Electric bikes are providing a way to save money on gasoline and also reduce carbon footprints. The bikes can combine old fashioned pedaling with the modern technology of a battery powered motor or run on battery alone.
Electric Bike History
Electric bikes could not even be imagined when Baron von Drais invented a wood “walking machine” in 1817 to be used in the royal gardens. The Draisienne or hobby horse was propelled by pushing the feet against the ground. Next was the wooden velocipede or Boneshaker in 1865 with the pedals applied directly to the front wheel. The first all-metal bike, the High Wheel Bicycle, so named because the front wheel was made according to the length of the rider’s leg length, was created in 1870 with pedals still attached to the front wheel and had solid rubber tires. As the bikes became more sophisticated, the front and back wheels became the same size with hard rubber tires. The pneumatic tire came next, invented by a young doctor named Dunlop.
Bicycling became popular in the 1880’s and 1890’s and brought about social changes. Working men began to use it for transportation and ladies gave up the bustle and corset in order to use the two- wheeled bicycle more easily. During 1960 and 1970, the “English 3-speed” became popular followed by the 10-speed drailleur bikes and in the 20th century, mountain and battery-powered bicycles.
Electric Bike Models and Types
Electric bikes generally fall into two categories:
- Pedal assisted models which require the rider to pedal to activate the assist motor. These often use traditional multigear drive trains.
- Motorcycle-type models with a throttle than can move the bike without pedaling.
There are different levels of sophistication:
- Some bikes are almost toy-like while others have combinations of bicycling engineering and electrical and electronic features.
- Distances bikes can travel depend up the type of batteries. These range from the less costly lead-acid wet or gel batteries to the expensive lithium ion or nickel metal hydride battery packs.
- Regular bikes can be retrofitted with kits to make them battery-powered and more batteries can sometimes be added to provide longer distances.
- Trailers can be added to electric bikes, some able to haul up to 100 pounds.
Electric Bikes Money-Saving Advantages
Electric bikes range in prices from about $1400 to $2500 or more. Price is usually determined by weight, quality and battery type. A 250-watt folding bike is available for about $1400. At the high end, $2500 can buy an extra-light 350-watt model using a lightweight lithium-ion battery. Most models can travel 15 to 20 miles without recharging.
If a car is replaced with an electric bike, saving on gas, wear and tear and maintenance cost are substantial. For example, fuel costs for a car traveling 10,000 miles is $910 while an electric bike costs $20 for the same mileage.
Electric Bike State and Federal Regulations
Electric bikes are governed by different state regulations. In some places, they are classified as bicycles and require no license or registration, in others its speed and wattage determines its status. The Department of Motor Vehicles should be consulted about the laws governing electric bikes.
Manufacturers of electric bikes use the latest technology to make them sleeker, better looking and hide the batteries more than ever before. Due to the new designs, they are becoming more main-stream and a Green way to save money.
Sources:
Bicycle Museum of America
The Electric Bike Network
LEV Electric Bikes
Schwinn Bike Finder
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