| From baby-boomers to college students, electric bikes | | | | gasoline, there is virtually no explosive danger with |
| have become a popular option for people looking for | | | | batteries. Limited speed also reduces the risk of fatal |
| alternative ways to get around town. If you are | | | | injuries in the event of an accident. Plus, you don't need |
| considering a electric bicycle, it's important for you to | | | | to worry about registration or insurance - and a license |
| understand the pros and cons so you can determine | | | | is not required in most states. |
| the best way to take advantage of these fun and | | | | 5.) No Smelly Fumes or Exhaust |
| eco-friendly products. If you are accustomed to driving | | | | For environmentally conscious individuals, the most |
| an automobile, there are certain luxuries you will be | | | | important benefit of choosing electric-power is the |
| forced to give up by choosing an electric bike. But | | | | positive impact on the environment. Unlike gas-guzzling |
| there are some great benefits, which for many people, | | | | vehicles, electric bicycles don't burn fossil fuels and |
| far outweigh the cons. | | | | release no harmful carbon emissions. Although power |
| The Advantages of Electric | | | | plants indirectly produce CO2 to charge the battery, |
| 1.) Much Cheaper than Gasoline | | | | the impact is minuscule in comparison to automobiles. |
| One of the greatest advantages of electric bicycles is | | | | Not only does lowering CO2 emissions reduce pollution |
| the extremely low cost to operate and maintain one. | | | | and improve air quality, but it might also limit the effects |
| On average, it costs less than a penny per mile to | | | | of global warming. |
| operate an electric bike. In comparison, it costs about | | | | 6.) Fun for All Ages |
| $0.15 per mile to purchase gasoline - or 1500% more to | | | | Not only are electric bikes cheaper, safer and cleaner |
| operate a gas-powered vehicle. Add in license costs, | | | | to operate than gas-powered vehicles - they're fun for |
| insurance, registration, maintenance and other fees - | | | | people of all ages. Electric bikes are a great way for |
| and the cost skyrockets. According to U.S. | | | | college students to get to class or cruise around |
| Government figures, the average cost of driving and | | | | campus. Employees will appreciate effortless rides to |
| maintaining a motor vehicle in the United States is | | | | work with being sweaty or exhausted. And retirees |
| $0.54 per mile. | | | | will find electric bicycles especially useful when |
| 2.) Extended Range and Reduced Stress | | | | performing daily tasks or getting around town. |
| An electric bike allows you to pedal further and faster | | | | Lost Luxuries - The Disadvantages |
| than you would on a normal bicycle. For this reason, | | | | 1.) Limited Range and Speed |
| electric bikes are great for commuting; whether it's to | | | | Most electric bicycles are limited to a range of 15-40 |
| work or for a casual neighborhood stroll. Plus, you will | | | | miles per charge (depending on the model and battery |
| reduce both physical and mental stress by avoiding | | | | type) so you won't be able to use an electric bike to |
| traffic and other hazards associated with motor | | | | go on long road trips or to drive extremely long |
| vehicles. Nothing beats the fresh air, cool breeze and | | | | distances. And since most electric bikes are limited to |
| sunshine on your face! | | | | 20 mph or less, don't expect to get there immediately. |
| 3.) Exercise is Optional | | | | Although you can avoid most road obstacles (ie: traffic, |
| Having the option to pedal is an advantage in two | | | | stop lights, intersections, etc.) by riding a bicycle, it will |
| ways: First, if you would like to move and get some | | | | still probably take a little longer to arrive at your |
| exercise, you can pedal just like a normal bicycle. Plus, | | | | destination. |
| pedaling will help you go faster and extend your range. | | | | 2.) Less Security and Protection |
| But if you are tired, don't have the energy to pedal or | | | | Obviously, you will be less protected from harsh |
| don't want to get sweaty or exhausted - you can use | | | | weather and and adverse road conditions when riding |
| power to assist you. | | | | a bicycle (of any type). Although you can operate |
| 4.) Safe and Easy to Operate | | | | these products in the rain, you will definitely get wet |
| Electric bicycles are safe and easy to operate. Most | | | | without added protection. And depending on your |
| e-bikes include intelligent safety features such as | | | | location and seasonal weather patterns, your electric |
| power cut-off protection, and every product uses | | | | bike might be completely side-lined for several months |
| standard electrical safety components such as circuit | | | | during the Winter. |
| breakers and fuses to protect riders. And unlike | | | | |