When the pandemic placed most of the world on halt last year, this included public transportation. Buses, trains, taxis, and more were allowed to operate at a limited capacity. However, people, especially essential workers, still needed to go outside, work, buy food, or run important errands.
Even with available transportation, people were apprehensive about catching the virus in public vehicles. Many people found ways to get to where they wanted to be while maintaining a healthy distance from others. Their choice of transportation? Cycling.
Hence, the great bicycle boom of 2020, as BBC calls it.
Cycling can be used as an exercise, a sport, or a means of transportation. For many, cycling is a form of exercise that burns calories and keeps them fit. But the pandemic and the subsequent lockdowns that followed have shown that cycling is a viable and highly beneficial mode of transportation.
This phenomenon has led to the rise of a not-so-new technology that is new to many—electric bikes.
What Is an E-bike?
Electric bikes or E-bikes are bicycles with an electric motor attached to them. They have the same benefits as other bicycles, except that they make pedaling more effortless, more efficient, and less painful. This is made possible by the electric-powered motor that you can turn on or off to run the bike without exerting a lot of effort.
Electric bikes have made cycling more appealing to many mainly because of the many advantages they offer, including convenience, speed, and cost savings. If you’re thinking about buying an electric bike, we’ve listed down the benefits of using an e-bike to help you make the decision. We also recommend you check out this ultimate electric bike buying guide.
The Benefits of Using an E-Bike
1. Power Boost
One of the main advantages of an e-bike is the power boost. With an electric motor attached to your bicycle, you get a significant increase in your pedaling power. The power gives you a better pedaling result that is more powerful and efficient than when you use a regular bicycle.
Another benefit of this power boost is that it cuts down on strain and soreness during your exercise. This makes cycling much less painful than before, and it lessens the risk of getting strained or injured from cycling.
2. Escape from Heavy Traffic
It’s no secret that commuting is often a challenge for most people. It’s especially true for people who have to trudge through heavy traffic from one place to another. When you ride an e-bike, you also save yourself from the stress of heavy traffic. Riding an e-bike means you don’t have to worry about rush hour or gridlock.
Another advantage of riding an e-bike is that you can take backroads and side streets even if you’re not familiar with the area. With an e-bike, you don’t have to stick to major roads and highways. You can take a shortcut through the neighborhood for a more efficient commute in no time.
3. Geared Up for Safety
Electric bikes come with a lot of safety features that regular bikes don’t have. The first one is a gear shifter that works like a traditional bike’s shifter. It will stop the bike whenever gears are jammed. This way, you won’t have to worry about falling off while on the move.
Another safety feature of electric bikes is a brake light that glows green when the brakes are on. This is so you can stop your bike to avoid accidents if necessary. It also serves as a signal to pedestrians and other vehicles that you’re there and can stop quickly if necessary.
The power-assist feature allows bikers to take short breaks when they feel exhaustion creeping in and lets them avoid straining their muscles. E-bikes also make cycling accessible to people with certain health conditions who can’t undergo strenuous activities.
4. Cost Savings
Maintaining an e-bike is significantly cheaper than owning a car. For one, you save a considerable amount on fuel. You also don’t have to spend much on repair costs. Compared to a car, an e-bike is easier to maintain, and its battery lasts longer. E-bikes can be used for short distances or even off-road riding. They can also be used as a mode of transport for many people. This means that you save on the cost of public transport significantly with an e-bike because you don’t need to pay subscriptions or buy tickets every time you want to use it.
Electric bikes are especially useful for those with a limited budget. Bike makers that make both e-bikes and traditional bikes are offering bonuses to people who use their bikes. These incentives can be tax rebates, bicycle parking facilities, or even free use of bike shelters. The incentives vary from one company to another, so check them all out before deciding which e-bike to buy.
5. Lower Carbon Footprint
One of the most significant concerns at the moment is the condition of our environment. More and more people are working to lower their carbon footprint, with many people looking for greener ways to commute.
E-bikes are one of the most eco-friendly ways to get from place to place. For one, you use less fossil fuel compared to using a car or motorcycle. E-bikes are also less detrimental to the environment because they don’t release toxic fumes that harm the air and contribute to high greenhouse gas emissions. So if you want a greener way to commute, an e-bike is a great way to start.
Conclusion
If you’re currently deciding on an e-bike, you may have a lot of questions. But the advantages mentioned in this article explain why e-bikes are becoming more and more popular with commuters. It’s an efficient means of transport that can take you to your destination faster, which is also much safer. With many companies offering incentives to people who commute by e-bike, you should definitely consider a purchase. It’s all about finding the right match for your requirements and preferences.
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