According to recent statistics, electric bike sales increase 90% year-over-year. More Americans than ever are embracing electric or e-bikes. And cities are responding by building more safe bike infrastructure.
Have you ever used an electric bike? If not, you probably don’t know how they’re different from a traditional pushbike.
Do you want to know more about the latest transportation craze? Read on for a comparison of electric bikes vs. regular bikes.
What is an Electric Bike?
An electric bike looks a lot like a traditional or normal bike. There are two tires, handlebars, and pedals. If you choose, you can use an e-bike the same way you’d ride a normal bike.
But you wouldn’t want to do that. An electric bike has a battery-powered motor attached to it. However, unlike a scooter or moped, the electric bike cannot travel long distances on motor power alone.
Rather than using a motor as the primary power source, the motor assists you as you pedal.
Why is the Motor Beneficial?
Having a motor assist you as you pedal is beneficial for commuters over a regular bike. While a standard bike will give you a better workout, an electric bike suits commuters for several reasons:
- Motor assistance increases speed
- Hills are a breeze
- Several motor assistance settings to vary your pedaling power
- Cuts gas and fossil fuel usage
- The motor helps commuters travel longer distances
In the United States, an electric bike motor assists you until your speed reaches 15.5 mph. Because e-bikes don’t exceed this speed, you are not required to have a special license to ride them. Learn more about e-bikes here.
Regular Bikes
Regular bikes burn more calories because there is no motor assisting you. Your speed depends on your strength and stamina.
Though regular bikes are the most healthy and more environmentally friendly than an e-bike (e-bikes being incredibly environmentally friendly), they require more work. The last thing you want is to show up at the office drenched in sweat after a morning bike ride.
Take Advantage of Bike Infrastructure
Cities across America are investing in bike infrastructure to address mobility equity. In a city like Pittsburgh, it’s never been easier to travel across town on two wheels.
Given the investments in this bike infrastructure, an electric bike is now a worthy investment if living in the city. You can get where you need to be without sitting in traffic or spending money on gas.
Electric Bikes vs. Regular Bikes
Are you in the market for a new bike? Why not invest in an electric bike? They’re fast convenient, and they’re great for the environment.
You also receive a fantastic workout on your morning commute.
But should you favor electric bikes vs. regular bikes? Think about it like this: there’s room for both in your life. Ride your bike to work and take the regular bike out on the weekends for some extra exercise.
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