THE AWESOME USES OF AN EBIKE

THE AWESOME USES OF AN EBIKE

Errands

Cycling is an efficient way to run local errands. A basic backpack, basket, or pannier (here’s a guide) makes carrying groceries or small purchase a breeze.
 
But what about more heavyweight tasks? No problem! Many who truly rely on two wheels use a cargo bike or bakfiets (“box bike”) for massive carrying capacity that rivals a small automobile.
 
In the bigger picture, this is a prudent and even necessary way to live. That’s true in dense areas, of course, but also in sparser ones where expensive roads serve relatively few people.
 
That’s because a staggering percentage of car trips are actually just local errands—even in the suburbs. Depending on the study, roughly half are under 4 miles and a third are under 2 miles! That means a great deal of energy and congestion come from errands that are actually within quick and comfortable cycling distance. Or at least they would be…but for a lack of infrastructure that renders some of these trips a bit hair-raising by bike.
 

Commuting on an e-bike

Virtually ever city has at least some contingent of local bike commuters. Authorities in many car-centric cities are realizing that cycling is one of the best ways to reduce traffic, prevent environmental harm, and encourage public health and fitness…all with a very modest amount of well-planned infrastructure.
 
On an individual level, biking to work to work is a terrific strategy to get exercise, save money, and avoid gridlock all at once.
Commuting on an electric bike can be lots of fun. It is good for your health too. Immersing yourself into a regular commute routine can look like a significant challenge at first sight. It does not need to be, though.
 
As all of us want to arrive at the destination fresh and not all tired and sweaty, especially if you consider commuting to work, for example.

 

School Pick-Up & Drop-Off

Ever seen—or worse yet, been stuck in—the line of minivans snaking its way through the school’s drop-off area? And ever noticed how that drop-off area only seems to move more slowly every year, backing up traffic even beyond the school grounds?
 
You won’t be surprised to hear that bicycles help in a big way. In cities that have made the effort to provide family-friendly cycling routes, some parents are turning to city and cargo bikes to handle chauffeuring duties. With the right set-up, it’s even possible to transport a couple of kids, simultaneously, with some protection from the elements.
 
And in places with more forward-thinking urban planning (e.g., much of central and northern Europe), it’s actually the norm for children to cycle to school alone. It’s exercise and independence for them, and a load off for the parents!
 
 

Taking e-bike to the countryside

Taking your e-bike in the countryside, exploring small county roads and even a few off-road trails is a lot of fun and usually is a great adventure. Electric bicycles could help you reach places, which otherwise would be hard to reach either by foot (too far) or on a conventional bike (too hard).
 

Closing thoughts – enjoy the ride!

Using an electric bike is in many respects like riding a conventional bike. There are indeed a few perks to use and a few tricks to learn. Electric bikes give you that little boost needed to easier make it up a hill. Electric power helps travel longer distances with less effort.
 
You can use an electric bike for nearly any activity you would use a conventional bike for, and for a bit more. Take your e-bike on a casual city ride, or commute to work, or enjoy cross-country trips, see scenery and places you would not have reached otherwise.
 
E-bikes are here to stay. Motors will become more powerful, batteries will hold more energy, safety will improve further, gear and equipment will become yet better. We are still very early in our e-biking journey!