If you are looking for an eco-friendlier means of transport, you may have considered investing in an electric bike. However, are they as environmentally friendly as they are made out to be, or is it all just a smokescreen to get you spending your hard-earned cash?
Let’s take a closer look.
What is an electric bike?
Electric bikes are very similar to standard bikes but with the addition of an electric motor and battery. Also known as e-bikes, this transportation option is a great choice if you want to get from A to B faster and have more fun as you ride. Another popular option is an electric scooter similar to a two-wheeled manual scooter, except a motor propels it.
There are many reasons why people choose to invest in an electric bike, including:
- You can travel faster.
- They can help to keep you fit.
- They can save you money.
- They are ideal for commuting.
- They are safe.
- They are useful for tackling the wind.
- They are perfect for touring.
Are electric bikes and scooters good for the environment?
If you normally drive about in a car, then switching to an electric bike or scooter will undeniably be better for the environment as you will be leaving a smaller carbon footprint. When travelling one kilometre by either a standard bike or e-bike, you will use on average 5-15 watt-hours of energy. If you were travelling by car, you would use a whopping 400 watt-hours of energy.
Another environmental benefit of using an electric bike or scooter is that they do not emit any harmful emissions. This is because e-bikes are powered by a lithium-ion battery, which does not emit any fumes. If you live or work in a densely populated area such as London, you are highly likely to be exposed to high levels of toxic fumes such as nitrous oxide, which is emitted predominantly from diesel cars. However, by choosing an electric bike as your mode of transport, you will help get yourself in better shape and contribute to fresher air in urban areas.
Are there any downsides to electric bikes for the environment?
As mentioned above, electric bikes are powered by lithium-ion batteries, and there are concerns over the impact that these have on the environment. That being said, as the only current alternative to fossil fuels, they are the most eco-friendly option that is available at the moment.
Plus, you can make your electric bike even more eco-friendly purely by choosing the right way to charge its battery. As a general rule, it is better to charge your e-bike overnight as the demand for energy decreases during this time, meaning that you are much more likely to use excess power supplied by the National Grid.
Here at BMG Scooters, we offer a wide range of electric bikes to suit your transport needs and your desire to help improve the world you live in. Find out more here or get in touch for expert advice on all things bike-related.