Why Electric Matters; Go By Bike Episode 51

http://cycle9.com Why electric assist isn't just for speed demons and wimps. Go By Bike is a video series that talks about electric bikes, electric kits, cargo bikes, bike safety, getting motivated to bike, and how to ride more and use your car less. Using your car less reduces your carbon footprint, saves energy, helps the environment, gets you in shape, and makes your community a nicer place to live. Elise Giddings is owner of Cycle 9, a store dedicated to providing the information, products, and support needed by others to integrate bikes into their lifestyle.

Category:

People & Blogs

Tags:

• bicycle
• cycling
• Elise
• Giddings
• Cyclenine
• Cycle9
• alternative
• transportation
• green
• sustainable
• electric
• bike
• cargo
• e-assis

[cyclenine]

For experimental0000 - For those people who can use their own leg power all the time, I think that's awesome and I don't want to take away from that at all. My point in the video, however, is that for myself and I suspect a lot of other people, having an electric bike just makes biking more do-able overall as opposed to driving a car. This is especially true for longer distances and heavier loads. You still get exercise on an electric bike (if you want) and I do happen to be under 40, thank you.

[experimental0000]

for some things I can see electrics, but i.m.o. for someone who is trying to be eco friendly, bikes are eco friendly on their own and using electric isn't as eco friendly for a normal cyclist as that's what pedals are for. I mean human power is the cleanest. besides that factor in the pollutants to make the batteries and then the disposal of a worn out battery. I can see it for the auto industry but only for niche things in the cycling world. and my comment has nothing to do with being macho

[cyclenine]

@experimental0000. There is actually an argument out there that from a pure energy useage standpoint, a light electric vehicle is more efficient and uses less oil than leg power, when considering the oil that goes into producing the extra food needed to provide the extra calories. Of course, there are other tradeoff but it's an interesting argument nonetheless. Check out FAQ # 8 for the skinny on this at website: ebikes(dot)ca/faq.shtml

[116thcrazy]

What type of battery do you have? lipo or Lifepo4? what kit?

[cyclenine]

@116thcrazy - I use a Lifepo4 battery and an eZee hub motor kit on this bike. It's a great combination for reliability and lightweight. Check out our website for our best kit recommends. cycle9(dot)com/c9store

[experimental0000]

for me, my argument is more along the lines of emissions directly from the vehicle be it a car or bike, ICE, electric, or pedal. rather than the supply chain but very valid view points all around :)

[NWforager]

@experimental0000 one might ask "what is human power?" .Is it grow in the back yard ? Is it bananas shipped from Ecuador ? Water from Fiji ? Theres a lots of variables with how "clean " human power is . Just as any motor, humans vary in efficiency .

I am effectively plugging my self into a wall when I charge my bionx .Most of my electricity is from hydro . Its feasible to charge it with off grid solar with maybe $100 of equipment . Its also the source(s) that makes power "clean" .

[experimental0000]

@cyclenine I meant no disrespect. and in your case an electric assist does work since you tote around more than just yourself. also in some environments leg power isn't enough especially where there are alot of hills and steep inclines. I'm mostly pointing that out to the younger generation getting into bikes since the whole obesity thing is a major topic these days. though it is cool that you are able to go out there alot and do your thing, that's why I subscribe and watch your vids

[experimental0000]

@experimental0000 my comment is more along the lines of common sense and logic. I've done the research into these things before. for someone like you I can see using electric assist, but for those under 40 electric is a waste. Besides the whole point of biking is to get and be fit and be healthy as well as being better on the planet, and using the extra resources to make all bicycles in existence plush toys isn't the way to go