One of the nice things about being in the electric bike industry is the rewarding feedback you get from those who hadn’t ridden a bicycle for years and years but can now enjoy the freedom and enjoyment of bicycle riding.
Many are physically challenged and have health issues such as heart problems, arthritis, and a host of other complaints that make riding a normal bicycle just too arduous. Some feel they have just grown too old and lack the strength and stamina to push the pedals, let alone go up hills. Owning an electric bicycle can be like winning back a new lease on life, enabling the previously restricted to again enjoy the outdoors when they want, which creates a feeling of greater independence and fulfillment. “I’m able to get out and about now, simple things like riding to the cafe nearby with my wife and enjoying the afternoon on a nice day, where previously I had to take the car.” “It’s a great feeling to be suddenly able to do things you’ve not been able to do for a long time, it feels liberating.” These are just a couple of out of the numerous comments we’ve had from electric bike owners.
As the average age of the population rises, the demand for mobility products is steadily increasing. But many people are not ready for a mobility scooter, they need something that makes them feel more youthful and robust, and that’s where an electric bicycle comes in. It’s a convenient bridge between a normal bicycle and a mobility scooter. The great pity is most of the people who could benefit massively from e-bike tax credit 2022, just don’t know they exist, nor have any concept of how they operate.
For the uninitiated; electric bikes can take the work out of pedaling by assisting pedaling effort with motor power. This is called pedal assist, or PAS. Basically what happens is when the pedal is moved a sensor activates the motor in the hub of the wheel providing the power. Cycling can be near effortless depending on the incline. Some electric bikes have different modes that can be changed by the flick of a switch whilst riding. You could for instance turn the power off and ride like a normal bike if you want more exercise or ebike mode which means using the throttle for power when you need a short boost of power. This means you can get the best of both worlds, whether it be exercise, or power assistance when you want it.
It’s best to choose a bike that is light and portable, which will open up a lot more options. Folding electric bikes have the bonus of being highly portable and you don’t need to worry about how to store a bicycle outside. Some can be folded in seconds and transported in the boot of the car, etc. The more modern bikes have lithium-ion batteries which are lighter and last longer. They normally take under six hours to re-charge from a household powerpoint
Regulations regarding electric bikes differ from country to country, so it’s best to check locally before purchasing one. In Australia, they are classed as bicycles if the motor does not exceed 200 watts and has usable pedals, which means you don’t need a license or registration.
An electric bike can be a highly efficient commuting option requiring little ongoing maintenance and costing only cents a day to run. But where they come into their own is when they are life-changing by helping to transform the lives of the physically challenged.