Why More People Choose E-Bikes as a Transportation Solution
If you’re considering e-bikes as a transportation solution, you’re in good company. A recent study by Deloitte predicts that the number of e-bikes around the globe will increase from 200 million to 300 million between 2019 and 2023.
Of course, if you spend any time in urban areas, you probably don’t need to Deloitte to tell you electric bicycles are on the rise. Every day, we’re seeing more commuters zip through congested city streets on two motorized wheels.
So, what accounts for this sudden rise in e-bike popularity?
In truth, it’s a combination of factors ranging from economic decisions to lifestyle fulfillment. For many electric bike owners, the choice to invest in an e-bike came down to one simple fact:
There were so many reasons to use an e-bike that it no longer made sense not to. Reasons such as . . .
Cities are More Congested Than Ever
Here’s another eye opening stat from the Deloitte report:
By 2050, the worldwide urban population is expected to increase by 2.5 billion people. As congested as cities are today, they are only going to get more crowded.
If U.S. cities stick with their current car-centric cultures, this means even more traffic congestion and longer commutes. It’s also hard to imagine how cities would navigate the challenge of parking.
Of course, one way to mitigate these difficulties is by enhancing public transportation options. But even this solution has its limits. At some point, trains become overcrowded. Buses take up space on the road and get stuck in the same traffic cars do.
This is why forward-thinking commuters turn to e-bikes as a transportation solution. Two wheels take up less space than four. Bicycles are easy to park, and in bike-friendly cities, a rider can breeze right by traffic in the bike lane.
E-Bikes are Faster and More Versatile Than Public Transportation
More people are turning to e-bikes as a transportation solution even in cities with robust rail and bus systems. Why?
Because e-bikes are an easy compromise between a personal car and public transportation.
Much like taking a train, riding a bike eliminates the burden of parking, paying for fuel, and navigating traffic.
However, a bike also offers freedom and versatility that more closely mirrors the experience of driving. You can go where you want, when you want. You don’t have to stop for anyone else, and you reach your destination much sooner than you would on a bus or a train.
E-Bikes Fit Most Lifestyles
You don’t necessarily need an electric bike to bypass traffic and avoid hefty parking fees. But for the average commuter, an e-bike is a more practical option than a traditional set of wheels.
One major reason for the rise in e-bikes as a transportation solution is their accessibility. Thanks to the built-in motor, you don’t have to be in excellent physical shape to travel far or navigate hills. Electric bikes serve people of all ages and fitness levels.
Not to mention, the versatility of e-bikes extends well beyond the matter of physical fitness. With an electric bike, you don’t have to worry about showing up to work or a date glistening with sweat. A trip to the grocery store doesn’t have to be an all-out workout.
In other words, you can choose to save time, money, and fuel by biking without also committing to a hardcore workout.
You Can Travel Farther Using E-Bikes as a Transportation Solution
Because there is less muscle involved in operating an e-bike, this option allows commuters to go farther with less effort.
You can also move at a pretty respectable clip. For example, you can go up to 20 mph on a Story Bike when using battery assist. This level of performance has made e-bikes more appealing to modern commuters.
It has also opened up new possibilities for families and individuals who do not have cars of their own. Electric bikes allow people in low-income communities to expand their job search, connect with a wider community, and pursue new educational opportunities.
Electric Bikes are an Economical Solution
Those who would like to save money on their commute should consider e-bikes as a transportation solution.
It’s true: most electric bikes are more expensive than the average road or commuter bike. But they also fill more practical functions.
A standard bike is great for getting exercise, exploring your city, or commuting to work . . . assuming your office is nearby and offers access to showers.
However, an electric bike is much more likely to actually reduce your gas expenses or even eliminate the need for a car altogether. An e-bike travels farther, carries more weight without dragging you down, and allows you to fit more stops into your day.
There are Mental Benefits to Using E-Bikes as a Transportation Solution
Riding a bike is simply more enjoyable than sitting in congested traffic or an overcrowded bus. For many who use electric bikes, the commute home is now an opportunity to unwind at the end of the day.
Commuters who choose e-bikes as a transportation solution enjoy the sun on their face and the wind in their hair. They get more enjoyment out of improvising routes and discovering new areas of their hometown.
And one of our favorite discoveries from Story Bikes reviews is that electric bikes ignite a renewed spirit of youth and possibility in senior riders.
E-Bike Technology is Better Than Ever
There was a time when electric bikes were limited by clunky design and heavy parts. But times have changed, as they often do.
Now, premium electric bikes come equipped with a lightweight lithium-ion battery (LIB). This advancement makes it easier to gain speed on an electric bike.
LIB technology also allows e-bike riders to enjoy more landscapes. Old lead-acid batteries used to weigh commuters down. The minimal weight of new lithium-ion batteries allows easier hill climbing and makes it possible to carry the bike up staircases.
The Planet Loves E-Bikes
Finally, e-bikes are seeing a rise in popularity simply because they are the environmentally responsible option. Most people are already well-aware that minimizing emissions from cars is a crucial step in the crusade against climate change.
But once again, not everyone can navigate daily life on a standard bike.
Electric bikes, on the other hand, give more people the option to choose a mode of travel that reflects their values. There is less sacrifice and less compromise involved in choosing e-bikes as a transportation solution.
In other words, an e-bike is a sustainable solution for reducing car pollution. Riding an electric bike is easy and enjoyable. It’s not a virtuous challenge a commuter must actively choose to face morning after morning.
Where Can You Find an E-Bike?
If you’re interested in motorized two-wheel travel, we recommend starting your search with Story Bikes.
Our bikes are ultra-lightweight, reach 20 mph with battery assist, and cover a 45-mile range on a full charge. They also come in classic designs with a hidden lithium-ion battery, so they offer hill-flattening power with the look of a regular bicycle.
Best of all, for every Story Bike sold, we give a Buffalo Bike to a student in Zimbabwe.
Browse our collection here. And please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
