Image: www.jvbike.com
The greenest option is a bicycle. But what about the problem of arriving at work sweaty and stinky? The electric bicycle may be the perfect solution.
The first hybrid vehicle
The first “power-assisted” bicycles were created in 1892, making the bicycle one of the first hybrid vehicles. These bikes were the forerunners of e-bikes. Today's e-bikes are more sophisticated due to a new technology called “pedelec” where the speed of the motor matches the speed of the pedalling. Pedal slowly and the motor adds a little propulsion. Pedal fast and the motor speeds up. For example, a rider going 10 km/h (6 mph) will double up to 20 km/h (12 mph). With this bike you can arrive for work without even breaking into a sweat.
The less stamina option
For those of us who can’t keep constantly pedalling, an e-bike with “power on demand” is just the ticket. When charged, most travel 32 km/h (20 mph) with no pedalling at all. These e-bikes really shine after work, when a rider may be too tired from the whole rat race to even think of pedalling.
Ride it, fold it, store it
The Ezee Electric Bikes has built a solid reputation with its line of commuter bikes. The Quando Foldable electric bike is small enough to tuck away in a corner but unfolds to give you a 32 km (20 mile) ride with top assisted speed of 24 km/h (15 mph). The Cadence model with its wide balloon tires and crown front-fork suspension handles any bump along the way. Well-crafted aluminium alloy frames and lithium batteries make these bikes lightweight.
Urban zip
The U.S. manufactured IZIP™ Enlightened Street is a bike for the serious commuter. Inventor Dr. Malcolm Currie, the former CEO of Hughes Aircraft and AC Delco, knows his stuff. After all, this is the guy who helped design GM’s first electric car. This sleek model with no motor or boxy battery has been garnering quite a fan base; Daryl Hannah and Ed Begley Jr. can be seen riding around L.A. on their shiny new models.
A classy ride
The Rolls Royce of e-bikes has to the XU450 bike, created by Vancouver’s OHM Cycles. Handmade, the XU450 outperforms any other e-bike. Features include rear and front Halogen lighting, RockShox hydraulic suspension and Shimano hubs. And, whenever you hit the hydraulic brakes you recharge the battery!
Affordable elegance
The DelSol ShoreLiner Cruisers is one the most graceful e-bikes out there. With its classic lines it resembles an old-fashioned bicycle but certainly doesn’t perform like one! Equipped with the lightweight Bionx 350 watt/ 36-volt lithium-ion battery, this turquoise beauty zooms uphill effortlessly. Retailer JV Bike delivers throughout North America.
Retrofit your own
JV Bike also sells kits to convert your own bicycle. The torchbearer for these DIY retrofit systems remains Quebec-based Bion-X, whose standard kit includes a control console, a battery and a motor-wheel. It’s easily installed on any type of bicycle: road, mountain, tandem, folding and recumbents.
Find your e-bike with an comprehensive online buyer's guide from The Source for Renewable Energy.
Why not become a two-wheeled speedmaster, who shows up at the office dry and scent-free with no commuter woes? While you have the wind in your hair, you’ll also be doing your bit to lower greenhouse gas emissions.
Lee Schnaiberg is an environmental consultant and electric bicycle enthusiast.
Green Living Network
