Categories
Btown Biking Zephyr Ebike Shop

The Verge on Ebikes

The Verge

“… electric bikes belong in a category of their own because they’re more than just a fun tech fad. They could actually be the future of transportation.”

I think the Verge is correct, ebikes will be (and are in Europe/Asia), the future, a whole new transportation mode. I can make it downtown and at my destination from the eastside (~3 miles) in less time than in a car, averaging 15 mph. Of course cars can travel 25-30 mph in town, but with all the traffic lights, stop signs, traffic and parking, the actual door to door time is about equal. On the ebike I am getting exercise, fresh air, and learning about my city; I am gazing at the clouds, lowering my carbon bootprint, and helping create a more humane vibe on our largest community space, our streets. (IMHO the streets belong to the people, not the cars!)

More bikes/ebikes, less cars/noise, better air, safer streets and healthier citizens, these are the goals I am working towards, one ebike at a time!

Categories
Bike Ped City Rides

Why Dutch bikes are better…

This is a great video about Dutch bikes (Omafiets) from a Canadian point of view, he lists many of the advantages that I cite to folks as the advantages of ebikes for transportation, not just sport.

Here are a few of the fine points that make this style of bike so useful as a day to day mode of transport in northern Europe.

  • Upright riding position-less effecient, but more comfortable
  • Handlebars swept back, less stress to arms/back/neck
  • Easier to look around, don’t have to raise head
  • Normal clothing
  • Step through ease
  • Coat guard
  • Chain guard
  • Frame lock for quick stops
  • Fenders, front/rear rack
  • Sturdy steel frame
  • Internal gears or fixies
  • Coaster brakes/no cables
  • Simple, easy to maintain

Here is the Ecotric Lark, which seems to fit the bill for most of the points mentioned above, it can be ordered from Ecotric, and I have one in the workshop.

Ecotric Lark
Ecotric Lark 36V/500W

We also have an Ectotric Peace Dove, which meets most of the list, with front basket, rear rack, comfort seating, step through frame throttle and power assist, while it lacks the fender and coat guards. but is a great value at $700.

Ecotric Peace Dove