September 20, 2022
More than ever, soaring gas prices coupled with urban density are underscoring the need for alternative transportation options that will alleviate the strain on crowded streets and public spaces while also curbing carbon emissions from motor vehicles.
E-bikes and e-mopeds use a small motor and battery that help you pedal or throttle forward with your chosen degree of effort, from moderate to none at all.
Hills and distances that might have felt out of reach are now accessible and worrying about how you’ll plan your route becomes a thing of the past. Because e-bikes provide low impact exercise, this also makes this mode of transportation universal and convenient for riders of all fitness levels and ages, and even for those who might have injuries.
“YOU ARE ONE RIDE AWAY FROM A GOOD MOOD.”
Weary commuters dissatisfied with congested roadways and wasted time are turning to e-bikes as a transportation alternative. E-bikes provide a mode of transportation that is faster and less expensive than sitting in a car, Uber, or cab during rush hour.
The ability to bypass motor vehicles on a compact and efficient electric bike or moped provides a sense of freedom and autonomy while eliminating stressful traffic jams and improving the quality of your commute. They also occupy less space- an important distinction as urban areas become increasingly dense. In fact, one car parking spot can hold up to 8-10 e-bikes and e-mopeds.
An e-bike is patently better for the planet than a car, both with regard to sourcing materials, manufacturing, and the act of transportation itself. And because transportation accounts for 29% of carbon emissions nationwide, even small feasible changes in transportation habits can make a big difference in mitigating climate change. This is because e-bikes and e-mopeds are powered with an electric motor rather than carbon-emitting fuel that pollutes the atmosphere.
Whether traditional or electric, cycling in all its forms benefits the planet and the people who ride, however there is evidence to support the long-term benefits of an e-bike over traditional cycling. Certainly, traditional bikes provide transportation and great exercise for avid bikers, however e-bikes are accessible for a larger cohort of average consumers that want to change their habits. Studies have shown that those with an e-bike at their disposal opt to use it for transportation 67% more frequently than those with only a traditional bike. In other words, they are more inclined to actually use e-bikes for more trips, get more moderate exercise, and reduce their dependence on gas in the long run.
Though electric personal transportation requires an initial investment, riders will reap the long-term benefits of time and money in spades. It’s worth noting that while not all car trips are interchangeable with bike trips, 50% of all trips are three miles or less which indicates that saving time and money by changing transportation habits is more feasible than it might seem.
Riders who opt for an e-bike or an e-moped save money by eliminating the cumulative costs of gas, car maintenance, car parking, public transportation, bike or moped share services, and ride services like Uber or Lyft. Commuters recover precious hours by saving time associated with public transportation schedules, traffic, locating shared services like bike docks, and searching for parking.
Innovation and growth in the e-bike market has increased the availability of e-bikes and in many cases, reduced the price and therefore lowered the barrier to access. SWFT in particular carries high quality e-bikes at considerably lower prices than most mainstream brands thanks to factory partnerships that allow access to a comprehensive supply chain.
E-bikes provide riders with physical activity and moderate exercise which supports overall physical and mental health. Even the simple act of spending more time outdoors on an e-bike or e-moped improves mental health with serotonin-boosting changes in scenery, endorphin-boosting physical exertion, mood boosting Vitamin D, and the sense of community from being out in the world rather than isolated in a vehicle.
As described above, an e-bike owner is more inclined to take longer and more frequent bike trips, benefiting from more moderate exercise in the long run than traditional bicycles. E-bikes and e-mopeds also offer valuable outdoor recreation that is accessible to a wider range of fitness and mobility levels. And because local governments are awakening to the countless environmental and health benefits of cycling, cities are adapting with legislation and infrastructure that supports cycling like bike lanes, greenways, and improved bike parking.
Bike research, advocacy and supportive legislation has animated the e-mobility movement in exciting ways. It’s important for advocates, bike makers, and individuals to leverage this moment in order to make an impact that can get cars off the road and reduce air pollution for future generations.
Perhaps even more heartening is the evidence that small changes in personal transportation can amount to substantial impacts on our health and our environment.