Electric bikes are in trend these days particularly in Europe. Since German company Bosch launched its e-bikes in 2011, the mode of transportation has experienced a major boom in the continent.
Statistics show that in 2013, some $139 million have been generated from the sales of e-bikes while more than 400,000 units were sold in Germany. In 2012, an estimated 854,000 bikes were sold in the entire Europe alone. Interestingly, one in 10 bikes in Austria, Germany, the Netherlands and Switzerland are the electronic type.
In Austria, the e-bike is becoming popular and a must-have item for the younger generation. Although sales of the overall bike went down in 2013, sales of the electronic type went up. Today, one in 10 bikes in the country is an e-bike which can be bought from a sporting goods shop. It may be a bit expensive for being priced at an average of 2,000 Euros, but it’s worth the investment considering its benefit to the environment and to a person’s overall health as well.
An e-bike is a hybrid bicycle with an integrated motor that can be used when one gets tired of pedaling or to boost pedal power. It features a front-mounted computer that controls different cycling modes and provides data on speed and battery use. It uses rechargeable batteries and is gaining popularity compared to the conventional bikes.
Using an e-bike is helpful when you’re traveling through hilly terrains. It works as an invisible hand pushing you gently up the hill through its bioelectrical hybrid system.
In the coming years, e-bikes sales are expected to go up as more middle-aged mountain bikers, commuters and those in business use this kind of transportation.
