From Skribit Suggestions: The Parable of the Electric Bike
Alan Durning contends, in 5-part series for Sightline Daily, that electric bicycles may become popular in the United States in the next few years, and that popularity may help jump-start the move toward more electric vehicles of all types.
The series examines the demographics, economics, politics, and culture of electric bicycles. I recommend Durning’s series if you 1) are interested in purchasing an electric bicycle, or 2) want get up to speed quickly on the general issues surrounding electric bicycles.
I’ve written very little about electric bicycles largely because I’m not interested in them for myself, and they seem to be such a small percentage of the market. Add to that I really know nothing about them, but thanks to Durning I now know a bit more.
I mentioned the Sanyo Eneloop back in January.
The point of that post was to do a bit of harrumphing about its winning a green award. My point: This thing ain’t green compared to a regular bicycle. But I also wrote:
What it is is useful for those who need electric assistance. And, from the looks of it, the Eneloop bicycle has the kinds of features that I think a good utility bicycle ought to have (hoo-ray for that!). So, really, this appears to me to be an excellent choice for someone who wants or needs an electric-assist utility bicycle.
Here’s a news report from ABC about electric bicycles and scooters:
I’m left with this question following Durning’s series: Can an electric bicycle play an important role in an urban environment — such as the core of Springfield — beyond offering ease of use for those who need electric assistance?
I’m wondering if the market for these bicycles is limited in North America — limited by price but also limited by culture. And by the latter I mean to say that I wonder if an electric bicycle can encourage someone who is not now riding to begin riding.
Another thing I’m wondering: Are these bicycles and scooters attractive enough (in terms of quality of experience) to encourage people to get out of their cars for short trips.
It may be that the market will expand for recreational riders. Note that the guy demonstrating the e-bike in the ABC video is riding a trail similar to our greenways.
I know one person in Springfield who rides an electric bicycle often, and he does so because he’s getting a bit older and it’s just easier for him. I think it’s great an electric bicycle keeps him riding.
Anyone else have one? Thinking of buying one?
Comments 5
I’ve considered getting a Stoke Monkey for my Xtracycle to help with heavy cargo loads and for hauling my daughter
Posted 20 Mar 2010 at 1:58 pm ¶There are at least two in Springfield. I’m assuming you’re speaking of Coy, but there is another as well.
http://springfieldcyclist.com/2009/09/28/chasing-a-rabbitbusting-a-gut/
Posted 20 Mar 2010 at 3:44 pm ¶I wholeheartedly EMBRACE electric bikes. While I can’t see buying one for myself (I have too much John Henry in me), they fall well within the mainstream of narrow transport that can’t go so insanely fast as to present a major threat to other road users. I’ve considered buying one for my wife, but have not recieved the response that would cause me to actually plop down the cash.
As far as I’m concerned, more electric bikes are better and electric bike riders that ride sensibly is even better yet!
Posted 21 Mar 2010 at 8:56 am ¶It is not that I am “against” electric bikes. I just can’t get personally excited about them, and perhaps they even depress me a little. Not sure why, as in theory the idea is a good one.
Posted 21 Mar 2010 at 2:42 pm ¶years ago when I thought biking was something I could not do ( not strong enough, not fearless enough) I was intrigued by electric bikes. I did a small bit of research on them and found them so $$ and let the idea go. But I think they are a really cool concept and I have always wanted one.
When I first got excited about family biking and wanted to get an Xtra it was also mostly b/c I heard of the Stoke Monkey which then was not available. So I still felt that a little motor was a good thing.
When I bought my Sorte Jernhest I orig wanted a motor on it but that ended up in failure. I still want one.
I am now re-looking at the Stoke Monkey for my Xtra and in the future looking into putting in the money it would take to make the Sorte work with motor.
So I personally really like a little extra push. And I am not a lazy person. I like biking, did a triathlon and I am very physical. But sometimes I want a little boost when I am not in work out mode.
I just came from a bike mtg where the org leader had her electric bike. I wanted to give it a try however it was too big for me. I see Lovely Bicycle’s point in a way- now that I have entered the world of gorgeous bikes, I lust after a real electric bike less. But I plan to get one when I am older for sure. An Electric Trike to be exact. I already plan to take it back and forth the mile to the senior center from my house.
So yeah- I support them and think that a lot of people would commute on them if they were avail and we did all the good bikey things we should do.
Posted 21 Mar 2010 at 4:13 pm ¶