Will E-Bikes Replace Cars?

Greater e-Bike Access Through Local Governments and Organizations

With the world reopening in the post-pandemic era we see increased use of fossil fuels. Even with the recent inroads we’ve made electric cars and solar panels, global air quality is worsening. The United Nations predicts a 10.6% increase in global air pollution between 2023 to 2030. State, local and federal agencies across the US are scrambling to find ways to respond to our air quality crisis.

State and local governments see electric bikes as part of the solution for dealing with traffic issues and air pollution. Many are encouraging people to buy e-bikes by offering vouchers and tax rebates. Elected officials across the country are openly stating that it’s cheaper and easier to add bike lanes and help people buy electric bikes than any other alternative.

As more Americans discover the benefits of riding their e-bike to work, school and shopping, more cities and states are going to see the benefits of investing in more e-bike friendly infrastructure. Greater infrastructure means more bike trails, e-bike charging stations, and more convenience getting around town on your e-bike instead of using a car.

We have seen an increase in electric cars in the US in recent years, but there is a huge affordability gap between electric cars ($66,000 average, according to Kelly Blue Book) and e-bikes ($2000 average, according to Consumer Reports). On the one hand, consider how electric cars require insurance, and license to drive, and are very expensive to maintain. On the other hand, electric bikes cost less than $400 per year to maintain and charge, and do not require insurance or a license, meaning almost anyone can ride an e-bike. Therefore, one could argue that eventually we will likely see more e-bike charging stations than electric car charging stations.

The Exercise Benefits of Riding an e-Bike vs Driving a Car

Besides enjoying significant financial savings by swapping your car with an electric bike, you will also reap the rewards of better physical and mental health through e-biking instead of driving.

In a 2017 report from Clean Technica, people who replaced their car with an e-bike for local transportation traveled up to 8.8 miles per trip, burn up to 600 calories per hour, and getting the necessary 60 minutes per day of elevated cardiovascular activity we all need for sustaining good health.

Countless health studies also confirm that people who get at least 120 minutes of outdoor activity per week experience significant improvements in mental health, weight management, reduced risk of heart disease, stronger bones and muscles, and greater ability doing everyday activities. You simply cannot get the same health benefits from driving an automobile during that same amount of time.

Making the e-Bike Choice

Looking at the exorbitant costs of owning a car, and the ongoing problem our world is facing air pollution and traffic gridlock, as well as our continued need for exercise, you can see how switching from a car to an e-bike is a solution most of us should choose – the benefits are tremendous!

The habit of using a car to meet all our transportation needs is like any other habit a person decides he/she needs to change. The decision to replace your car with an e-bike is a personal choice that has the potential of bringing positive change to your life. The rewards outweigh the presumed sacrifices by a very large margin. So, if you aren’t already part of the e-bike revolution, but you’re thinking of riding more and driving less, make sure to check out some of our in-depth e-bike reviews to help find the right one for you. Thanks!