Why Are Electric Bikes Becoming So Popular?
There are several key reasons that E-bikes, or electric bicycles, have become so popular. Whether you enjoy mountain biking, trail riding or long distance tours, the optional pedal assistance gives the rider the extra support to make the riding easier and allows the cyclists to go further and faster with less effort. E-bikes have small electric battery powered motors that can offer the additional assistance when selected.
All Work and No Play? - Not With An E-Bike! Instead You Have More Opportunities for More Fun!
When you choose the pedal assist options, the electric motor on an e-bike gives you a boost whenever you start pedaling. This comes in handy, especially here in Colorado, as this means you don’t have to work as hard to get up steep hills or ride long distances, such as the bike trail between Broomfield and Boulder. You still pedal like a regular bike, but the motor helps you out so you don’t wear yourself out as fast. Many mountain bikers say riding an e-bike makes the sport much more enjoyable since they feel less tired and can focus more on the whole ride, not just pushing through the uphill to enjoy the downhill.
E-bikes allow bikers to enjoy the many trails throughout numerous Colorado towns, especially if these journeys have previously been avoided because the climbs seemed too physically demanding. The motor assistance opens up more trail options and allows riders to go farther into backcountry areas. Riders who may have lost some fitness due to age or injury also find e-bikes allow them to get back in the game, whether on trails they’ve ridden for years or exploring totally new territory.
E-bikes provide an approachable way for more people to get involved in serious cycling who may have previously felt intimidated. The extra assistance from the electric motor helps take away some of the extreme physical intensity with challenging rides, which makes the sport more welcoming for new riders or people who aren’t hardcore athletes. E-bikes are also great for older riders who still love to get out and enjoy a good ride, but don’t have the same endurance they did when they were younger. E-bikes help level the playing field between riders of different fitness levels and ages. Groups can ride together and enjoy shared days on the trail even if they have a wide range of abilities.
Riders Can Rise to the Challenges of More Difficult Terrain.
The motor on an e-bike gives riders the confidence and ability to try riding more difficult or technical bike trails than they may have tried on a normal bike. Because the e-bike gives you that power boost on climbs and over obstacles, riders don’t have to focus so much on building momentum or speed to get over challenges on the trail. E-bikes also allow riders to explore less chartered territories, without worrying about “saving the energy” to make the ride back. One can more freely take on longer or more difficult rides knowing there will be support when and if it is needed. With a fat tire e-bike, even terrain challenges of gravel, sand, mud and snow, are more easily managed with the boost of power, even into the arenas of hunting and camping. Obstacles that used to require dismounting and walking before may now be rideable thanks to the magic of e-bike power.
Environmentally Friendly
Whether using the e-bike for commuting, deliveries, or everyday fun, there is very little negative environmental impact - especially compared to dirt bikes or four wheelers. The quiet, electric motors don’t generate noise or air pollution and the tires don’t create damage to the trails. E-bikes allow almost silent travel into primitive wilderness locations without disturbing wildlife or other backcountry users, without the destructive gas emissions. Colorado and Denver both offer Rebate programs encouraging the purchases and use of e-bikes as a clean energy commuting alternative.
Return on Investment
While some e-bikes may carry a higher upfront purchase price, many riders find they can actually save money in the long run. E-bikes require almost no maintenance beyond basic bike upkeep like brake pads or tires and instead of paying continuously for consumable fluids, charging an e-bike battery costs just a few cents using a standard wall outlet. Most e-bike batteries hold 70-80% of their original capacity for around 1,000 full charges. So with moderate use, the battery should last over 5 years before needing replacement. The long term savings add up whether you use the e-bike for transportation, fun simple excursions or as a hardcore enthusiast.
Customization Options
In that e-bikes continue to grow in popularity, manufacturers offer more and more customization options for the riders. One can really dial in their bike’s capabilities based on the person’s size and intentions for the use of their bike, as well as the terrain they plan to tackle most. Options can be anything from increasing battery capacity, upgrading brakes, shocks, and tires, or basic stem risers and comfort seats to create the ultimate dream machine for devoted riders.
Conclusion
E-bikes open riding opportunities that may not be possible on a traditional bike. Pedal assist from an electric motor helps riders cover more miles and terrain with less physical exertion. Obstacles that once seemed impossible become achievable. Customization provides options to upgrade your optimal e-bike setup. As battery life and reliability improve, e-bikes make smart, environmentally-friendly investments that enhance enjoyment and clean energy commuting for years to come. They provide an approachable way for more people to participate in all types of cycling, whether off-road, casual pleasure riding, or touring. While traditional bikes will always be an option, e-bikes offer more options to more people opening the door to fun, freedom, and adventure.
