“When we invented the personal computer, we created a new kind of bicycle… a new man-machine partnership…” — Steve Jobs, c. 1980
As the story goes, the co-founder of Apple Computers saw an article in a 1973 issue of Scientific American that investigated the efficiency of motion between various animals. Needless to say, Man did not fare well against his tellurian neighbors until he was given a bicycle. Perched upon this simple machine, Man could suddenly outperform them all.
While Jobs’ donation to the man-machine equation has advanced to the point that a large portion of humanity has access to a boundless amount of information, the bicycle, too, has undergone a revolutionary transformation.
With the advent of small, high-powered battery systems, bicycle manufacturers have found a way to include a new group of would-be consumers into the world of human-powered transportation. The label of mountain-biker or road cyclist once conjured up visions of highly motivated, overly enthusiastic athletes, but having a bicycle packing a bit of extra energy makes the idea of a two-wheel excursion less daunting.
No longer is there a worry of going for a ride only to find oneself needing a nap before the return trip. Over the last few years, nearly all types of bicycles have been converted to or created with a version of electric propulsion. Hill conquering mountain bikes, trail riders, cargo bikes, road racers, and even the leisurely beach cruiser have been swept up in the e-power revolution.
From an environmental point of view, the common-sense view is that the non-electric cycle is more eco-friendly than the e-bike. After all, there is no increase in its carbon footprint compared to the e-bike charging requirements and battery manufacturing. Yet, the transportation opportunity the power-assisted bicycle opens cannot be overlooked. Classic bicycles are more likely to be used for recreation than a daily commuting.
Home-to-work distances, more often than not, hamper any considerations of replacing a car or public transportation with a motor assisted bicycle. The thought of arriving at the office out of breath and sweaty is not the best-selling point. With electric assistance, however, the e-bike negates these limitations.
With some manufacturers boosting up to a 100-mile range and speeds of 28 mph, the eBike suddenly becomes a thoughtful alternative not only to a petrol-driven car but also to an electric vehicle.
For urban commuters, cargo or folding e-bikes seem the optimal choice. As their name suggests, cargo e-bikes are designed for hauling, with many able to transport over 350 pounds of rider and goods. They also can be found with the best mileage range per battery charge. Folding e-bikes are also a consideration as they excel at elevating the worrisome concern of where to park your ride.
There are, of course, a few disadvantages to the electric-assisted bicycle. E-bikes are expensive, but there will likely be a downward adjustment to their pricing as the market and technology advance. Battery life can be problematic, and, as with most electric vehicles, battery replacement is costly and not as eco-friendly as the manufacturers want you to believe. While this pro-vs-con decision can be justified when switching from a gasoline vehicle to an electric one, choosing between an environmentally neutral human-powered bicycle and one requiring an infrastructure to function can be more difficult.
Many factors come into play when deciding whether an e-bicycle fits your lifestyle. We have to admit our trials have revealed one unquantifiable aspect — e-bikes are simply fun to ride. There is something about pedaling with a causal cadence and feeling the bike is as eager as you are to chase the wind.
