The good, the bad and the ugly about electric bikes

Few years ago, nobody would have thought of heading back to the bicycles but with the rate at which fossil fuels are depleting have left us with no other option. Bicycles are clean and green source of conveyance and their performance can be enhanced by using electric motors. It can be used in two modes, you can pedal it like a conventional bicycle or use its electric motor for speedy ride.

Electric Bikes

The Good

Much cheaper than gas

Seeing the effect of global warming all over the world, people are becoming conscious about their contribution towards the environment. The rapid switching to the environment friendly products and vehicles is the result of same consciousness. People across many countries have started using electric bikes for various strong reasons. Electric bikes can help you remain fit even if you have busy work routine. Your body gets automatically exercised whenever you use your bicycle to go to office, to shop or to meet friends. It is an economical mode of communication. Maintenance cost is very low and it costs less per mile of commute. They do not run on gas therefore there is no need to visit petrol pumps for refill.

Can this be better?

Market is flooded with a large variety of electric bikes each having some unique features. The difference lies in choosing the right bike for right place. For example, lead acid batteries are available at reasonable prices and can be easily recycled but they have a limited life span. Similarly, nickel-cadmium batteries are more powerful but they are expensive and cadmium is a harmful pollutant which makes battery recycling difficult. We need to make decision according to our preferences and market availability.

The bad

1. Range

Though electric bike is a very reasonable and eco-friendly source of commuting but switching over to bicycle ride for long traveling still poses some problems. The electric power per charge generated by the bicycle lasts for range of 15-40 miles only. The maximum acceleration offered by these electric bikes is limited to 20mph therefore relying on these bikes to reach destination on time won’t be a good option.

2. Lost luxury

There is a very limited scope of luxury in any electric bike. Also, it’s a single commuter vehicle. Seat is not comfortable and there is no scope for additional lavish enhancements. Traveling with family is not on list. Even for the single rider there are no provisions against harsh weather and adverse road conditions. Most of the bikes remain sidelined for months during severe winter.

3. Battery charge

Battery charging system is also not very convenient. It can take four to eight hours to charge completely and looking for electrical power outlet is not an easy task because there are very few such outlets in cities.

Can this be avoided?

Some new concepts have been introduced to improve efficiency of these bikes. “Energy generation” is one such technology which uses kinetic energy generated through braking to rejuvenate lithium-ion batteries. The bicycle has thus an improved pedal power by capturing kinetic energy. This technology has been used in Lexus Hybrid Bicycle.

The ugly

1. Non renewable electricity source

Generating electricity is not totally green as we imagine. Coal plays an important role in electricity generation across the world. In fact, 41 percent of the major electricity is generated from coal refined power plants. These coal refined power plants generate large amount of CO2 which is one major cause of global warming.

2. Range

The range offered by these bikes is low which makes them impractical for long distance journeys. They can be used only within the city and taking them out of the city is not at all a viable option because nor is it safe and not feasible.

Why are we so critical?

Human life has been threatened by global warming and toxic emissions and people are becoming aware of hazards of messing up with the environment. The main reason for getting critical is that these no-emission bikes which are considered as the most eco-friendly source of commuting are not totally green. The electricity generated for electric motors is not completely generated using renewable sources. Still, 41 percent electricity is harnessed using coal power stations which pollute environment in the same way as by depleting fossil fuels and carbon emissions.

The bottom line

Now, if we have to answer the question that is electric bike a viable alternative to car? The answer will be 'yes' but only for short commutes, that too only in well planned cities with proper roads and traffic system. Though, we can’t ignore the extra benefit of fitness achieved while using bicycle for commuting, there is a need to improve dependency on renewable resources for clean and green electricity so that electric bikes can fulfill the motive of their creation.