nyt - amazing health benefits of electric bikes
Article from New York Times about the amazing health benefits of EBikes.
Click here or on the Image to the Left to view the story.
Freedom! Here's a short list of how an eBike can free you.
NO LICENSE REQIREMENT!
That's right, eBikes (generally) require no license to operate. This means that you do not need a license to operate a motor vehicle to ride an eBike! No license in Michigan, check your local laws.
NO REGISTRATIONS REQUIREMENT!
EBikes (generally) require no Registrations to operate. No Registration requirment in Michigan, check your local laws.
NO INSURANCE REQUIREMENT!
EBikes are not considered motor vehicles, so you are not required to purchase insurance to operate them. However, many insurance companies are beginning to cover eBikes for theft, accidents, etc. This can help give you peace of mind by protecting your investment. No Insurance requirement in Michigan, check your local laws.
NO FOSSIL FUELS!
Typically ride your eBike 500 miles or more before you use the equivalent energy contained in a gallon of gas. Even if the electric charge is created by fossil fuels, you are a couple orders of magnitude more efficient than even an electric car. Ebikes are even a few times more efficient than your own body!
"JUST ANNOYING, NOT!!"
No Annoying GRIDLOCK! No Annoying searches for Parking Spots. No Annoying Exhaust smell (Exhaust makes you stink too!). No Annoying Fuel smell. No Annoying Engine noise. No Annoying Engine Vibration. No Annoying Burns from Exhaust pipes. No Annoying weight (such as a 150lb scooter or 3000lb car) to take with you. See just how Annoying the other options are? This is just the short list! EBikes are just so "not" annoying you may decide to bring it inside with you.
NO PERSPIRATION!
Want to perspire? Great! Remove the battery or shut off your EBike and you can get every bit of exercise you ever got with your conventional bike. (Warning, you will burn more energy and be less environmentally friendly pedaling on your own!) Just want to get to work, class, or run to the market without breaking a sweat, but while still getting some exercise and fresh air? Then power up and effortlessly glide to your destination. With and eBike, you can even ride on extremely HOT DAYS and COOL DOWN. Go ahead and get out there on those 90 deg. days and you'll still show up perspiration free!
Who can benefit from an ebike? Everyone.
Just a few practical applications for just "who" can benefit from eBikes.
Commuters- Extend your biking range and quicken your pace. Think 10 or more miles to drive to work is too far on a bike? Think again. Almost all systems are capable of speeds in excess of 15 mph and ranges from 15 miles and up. In some cases, when you can combine roads, sidewalks and biking trails, you can actually get to work FASTER by legally avoiding traffic signals.
Non-Drivers (and drivers)-E-Bikes are an excellent alternative for YOUNG drivers or Pre-Driving Teens. Teens and young drivers can become highly mobile on an ebike. After the initial purchase there is almost ZERO operating costs. Pennies per charge which can get you 20,25 or more miles.
No Divers license?- If for one reason or another you are unable to drive, then and eBike is the answer. You'll move around in Urban or Suburban settings from "almost as fast" to "faster than" the automotive traffic around you, with very little effort.
Older riders will be overjoyed that you can once again ride your bike and go wherever you'd like without too much stress on the body .. This goes for anyone! Use the motor or pedal as much as you like. Either way, very little pedal power is required.
Municipalities- Police, Parking Enforcement, Inspections, Utilities or Water systems inspections, Ordinance Enforcement. For any reason a city or local municipality needs a vehicle, eBikes can provide an extremely economical transportation alternative for workers.
What is PAS and which type do you want?
What to avoid when making your purchase
Beware of Crowdfunds, "Online Only", Small Appliance Stores, Dept. Stores, and normal Bikes shops!
On-Line only sellers or Crowdfunded purchased eBikes seem to offer the best value for your hard-earned money. Unfortunately, they often travel many thousands of miles for months on Cargo Ships and Semi Trucks. Usually, until it finally arrives to you, no-one has seen what's inside the box since it was packed away at the factory. Then, eBikes need to be assembled. Ebikes have complex electrical and mechanical systems that, sometimes, are just not up to the trip. Then, you could be stuck for weeks or months on end, waiting for someone to troubleshoot your issues from afar, then, possibly, sending the wrong part. Not to mention, you didn't even get to test ride it before you bought it. Shopping based on price, alone, is almost never the best way to go when buying an eBike.
Buying an eBike from a conventional bike shop may be only slightly better than purchasing an eBike online. Most conventional bike shops don't have eBikes on the floor for test riding. In most cases, they do not employ knowledgeable sales people or technical support staff to help you make an informed decision about your purchase. If they only have a few eBikes in the store, a single brand of eBikes, small appliances, etc. then they are selling you the bike that THEY want to sell you, not the one YOU want to buy.
WHERE TO BUY YOUR EBIKE ,EBIKE CONVERSION, OR LEV?
...At H.E.H. , of course.
Well, we hate to say it, but we are biased. Of course H.E.H. is just the best place to go for just about any eBike need. We are not the least expensive place, but at H.E.H. we are willing to spend the time it takes to find out exactly what you need to ride away with. Then, we can custom tailor the exact eBike (or eTrike) you need. We focus on the absolute best customer service, with up to the minute industry knowledge about what is available to create YOUR eBike. We also only sell eBikes and parts from reputable suppliers located within the United States or Canada, which means warranties are serviced here. And as always, at H.E.H., the sky's the limit.
Alternatively, seek out a local eBike store that focuses on eBikes. Ebike focused stores tend to have knowledgeable staff that can really help you decide what you need. You'll be able to test ride before you buy, so there are no surprises. They should also be able to service your bike locally, when needed. Be careful, however, of single brand eBike stores. They tend to sell what they want to sell you, not, necessarily what you want to buy.