USA
Reasons to Buy an Electric Bike
Are Electric Bikes Good For The Environment?
Over the last 100 years the world has seen a huge boom in new technologies. Over the last decade we have seen more and more vehicles turn to electricity over fossil fuel. We have even seen the humble bicycle improved by electric power.
Today, the traditional bike is now powered by a small motor for assistance when pedaling. These are often referred to as an electric bike or e-bike. The extra power means you can pedal harder for longer but, I know what you're thinking, are these still ok for the environment?
Overwhelmingly, yes! Electric bikes are 100% good for the environment.
E-bikes still use human power, along with human power to propel them forward. The Environmental Protection Agency estimates that the average fossil fuel-powered passenger vehicle on the road today has a fuel economy of about 22 miles per gallon, and drives around 11,500 miles every year. With such figures, the Agency concludes that every gallon of gasoline burned will create 8,887 grams of carbon dioxide per year.
Given carbon dioxide’s effect on the environment itself, not forgetting that it is a greenhouse gas, responsible for global warming, we want to reduce those numbers.
Electric bikes have come so far that it is possible to use them in an environmentally friendly manner, with them releasing zero carbon emissions. This is simply achieved by charging the bike’s battery using green or renewable energy like solar or wind.
Electric bikes do not get stuck in traffic, can take bike paths and get from point A to B in no time. This way you will not release excess carbon dioxide while stuck in traffic and your mental well-being will benefit as well.
Speaking of traffic and roads, electric bikes do not put much weight on the roads, meaning they can help preserve roads for a long time, which greatly reduces the amounts of pollution that arise as a result of fixing damaged roads. Also, they do not contribute to noise or air pollution.
Electric bikes are associated with a lot of benefits. They are advantageous, mostly to the human body, to society and of course to the environment.
13 Awesome Environmental Benefits of Riding An Electric Bike
1. They offer zero emissions
Electric bikes, unlike other powered forms of transportation, do not run on gas or diesel. They rely on human and electric energy from a rechargeable battery, meaning they release no emissions while in use. If you charge using clean solar power, you achieve a zero emission footprint. A typical passenger vehicle emits 6 metric tons of carbon dioxide in a year.
2. They do not contribute to environmental pollution
E-bikes provide zero emissions, which means they don't release the toxic gases and smog that contribute to respiratory problems, making them really good for urban areas. Furthermore, e-bikes emit little to no sound, helping to keep noise pollution in check.
3. They have long-lasting batteries
E-bike batteries are built to last and are increasingly designed to be recycled, reducing waste in landfills. They primarily use lithium-ion batteries, which are safer for the environment compared to the lead batteries found in older vehicles.
4. Saving the roads
Because electric bikes are very light, they do not cause significant damage to road infrastructure like heavier cars and trucks do. This reduces the need for frequent, pollution-heavy road repairs.
5. Eco-friendly travel
Electric bikes are up to six times more efficient than riding a train and offer an excellent, green, single-occupant transportation option that avoids crowded spaces.
6. Off-peak charging
By charging your e-bike during off-peak hours, you reduce the strain on the power grid when demand is highest, preventing overloads and utilizing electricity more efficiently.
7. Using sustainable energy
Electric bikes are compatible with clean, renewable energy sources like solar power, making them 100% environmentally friendly when charged this way. They represent the shift away from gasoline and diesel.
8. Going the distance
E-bikes can easily handle rough terrain, allowing riders to explore nature and connect with the environment, fostering a deeper appreciation and desire to preserve it.
9. Replacing conventional vehicles
E-bikes offer an eco-friendly and practical alternative to both traditional cars and conventional bikes, providing a healthy and traffic-avoiding commuting solution that reduces reliance on gasoline-powered transportation.
10. A healthy environment for healthy humans
Riding an e-bike contributes to a healthier life and environment. Research suggests those who bike to work could experience a 39% lower rate of mortality, directly linking environmental health to personal well-being.
11. Reduction in personal carbon footprint
By producing zero emissions, relying on renewable energy, and having minimal road impact, switching to an electric bike undoubtedly helps lower your personal carbon footprint significantly compared to driving a car.
12. Energy efficiency
A study found e-bikes are 18 times more energy-efficient than SUVs, 13 times more efficient than a saloon car, and six times more efficient than rail, making them one of the most efficient forms of transport available.
This content was edited but originally published by Conserve Energy Future.
