Electric Bikes: Who's Riding And Why?

Electric bikes are a great option for people who want to commute without arriving at work sweaty, haul heavy goods, or take longer trips. They are also a good choice for older riders or those with disabilities, as they offer extended range and ease of use. Electric bikes can help riders build endurance and confidence, and they can be used for a variety of purposes, from commuting to errands to leisure rides. With speeds that can reach up to 26mph in the US, electric bikes offer a different riding experience compared to conventional bikes.

Electric bikes are great for older riders or those with disabilities

According to a 2018 study by the National Institute for Transportation and Communities, which surveyed 1,800 e-bike riders, battery-powered biking helped them take longer and more varied trips. This is because e-bikes allow riders to cover greater distances with less effort, which is a great way to build endurance and confidence. For example, a 56-year-old freelance writer based in Seattle says that using an electric bike has given her a sense of certainty when it comes to scheduling appointments.

Riding an electric bike is a different experience to riding a conventional bike because of the speeds involved. Not everyone who rides a bike regularly spends time riding at the speeds electric bikes are capable of. For example, in the US, class III bikes are capable of 26mph, which is faster than most people would cycle without electric assistance.

E-bikes are also more expensive than their non-electric counterparts, with low-end prices north of $1,000. However, if an e-bike replaces car commutes and errands, then the investment can be recouped. The greater weight of e-bikes can also make them challenging to transport, for example, on a car rack.

They're also good for those who aren't frequent riders

Electric bikes are a great option for those who aren't frequent riders. They can help you cover distances that you might not be able to manage on a conventional bike, and they're a great way to build endurance and confidence. In fact, a survey found that 94% of non-cyclists rode daily or weekly after getting an e-bike.

One of the main benefits of electric bikes is their extended range and ease of use. This means that riders can commute without arriving at their destination sweaty, and they can also haul heavier goods and take longer, more varied trips. For example, a 56-year-old freelance writer based in Seattle found that an electric bike helped her manage the hilly terrain of her city, which had become difficult as she got older.

Electric bikes are also a good option for those who want to ride at higher speeds. In the US, class III bikes are capable of 26mph, which is much faster than most people are used to riding. However, it's worth noting that e-bikes are typically "pedal-assist", meaning that the motor only works when you're moving the pedals, so your body is still doing a significant amount of work.

Another advantage of electric bikes is that they can help you avoid traffic. For example, one rider found that her commute to a neighbourhood 8 miles away always took 45 minutes on her electric bike, no matter what the traffic was like. This gave her a sense of certainty that she never had while driving a car.

Electric bikes are more expensive than their non-electric counterparts

The electric assist feature on e-bikes can help build endurance and confidence, especially for those who are not frequent riders. According to a survey, 94% of non-cyclists rode daily or weekly after getting an e-bike. E-bikes can also be a time-saver, providing a faster and more predictable commute, even in rush hour traffic.

While electric bikes do come with a higher price tag, they can be a worthwhile investment, especially if they replace car commutes and errands. The faster speeds and increased range of e-bikes can lead to a more enjoyable and efficient riding experience. However, the greater weight of e-bikes can make transporting them more challenging.

Overall, electric bikes offer a range of advantages that may justify their higher cost. They can improve accessibility, build confidence, save time, and provide a more enjoyable riding experience. For those considering an electric bike, it is important to weigh the initial cost against the potential benefits and decide if an e-bike aligns with their specific needs and riding goals.

They can be used for commuting, errands and socialising

Electric bikes are used by a wide range of people, from those who aren't frequent riders to self-described "hardcore cyclists". They can be used for commuting, errands and socialising.

The appeal of electric bikes is that they offer extended range and ease of use. This means that riders can commute without arriving at work sweaty, haul heavier goods, and use bikes for more errands and longer trips. They also make it easier for older riders and those with disabilities to access cycling. According to a 2018 study by the National Institute for Transportation and Communities, 94% of non-cyclists rode daily or weekly after getting an e-bike.

One rider, Pam Mandel, a 56-year-old freelance writer and self-described "hardcore cyclist" based in Seattle, said that as she got older, her knees and back started to hurt after long rides on her conventional bike, especially across hilly terrain. Using an electric bike gave her a sense of certainty about her commute, which was especially helpful for getting to regular appointments.

Another rider, Adams, says he uses his electric bike for rides to work, errands, and going out with friends, even during cold Michigan winters.

Electric bikes are also a good way to build endurance and confidence for those who aren't used to riding. They can cover distances of five to 10 miles with ease, and allow riders to pedal with a faster cadence, climb steeper hills, and ride more often than they would on a conventional bike.

Electric bikes are faster than conventional bikes

The speed of electric bikes can vary, with some capable of reaching 26 mph, while others cruise at around 15 mph. This speed is made possible by the electric motor, which assists the rider by providing extra power. This assistance means that riders can cover longer distances with less effort, as they are not solely reliant on their own physical strength.

The faster cadence and ability to climb steeper hills mean that riders can go farther and ride more often than they would on a conventional bike. This was confirmed by a 2018 study by the National Institute for Transportation and Communities, which found that e-bike riders took longer and more varied trips.

The increased speed and range of electric bikes can have a significant impact on commutes, as demonstrated by the experience of Pam Mandel, a freelance writer based in Seattle. Mandel found that her electric bike reduced her commute time to South Lake Union from up to an hour and a half to just 45 minutes, regardless of traffic conditions. This predictability allowed her to schedule her time more efficiently and improved her overall attitude towards commuting.

Overall, the speed and performance advantages of electric bikes over conventional bikes can provide riders with greater flexibility, efficiency, and enjoyment during their rides.

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