry heavy loads or bike long distances with relatively little effort. Or, turn down the power and receive just a little assistance as you pedal. How much help (and exercise) you get is totally up to you.
You can feel good about helping the Earth too. As a zero-emission transportation method, e-bikes are a very clean way to travel, with studies showing that e-bike owners steadily reduced their car trips, the longer they owned their bike.
And there’s no comparison when it comes to operating costs. While everyone’s expenses would differ, of course, it’s been estimated that operating a car for one year will set you back about $6,900. An electric bike? How does $169 sound?
Purchasing the bike itself costs anywhere from $1,500 to $8,000, with $3,000 about average for a powerful, reliable and smooth ride. Models vary widely, from stylish “city” bikes designed for the commuter to more rugged and sporty trail bikes. Or check out the super-powered Kranked high-performance mountain bikes designed by local visionary Bjorn Enga. With all the top e-bike brands now available in Canada, you’re sure to find an e-bike that fits, whatever your tastes, budget and riding needs.
All this aside, we still think the best reason to get an e-bike is the fun factor. Zip to the grocery store, buzz over to a friend’s house or discover the Coast’s amazing network of bike paths and trails. With an e-bike, you’ll want to go by bike as often as possible, just to experience the pure, heady exhilaration that comes with every single ride.
To help promote the use of e-bikes on the Coast, TraC has teamed up with Spin Cycles to offer local leaders the use of an e-bike for a day. So be sure to look for these riders zooming to and from work, or out and about getting their errands done during Bike to Work and School Week. They’ll be the ones arriving fresh, relaxed – and with a huge smile on their face.
(Elizabeth owns Spin Cycles. This is the third of a five-part series from Coast Reporter and TraC (Transportation Choices) concerning commuter cycling on the Sunshine Coast during the annual Bike to Work and School Week of May 30 –June 5.)
