Why Electric Car Adoption is Not the Ultimate Solution to Global Environment Problems
Governments are rushing the production of electric vehicles (EVs) and creating policies to encourage nationwide achievement of zero-carbon emissions by 2050. Yet even if countries succeed in cutting down pollution, traffic congestions will remain major issues affecting mobility in urban areas. In several U.S. cities today, city planners are advising local governments to encourage the use of electric bicycles that not only reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions, but also improve urban mobility.
Beyond 2030 and fast forward to 2050, researchers predict that urban problems will be compounded because by that time, today’s global population of 7.7 billion will have increased to 9 billion. The prediction is that 70% of the additional population will live in urban areas, and if a great majority will be using electric cars, traffic congestion can worsen.
U.S. Cities Prefer Promoting Bike-Use to Address Both Pollution and Traffic Problems
In many U.S. cities, urban planners have taken note that people in most metro hubs have adopted lifestyle changes that include commuting in two-wheeled vehicles. In seeing the positive effects of their widespread adoption, several city governments across the country are encouraging the change in driving culture.
Investments are being made to provide more bike lanes and in improving the environment to ensure road safety. That way, the city will be able to sustain the growing interest in the use of alternative modes of transportation that will not only reduce air pollution, but also, ease traffic congestions.
According Peoplebikes.com, the U.S. cities they consider as the “best bike cities,” are Portland in Oregon, San Diego in California and Washington, D.C. Mainly because during the past two decades, the cultural and infrastructure changes in these metropolitan hubs have made biking a whole lot better than driving cars, be it the traditional or electric type. .
At the forefront of the driving-culture change is the electric bike or ebike, because there are different types that appeal to a broader yet diverse section of the urban population
The Popularity of Electric Bikes in U.S. Bike Cities
Pedal-powered bikes are largely appealing to the members of the healthy and tireless, physical fitness community. Yet the broader members of an urban population are not into biking to burn excess calories but to increase mobility. The addition of an electric motor to additionally power up a bicycle, has provided the best solution in covering distances in less time and even while carrying heavy loads.
1. First off, an e-bike rider will not sweat profusely, especially if one has to wear formal office clothes that meet workplace requirements.
2. Most city employers are encouraging their employees to ride ebikes to work as the use of these vehicles has greatly improved time-in records and work productivity as a result of fewer sick days. Since there are ebikes costing less than $1,000, not a few employers offer financial subsidies, or no-interest loans to incentivize ebike use among employees.
3. Ebike commuters also cite the positive effects of this transport mode on their mental health, because they arrive at work places and in their homes feeling more relaxed. The experience is in stark contrast to going through the mental stress of driving a car that gets stuck in heavy traffic, especially if one is already running late in complying with the workplace schedule or of a scheduled appointment.
While there are companies that offer bike-sharing as an alternative to purchasing one, it’s safer and more reliable to own an electric bicycle. Mainly because as exclusive users, owners have firsthand knowledge about the charged-condition of the ebike, as well as have awareness of any part that needs to be replaced.
Still, when looking to buy one, it’s always best to check out review websites like ponfish, which provides comprehensive details about different makes and brands of ebikes that are affordably priced at less than $1000.
