Why Don't More People Use Electric Bikes?

Question

Recently I have been doing a lot of research into electric bikes. An electric bike is a great way to save money instead of wasting it on gas. According to several manufacturer’s electric bikes can travel approximately 30 miles on less then $0.50 of electricity. If you compare this to $3.00 or more per gallon of gasoline an electric bike might be a transportation option for you. For $3.00 worth of electricity you can travel 300 miles.

http://www.ehowtoguide.net/category/environment-5-1.html

Answer 1

Having owned an ebike for three years before trading up to a 125cc scooter, I can say they are great but they have limited applications.  They're a perfect commuter vehicle for fair weather, flat terrain and short trips but they have some drawbacks:

1.  Range.  Mine would go 50km on a charge but I kept going on 55km rides :-(

2.  Weight:  The battery pack weighed ~40lb and the motor was 10lb.  Add the beefed-up frame to carry it all and 80lb is a lot to pedal around if the battery dies.

3.  Battery life:  $100 for a battery pack that's good for 300 charging cycles, $500 for a pack that will go for 1,000 cycles.

4.  Torque:  Many are not capable of climbing hills.  There is a trade-off here, power vs. range.

I'd say they're a good value but like everything else you should know their limitations.

Answer 2

First of all, electric bikes are very expensive. You would have to pay more for owning these bikes than you would regular bikes. Also, you would have to recharge your bike, which is actually pretty harmful to the environment once you have to throw the batteries out. If you actually want to use a bike, use a regular bike. Besides, it doesn't cost any money to fuel up and it costs very little to maintain

Answer 3

i would say because noone knows about them

Answer 4

For the moment those batteries take way too long to recharge to be practical. When will they work with electro-magnets?

Answer 5

Not enough roadway accommodation, so not safe.

Answer 6

I agree they are a great way to save money and protect the environment but you can't go on the highway, you are not protected from the elements and they are dangerous to ride because cars can't see you very well.

Answer 7

Bikes as a whole, not just electric bikes, give little protection from even fender benders.

Now we do not have an option during winter, they do not handle icy or snow covered roads. That means we need another conveyance too.

They are less than perfect in rain, although there are 3 and 4 wheel bike class vehicles that will protect from rain. Those use even more battery power, and while one can pedal them, not very fast.

There are heavy duty electric bikes for people who weigh over 180 lbs, but even those are straining with 250, and they do not pedal easily. Maintaining 15 km/h on a flat road would require zero headwind.

I had an opportunity to test out a Schwin heavy duty, and would not recommend it for a heavier person in hilly terrain.

Answer 8

It's real hard to transport 4 kids on electric bikes, and many people don't feel safe in them.

Answer 9

I have an electric bike and have found several limitations.  They are a blast to ride at some 18 miles per hour,. but with my size, the battery can be used up in under five miles instead of the advertised 20 miles per charge.  The bike is heavy, especially when trying to get it up a flight of steps to my apartment.  Also, the leads get burned away if you don't "help" pedal the bike a long, and you will be left to pedal when you're between your home and your destinations.  

They are a good idea but maybe an electric scooter is a better option or even a small gas-powered scooter would be better.

Another downside to an electric bike is the motor on mine is attached to the frame and it drives the rear wheel with a small cog and chain on the left side of the wheel.  Most bike shops will not attempt a repair when the wheel needs some adjustments or if some part of the drive line needs to be repaired or replaced.  

Pedaling a regular bike is nice, but I'm not about to get all hot and sweaty riding to work.  Might be a littlle awkward in a business envronment.

Answer 10

thet cost to much

Answer 11

the electric cords are not long enough to go too far