As the world begins to take stopgap steps out of lockdown and begins to establish a “new normal”, now is the perfect time to reconsider your daily commuting needs, and an electric bike could be just what you need. . E-bikes have come a long way in recent years and are no longer defined by their weird looks, loud motors, or limited range. Modern electric bikes are almost identical to standard push bikes, with just a slim battery that makes all the difference, and they can help keep you going for 100+ miles, depending on capacity. Curious? Here are other reasons why now is a great time to consider switching to an electric bike.
Working from home is great, but it's not always possible (or desirable). For many people, public transport is the most convenient way to get to work, but maintaining a distance of two meters between passengers means that the capacity of buses and trains is greatly reduced. This means longer travel times, longer waits, and a lot of frustration. A conventional bike can be a great alternative for trips too long to walk, but they come with distinct drawbacks, the least of which is sweating. Having an electric motor draw some of the voltage means you're less likely to get to work needing to change your shirt. Some e-bikes, like the recently released Cowboy 3, also eliminate the risk of oil marks on your pants by replacing the usual chain drive with a belt drive (which is also much less likely to cause mechanical problems during your ride).
![Bicicleta eléctrica]()
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
It is more hygienic
E-bike rental programs have sprung up in cities around the world, but many have suspended services during the pandemic due to the difficulty of properly sanitizing handlebars among riders. Having your own electric bike eliminates this problem. It also means you no longer need to touch buttons, ATMs, doorknobs, parking meters, or anything else you would normally need to touch and touch on a typical car, bus, or train ride.
It's a great exercise
An electric bike is also a great way to get some cardio in, especially if you haven't been particularly active during the pandemic. Cruising on an electric bike is a lot less effort than doing the word yourself, but it can still get your heart pumping. You can also choose to try harder. Most e-bikes will only get your speed up to around 15mph, which is a reasonable pace, but certainly won't make you the fastest rider on the road. If you want to go faster, that's fine, but you'll have to do all the work yourself. You can even turn the electric motor completely off whenever you want, only using it when you're tired or need an extra boost to climb a particularly steep incline.
Makes cycling accessible
If you're a bit older, have a condition that tires you easily, or injures yourself, an electric bike can make riding enjoyable again, even if you haven't pressed a pedal for years. An electric bike is also a great way to get out and enjoy the countryside if you're lucky enough to live within walking distance of some green space, which can be a great way to relieve stress and improve your overall well-being. With less energy pedaling, you can go further, faster and enjoy your surroundings more.
![Bicicletas electricas]()
(Image credit: Shutterstock)
It's greener
Yes, the power to charge your bike battery could have been generated by a fossil fuel power plant, but it will still have a much smaller carbon footprint than any type of car, even electric, due to its lower power requirements. smaller size and lighter construction. As the energy mix evolves towards renewables, this situation will only improve. An electric bike also has a smaller "intrinsic energy" (the amount of energy needed to make it) than a car.
It's fun
If you've never tried an electric bike before, the initial speed when the engine starts may surprise you, but it's exciting. You may have a normal bike that collects dust in a garage or shed, but we'd be surprised if it could withstand this power surge for a long time.