Bikes with a Kick

by John Monaghan

Biking around town can seem like a daunting task when faced with big hills and long distances, but electric bicycles, or E-bikes, can provide that extra boost to ease your trip. Some E-bikes are more similar to a moped, requiring virtually no self-propulsion while others supplement pedal power for higher speeds or steep inclines. This enables riders to maintain an active lifestyle while still arriving to work ready for the day.

These electric bikes are also much lighter than similar motorized vehicles and can be parked in bike racks on city sidewalks or brought onto trains and buses for a multi-modal commute. Though they are heavier than typical bikes, the increase in range can make E-bikes an attractive option for cyclists in larger cities. Plus, most E-bikes plug right into a typical outlet for an electric motor recharge.

Not quite convinced? Find out how many calories you can burn, money you can save, and greenhouse gases you can reduce if you switch to an E-bike for your commute or running errands around town. ATIV Solutions offers an easy calculator.

New E-bikes start at about $800. Conventional bikes can be retrofitted with conversion packs starting at $600.

An E-bike may be right for you if you want a lower environmental impact vehicle that can take you farther than a conventional bicycle with less effort. Have you tried an E-bike or do you own one? Tell us about your experience.