Electric Bicycles

The term “electric bicycle” seems a bit counterintuitive. How can a bicycle be electric? Doesn’t a bicycle mean pedals, handbrakes and gears? Suffice it to say, bicycles are getting a bit of a makeover.

The electric bicycle still has all the traditional features of a bicycle but also contains a small electric motor. Most of the time, the bikes will need to be pedaled around just like a regular manual bicycle. Twist the throttle, however, and the electric motor kicks in without any pedaling required. The typical electric bike motor can reach a speed of 20mph and travel 20-30 miles on a single charge. The bikes aren’t meant to get you everywhere via motor—just through the tough parts of your ride such as hills and busy streets.

The most obvious use for electric cycles is the work commute. Typical bicycle commuting means pedaling up and down hills and spending lots of time on the road. The electric bicycle could be a solution to these problems. Hills that strike fear in the hearts of cyclist commuters could be overcome with a simple twist of the throttle. That means no more arriving at the office dripping in sweat and too exhausted to start the day. Additionally, being able to tackle hills and other spaces with a 20mph motor means shorter commute times. Electric cycles could cut a 30 minute commute time by 10 or 15 minutes. A 20 minute bike commute in most cities isn’t that much longer than a car commute.

Why choose electric cycling over car commuting? Well some of the obvious answers include saving money on gas, taking your exhaust fumes off the road and generally living healthier. But also, bike commuting is a great way for cities to reduce traffic congestion. Electric bikes can whip past traffic jams on bike lanes and bike paths.  Additionally, bicycling is a great way to get to know your community. Waiting for a stoplight in a car is boring and frustrating. Waiting for a stoplight on a bike might be an opportunity to meet the cyclist next to you.

So, before you do the car commute again, consider the electric bike. It’s a great way to save money, mother earth and your mornings.

Brian writes for the McMinn Law Firm in Austin, Texas. The Austin lawyers at McMinn support bicycle commuting by representing victims of cycling accidents across central Texas. 

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