Economic Transportation

With the battle at the gas pump still alive, I think I may have found an economic alternative.http://www.usatoday.com/money/industries/environment/2010-02-11-electricbikes11_ST_N.htm USA Today reports on electric bikes and whether they are making way in our environmental struggle. They report that in China they are popular but not as much here in the States. One rider in Los Angeles reports that he will start pedaling when he passes someone because he feels guilty over the exercise issue.

Now I will admit that the exercise issue was the first thought to go through my head when I started reading the article. However, if approached strictly as an environmental issue then it is an appealing solution. Maybe if that is the approach that is taken, the bike is purchased and ultimately used then the exercise that you can get would be an added plus!

They are for sale at over 400 Wal-Mart locations, Best Buy incorporated them last year and there are other dealers that stock them as well. At a cost between $500 and $1500 some might see that as a little pricey. If you calculated what you would not spend on gasoline and perhaps maintenance while you were riding your bike, you would probably recover your costs rather quickly.

Weather here in our area would limit the amount of months that one of these bikes would be practical. If I worked close enough, and the weather was permitting I would be interested in purchasing one. One question I would have is how much electricity does it take to recharge. If you can pedal only when you choose then that would be great for me as well since I currently don't pedal anything to get exercise.

Economic and potential health benefits - the electric bike just might be a solution for the fight at the pump and the battle of the bulge!