We’ve already heard about electric cars but what about electric bikes? They are becoming more popular than ever with major brands releasing their own version.
Panasonic has just launched its own version in the US and already has 40 per cent of the market in Japan.
Some of the biggest bicycle brands in the world have now released electric versions including Bianchi, Canonndale, Crescent, Apache, Gitane and Scott.
Even car manufacturers are making electric bikes including BMW, Alfa Romeo, Aston Martin, Porsche Range Rover, Audi and McLaren.
So what’s so good about electric bike?
An electric bike still has regular pedals but it has a built in motor to provide assistance or to take over completely.
Most ebikes look like a regular bike – and if you run out of charge, you still have the pedals to get you where you need to go.
“A lot of people think that ebikes are only good for those interested in doing something positive for the environment,” says John Zanol, founder of Dolomiti Electric Bikes – one of Australia’s most awarded sellers of ebikes.
“While this is a good reason, ebikes have evolved so much over the last few years, they are now a highly advanced recreational product that provide so many more benefits than standard conventional bikes.
“They really are exceptionally good for your health and wellbeing.
“Ebikes are the Tesla’s of the car world. It’s cool to have one – and even better for your health to ride one.”
Zanol has come up with a list of the top 10 reasons ebikes will be a hot item in 2019.
- WIDE CHOICE OF STYLES
Years ago, some ebikes were a bit clunky but now thanks to advancements in technology, batteries and motors are much smaller and sleeker and have been integrated into the body of the ebike. Ebikes are now really stylish.
- DIFFERENT MODELS FOR DIFFERENT USES
Ebike designs now come in a range of models to suit different lifestyle needs, much more so than regular bikes.
You can get standard ebikes, mountain ebikes, road ebikes, step through frames, cargo ebikes and even folding ebikes.
These are useful for all types of lifestyle needs including running a mobile business.
- USER FRIENDLY OPTIONS
Ebike features include things such as heated seats and being able to adjust your seat height using a lever on your handle bars.
- HILLS NO LONGER AN OBSTACLE
Riding an ebike means you can ride in all sorts of weather.
You can adjust the amount of assistance you receive when pedalling.
If you need help getting up a hill, you simply push a bit harder and the motor will gently provide increased support to get you up the incline – without you even realising.
- CONFIDENCE IN EXERCISING INCREASES
Riding an ebike knowing it doesn’t matter how long you ride for, or where you ride and you will have the quiet assistance you need to deal with any challenge is a nice feeling.
It gives you the confidence to get on your ebike and ride.
- YOU DON’T HAVE TO WEAR LYCRA – WEAR WHAT YOU WANT
When you ride an ebike, you control the level of assistance you receive.
So, you can opt for more assistance or less which means that if you are riding to work, and you don’t want to get all sweaty during the journey, you can opt for more help.
- KEEP UP WITH THE PACK
With an ebike, you can ride along with other bike riders without the fear of not being able to keep up.
How often do you see people out riding together and wish you could join in? Well, with an ebike, you can.
- CHEAPER THAN A CAR AND PUBLIC TRANSPORT
Ebikes are good for your health, but they are also good for your hip pocket.
One charge will cost around 10 cents and take you up to 200kms in travel on your ebike.
Getting around on an ebike is significantly cheaper than fuel, public transport and the running costs of maintaining a car.
- IDEAL FOR GETTING OVER INJURIES OR HEALTH ISSUES
Cardiologists and heart surgeons recommend ebikes to their patients.
Ebikes are an excellent way to get the body moving while managing exertion levels.
If you are suffering from any type of injury or ailment, but still want to undertake exercise, ebikes are low impact and ideal.
- GREEN AND SUSTAINABLE
Ebikes are good for the environment.
Riding an ebike reduces your carbon footprint and helps the planet.
While you don’t see the benefits directly, it is nice knowing that you are doing something good for our world.
