Also known as Light Electric Vehicles (LEVs), electric bikes are wonderful commuter and utility bikes. They are also popular with anyone needing a little extra boost of power where fitness, strength and mobility are an issue.
LEV's are the epitome of convenient local transportation. Generally, electric bikes (this includes electric tricycles) are designed for one person, with plenty of cargo capacity for most errands (using front and rear baskets, racks and panniers). For local errands less than 15 miles, an electric bike is a far more environmentally friendly option than a car, much more fun, and surprisingly nearly as quick!
For anyone wanting to reduce their carbon footprint, LEV's are great commuters as well. Gone are the excuses for NOT commuting by bicycle: getting sweaty on the commute and then having nowhere to shower; and worse, changing into a crumpled suit. With electric motors, the rider can cruise to work, pedal a little along the way (if he wants), and show up clean and dressed for work! Often, bike commuting can be faster by bike than by car (the rider can easily bypass traffic jams, take shortcuts, etc.. Bike commuting is all the better when it can be done quickly and effortlessly on an electric bike!
A particularly wonderful type of electric bike is the folding electric bike. Imagine doing the "ugly" part of the commute by car; pulling out the folding electric bike out of the car; cruising the rest of the way to work (neatly storing the folding bike at the office); cruising back to the car (getting fresh air back into your head); and driving the rest of the way home. Okay, that might be fanciful thinking - but folding bikes are incredibly easy to store, easy to assemble/disassemble, and just as fun as any bike out there.
Doing errands by bicycle is a great stress-reducer. Not only does it save a lot of gas and wear on your car, there's the added benefit of enjoying the local scenery at a leisurely pace (maybe actually talking to people on the street!). Electric bikes are friendly, clean, quiet and efficient. If the rider wishes to get a little exercise while running errands, the electric motor assist can be turned off. Or, if the cargo is heavy and the hills and headwinds make the ride less than enjoyable, turn the motor back on and cruise home in comfort!
Electric bikes are a much more economical alternative to mopeds and scooters for urban riding, and take up less storage space. Conversion kits are also available to turn any bike into an electric-assisted bike, at moderate cost.
