People who have electric bicycle go further
Roger Mueller
Juerg Moser
In this guest post, Roger Mueller and Juerg Moser talk about a topic very near and dear to them: electric bikes. They work with the award winning electric bike company STROMER.
Switzerland, our home country, has a long cycling tradition coupled with many steep hills and therefore the electric bicycle has proved to be an enormous hit. Thanks to the popularity of electric bikes in Switzerland, (or e-bikes as they are also known as), Switzerland has seen a boost in cycling user groups including seniors, commuters, and families with bike trailers. This rise in cycling's popularity has increased the awareness among planning and building authorities to meet the needs of bicycle traffic through appropriate infrastructure .
As more and more people are choosing to cycle, Switzerland has enjoyed the benefits of a cycling culture which include better citizen health, efficiency of transportation and reduction of dependence on motor vehicles and pollution.
In contrast to Switzerland, the e-bike market in Canada is still very modest. Last year, Canada sold less than 10% of the e-bikes that were sold in Switzerland. We believe that Canada has a huge potential for e-bikes in the next few years.
The increasing infrastructure support and emerging cycling culture in Metro Vancouver means that it's only a matter of time before e-bikes gain the popularity that they enjoy in European cities. More and more, e-bikes are becoming less of a specialty item sought by enthusiasts and techies.
Still hesitant to try an e-bike? Here are five reasons to consider getting an electric bike:
- People who have electric bicycles go further: Literally. A survey done by Leeds University showed that electric bikes covered 1,200 miles (1930 km) per annum compared to only 120 miles (193 km) for a traditional non-electric bike. Quite simply, the electric bike owners tend to use their bikes more practical reasons compared to their conventional counter parts. For example, 64% of all "distance travelled" was for commuting or shopping trips. With the extra assistance of a motor, you can load the bike up much more easily than if you were pushing on your own. Especially when hills are involved! A lot of e-bikers use bike-bags and trailers, including child trailers.
- It’s only a matter of time before they’re everywhere: It might surprise you to know that today, one in 7 bicycles sold is battery-assisted. The Asia Pacific region in general and China in particular, dominates and will continue to dominate the global electric two-wheel vehicle market with more than 95% of the sales during this next six years. If you leave China out of the picture and take a look at the projection for other parts of the worlds, the sale of electric bicycle is going to double or even quadruple in almost every region of the world:
- E-bikes are for all ages: The biggest misconception about e-bikes is the argument ‘The e-bike is only for elderly people’. With an e-bike you are able to ride faster as a regular bike and this without sweat, perfect for commuting. Even for recreation therapy or daily workout can an e-bike be used well. It is also for less sporty people who want to exercise more or people who live in a hilly area. As a result, e-bike use helps to reduce the general cost of the health system. It is even a common misconception that you ‘do nothing’ when riding an electric bike … you can still push as hard as you want to get that high intensity workout. You just go faster!
- Great for the planet: The carbon footprint of an electric bike is many times smaller than that of a car. For example, in British Columbia a car releases about 30 times the amount of carbon per kilometre than an electric bike. (This takes into account the carbon footprint of the electricity used to power the bike.) Every time you ride a bike instead of taking your car, you also reduce other forms of pollution such as particulate, noise and chemical pollution. There are many studies showing the benefits of cycling for the health of the individual as well the planet. It's also no coincidence that cities with the best cycling networks in the world have also been rated the most liveable.
- Quicker than a car?: For short journeys and many urban commutes, an electric bike is quicker than a car or using public transport. Riding to work you do not always want a workout or to arrive soaked in sweat. With an electric bike, you can choose the level of input you want and arrive cool and ready to take on the day’s work. For example, almost half of all Vancouver residents commute less than five km to work and more than 80 percent commute less than 10 km (source). With an electric bike, these are easily manageable commutes. Imagine 50% less cars on the road during the morning commute!
- Cost Savings: There are large potential cost savings. Many owners are using an electric bike to replace a second car. The initial cost of an electric bike is quickly recouped through savings made by not running a car. Not to mention the benefits to health and the environment! Did you know that it costs less than 10 cents to fully charge a battery? Once you are at your destination, there is no battle to find a parking space and, of course, no parking charges.
- Fun: Lastly but importantly, riding an electric bike doesn’t mean you’re lazy. You are a smart educated consumer reducing air pollution and having fun doing it.
If you'd like to learn more about e-bikes, or STROMER, please contact Juerg Moser or Roger Mueller.
Have you ever tried an e-bike? What did you think? Do you know anyone who has one?