A Definitive Guide to E-Bikes: The E-Bikes’ History
The first patent of an electric bike was registered in the US in the late 1890s. One of these patents was an invention by the renowned Hosea W. Libbey. His design was then later re-invented and imitated by the legendary Giant Lafree in the late 1990s.
There were some inventions and re-inventions in the following years, and as per records, between 1993 and 2004, the electric bike production rose up by around 40%. By 2007, E-bikes were projected to make up about 15 – 25 percent of all two-wheeled vehicle transportation in the magnificent Chinese cities. The trend has now caught on around the world with electric bikes growing in popularity.
3 Chief Factors Steering the Uptake of E-Bikes
Universally, electric bikes sales were at 135 million in 2017, from 35 million in 2014 and by 2021, most companies project that there will be over 245 million more E-bike entities retailed globally. This explosive growth is not astounding if you consider the unending technological transformations and erupting trends in urbanization and green living.
Electric bikes also entreat to a vast range of the population, with the youth and millennials opting for alternatives to car proprietorship (like carpooling, riding on public transportation and swerving through the streets on bicycles, scooters or electric bikes).
The older generation is also surprising taking on the E-bike movement for exercise purposes. By riding an electric bike with some additional assistance, they can tackle hills effortlessly and also take pressure off aching joints.
The three main why’s and wherefores that E-bikes are transmuting the future of transport worldwide are:
- Foremost their eco-friendly energy-saving potential
- Secondly, the convenience that they offer
- Thirdly, they are cost-effective alternatives to cars
1. E-Bikes Are Energy-Saving Champions
All around the world, state leaders are working with eco-friendly companies and environmental activists to find proper techniques to help in reducing and eventually eliminating all carbon emissions, touting green energy solutions and abridging the reliance on carbon-based fuels. (Read about Ebike Obsession)
Electric bikes provide an exciting alternative for transportation, using less than 100 – 150 watts in comparison to cars that use around 15 000 watts of electrical energy.
Various estimates indicate that by 2021 E-bikes will be using 9900% less energy than vehicles (36, 45 billion watts vs. 3, 65 trillion watts) that will have a significant environmental impact (Read more about ‘How Ebikes Outperform Other Modes of Transport‘).
Relatively, electric bikes have a similar environmental impact to public transport, and recent statistics done by the Institute for Transportation and Development Policy indicate that these incredible bikes could decrease the levels of carbon emissions by 47%, thus saving the global community about $128 trillion by 2050.
2. E-Bikes Are Convenient
Since the late’90s, most people have been leaning towards urban living. With the invention of an electric commuter, most urbanites were offered the opportunity to cycle to work. It allowed them to avoid the embarrassment of having to arrive all sweaty or trying to find a parking spot.
E-bikes are more reliable than public transport (‘Do you want to know how to choose an E-bike?‘) , and they require minimal storage space which boot outs pressure on overstrained city parking facilities.
Comparatively, 85% of E-bikes are used once or twice a week, while only 48% of regular bikes are used with the same regularity. Moreover, most people use 40% of electric bikes every day showing that they are not a fad, but they offer convenience to their owner’s routines.
3. E-Bikes Are Cost-Efficient
In China, most E-bikes on sale starting at $500 and about $1000 in the US. In European nations like Germany, the price of an entry level E-bike is $600. Conventional non-motorized commuter cycles can easily cost about $500 and above, making electric bikes a reasonable substitute for the additional value they offer.
In recent studies and research by a couple of institutions, data shows that despite the high prices E-bikes more than make up for the initial outlay with their low running costs. Furthermore, the maintenance cost of a reliable and top-quality electric bike is minimal, and the low energy consumption means that ‘refueling’ it only costs a couple of bucks each month. They are thus proving that they are the most cost-efficient modes of transport.
The drift in the transmutation in our communities is crystal clear: electric bikes provide us with the ideal solution to apprehensions about eco-friendly options as well as retorting to the need for vehicles that are convenient and cost-effective.
With more people and fitness enthusiasts leaning towards E-bikes, the future seems brighter, and it is backed by concrete data, with global sales of electric bikes set to reach 40 million units by 2023 (See the ‘electric bicycle‘). Make sure you also read about How Ebikes Work?3
Conclusion
E-bikes are really worth a try! With such an interesting history and so many benefits, you absolutely need one in your life!
Mark my words, these amazing bikes will become the most popular bike in the future! Get one and see for yourself.
