The Race To Combat Climate Change: How E-Bikes Are Changing Transportation
April 30 2020 – Rudy Marquez
It has long been known that–especially to those for whom higher impact workouts are a challenge–cycling can provide many health benefits. As a mode of transportation, it also provides many environmental benefits. Some still faced limitations for physical and/or topographical reasons, though. E-bikes are changing that for many people.
What Are E-Bikes?
E-bikes are a lot like regular bicycles, except there's an electric motor to help you go faster with less effort. This helps with both types of limitations by helping them with the effort it takes to pedal, even uphill.
Why Are They Growing In Popularity So Quickly?
E-bike sales have risen rapidly and are expected to keep rising, reaching 130 million sales in only 4 years. Why? According to Popular Science, recently manufacturers switched to lithium-ion batteries from heavier, more expensive options which made them more accessible.
Their popularity is also due in part to climate change. People are looking to reduce their carbon footprint but electric cars are too expensive and standard bikes are slower and more difficult. E-bikes are exactly what they've been looking for.
Effects Around The World
In that same Popular Science article, they mention that:
- Germany had nearly 2 million e-bike sales in the span of only a year and a half.
- In the Netherlands in 2018, almost 50% of bikes sold for adults were electric ones.
- Over 100,000 were sold in Spain, a 55% increase.
- US sales spiked by almost 75% to nearly half a million.
- Globally, there are expected to be 300 million of them in the world representing a 50% rise world-wide!
Takeaway
A British survey of 2,000 commuters found that, in just 5 years, switching to e-bikes could save them £7,791 on average. Since e-bikes are more beneficial for health, the environment, and your wallet, its understandable popularity is going to keep growing. So maybe you too should get on board with this new trend and join the race to better health, more wealth, and a happier planet.
