If you are looking for an easy, inexpensive, eco-friendly way to get around (especially if you live in a downtown core) I just heard about a product called an e-bike on the radio yesterday.
The e-bike looks like a scooter and acts like a scooter except it has a rechargeable electric motor in it, rather than a gas engine and also has options to put pedals in it if you want to kick it old school and move your legs for a little… what do you call it?… oh yeah, Exercise! Also using the pedals will recharge your battery so you can slack off later. Not only is it better for the environment than a regular scooter would be but get this, in Canada and the US you don’t have to register it, have a license to drive it, or purchase insurance for it… which makes it probably the cheapest vehicle you will ever be able to own. You just plug it in to any electrical outlet and recharge at night. And with more and more downtown condos like Concord Pacific’s Cosmo coming with recharge stations it will be even more convenient for the downtown e-biker, or electric car owner.
Phantom 3000 - E-Bike Town
The other great thing about it is you wont have to pay big bucks for parking anymore, because of its size and status as a “bicycle” you can pull it up onto the curb and park it in a regular bike rack (you are probably going to want to lock this one up though). So for you downtowner’s this is a great option for a quick commute to work, or up to the store to get some groceries (they do come with containers to carry stuff in), they also come in handy if you are in a Len music video… oh did I mention they do 50km/hour on a full charge? Hold onto your hat!
Now there are a couple of drawbacks. First off the battery will only last for about 3 years (a replacement batter will run you around $300, but weigh that against not paying for gas or insurance and it’s still a no brainer). They also don’t do to well in a torrential downpour because of all the exposed electronic components… however you wouldn’t really want to be out on the road on a bike in the rain anyways. You also do need to wear a helmet as it is the law (at least in Canada) and you have to be over 16 to drive one, but like I said earlier you do not require a license.
So if you are looking for an alternative option for your daily commute an e-bike may be the smart way to go and they will run you anywhere from $1,100 – $2,500!
Ol Skool - E-Bike Town
If you are in the Vancouver area you can purchase them through E-Bike Town or from E-Ride. If you check out their websites you can see some of the different models available… some resemble motorcycles some look like old school European bikes… and if you visit their showrooms (or hunt around online for any other e-bike retailer) you’ll find that the styles and colours are endless.
Cheers!
jordenf
Filed under: eco, toys, vehicles | Tagged: e-bike, eco, electric, environment, lev, light electric vehicle, motorized bike, vancouver
