The Electric Bike: Another Step in Green Transportation

I see that electric bikes are all the rage in Europe. People have been commuting by bike for ages in countries like France and China. A large portion of the Chinese population ride bikes because cars are expensive and with the number of people living in china, the roads are crowded. I read that in Beijing, they passed a law recently to help cut down on air pollution, car license plates ending in low number would be banned from the roads on Mondays. Subsequent numbers would be Tuesday, then Wednesday, etc, etc. So each day there would be only so many cars allowed to be on the road. On those days workers would have to walk or ride bikes. Belgium and Amsterdam also have a lot of bicycle riders.

Bikes are perfect for running errands around town, going to the corner store and going to work if you live close to your job.They can be equipped with a rack for carrying items with a type of modified saddle bag for carrying groceries. If you get tired of peddling, just switch on the motor and ride with ease. Riding a bike for short trips will save you a lot in gas and save wear and tear on your car.Even just bicycling to work a couple of days a week would be beneficial to you and the environment.

I love the idea of owning and driving an electric car, but realistically I know that I can't afford one.They are a little more money than gas powered cars.There is a little difference in the speed capability and they only go so far on a single charge.Even as great as they are, they still have a few disadvantages.So for me this may be a good alternative, for now. There are a few good models of electric bikes and motorized scooters on the market. Being classified as a motorized, or electric bike, they are not subject to licensing or insurance regulations. Standard US law says as long as it is under 750 watts and maximum speed no more then 20mph, it is not considered a motor vehicle. Check your individual state laws for the area that you live in though to be sure to be in compliance.Each state has their own regulations on electric bikes, so it may or may not be the same everywhere. So let's take a look at a few good models of electric bikes available:

Europa Lithium Ion by Ultra Motor
Price $1,699.00
Available at Amazon.com

Features:
Speed 20mph
Range 20 miles
400 watt motor
Battery is removable for charging

Wentz 26" Mountain Bike Electric Bicycle by Electraped
Price $999.00
Available at Amazon.com

Features:
250 Watt Motor
Shimano 6-Speed
25 miles plus range per charge
Top speed up to 15mph

2008 Ezip Trailz Men's Electric Comfort Bike
Price $349.00
Available at Amazon.com

Features:
Range of 15-22 miles per charge
Shimano 7 speed gearing
Easy access charging port
Designed for adults and young adults up to 240lbs.

Ezip Coastline Electric Bike
Price $599.00
Available at Amazon.com

Features:
450 Watts of power from DC Earth Magnet Motor
15-22 miles per charge
Can easily add an additional battery pack to double the range.

Resources:
www.amazon.com