What are electric bikes? A lot of people may be surprised at the mere fact that electric bikes even exist, but their history goes back even to the late 1890s. Different U.S. patents dating back to the 1890s actually mention the existence of said bikes! Sometimes also referred to as e-bikes, this special bicycle is actually a bicycle that features an electric motor that is normally utilized to power up an ordinary vehicle. These kinds of bicycles actually rely on a rechargeable battery and can even attain speeds as high as 15 miles per hour or 20 miles per hour. Of course, this all depends upon the specific laws of the country in which these kinds of bicycles are sold!
The good thing about these electric bikes is that they can be utilized as an alternative form of transportation to cars and even normal bikes! Believe it or not, these kinds of bicycles are actually quite good for people who are suffering from heart problems, but still are told to get more exercise into their lives. According to an entry on Wikipedia, these types of bicycles require a lot less cardiac exertion, which is good news to people who already have established heart problems.
When it comes to the cost issues of an electric bike versus the costs behind cars, you can bet your bottom dollar that choosing these types of bikes is more cost-effective than buying or maintaining a car. Let’s look at just one aspect of this consideration, which is in regard to the price of gas to operate either kind of vehicle. With electric bikes being limited to just 20 miles per hour according to American law, you do not even need to pay for a special registration, insurance or license, unlike a car! Further, according to the website called Eco Wheelz, it takes just about 10 cents to charge a battery for this bicycle! With gas prices in the U.S. hovering near $4 already, and with most cars getting just 25 miles on the gallon, it is obviously a lot more expensive to buy, own and maintain your car.
On the issue of safety, electric bikes have a little bit farther to go before they can be considered totally safe. Take for instance China, which is the world’s biggest market for these kinds of bicycles. There is road traffic safety concern in general over these kinds of bikes because they oftentimes use the same lanes as slower-moving normal bicycles and even pedestrians.
As you can see, electric bikes are an alternative to cars and regular bicycles. They are allowed in the U.S. and are more cost-effective than cars, although there may well be some safety concerns attached to this type of bicycle.
