Technological Transformation Of Cycling

Updated on October 3, 2022

Technological innovations in the biking industry are making biking more attractive for people, and the number of bikers is increasing day by day. Millions of commuters worldwide are using e-bikes for travel now, and to be honest, it is one of the best things to happen. The popularity of e-bikes means less traffic, cleaner air, and a healthier lifestyle.

More and more cyclists are taking to the road, and the trend is not going to die out anytime soon. The number of cyclists around the world will increase significantly over the coming years because biking is becoming convenient and stress-free. Women’s e-bike is a dream come true for the usefulness and easy-to-ride options it offers.

Today, in the major cities, only about a few percent of people are commuting through bikes. This number is expected to surge by many folds with e-bikes. The surge in numbers may seem insignificant at first, and many would argue that an increase of few bikes on the roads means nothing.

However, in reality, it can bring a huge difference. Car trips will be lessened, and it will result in lower emissions. It will also be significant in terms of air quality and traffic congestion. Innovations like fat tyre bikes are making our environment greener. There is an array of diverse technological advancements underlying this growth of bike liking.

Technological innovations like 3D-printed parts, wireless connectivity, and electrification are behind the popularity of e-bikes. These innovations by the manufacturers are making cycling faster, safer, more comfortable to track and measure, and convenient. 

It will drive a profound societal urban change. A decrease in pollution, lesser traffic on roads, improvement in public health, and less-crowd in public transit systems are some of the benefits that e-bikes are facilitating.

According to studies, about 3 million people move into the cities every week all over the world. Imagine moving all these people around, no shock that public transport is always overflowing and traffic is becoming a nuisance day by day. The existing transport system may not be able to cope under such pressure.

E-bikes can pick up some fraction of these people who need to commute every day, at least for shorter journeys. 

Electrification Is A Blessing

Electrifying a bike is not something that we hear for the first time. The first electrically powered bicycle dates back to 1895. Astonishingly, the concept somehow never caught up like a wildfire. Even if we go back to early this century, the idea of e-biking was relatively rare in most parts of the world; China was an exception, though.

But now, thanks to the recent developments and improvements in tech, power, and pricing, the future for e-bikes looks promising.

Lithium-Ion Battery

The enhancements in Lithium-Ion Battery (LIB) are working as a string sale driver for electric bikes. Till 2016 most of the bikes sold were using heavy lead-acid batteries, but things have changed since then. Usage of LIB made prices fall dramatically, and it shifted the market for good. 

LIB bikes are now available for commuting, cargo, and even mountain bikes. The makers already see a spike in sales which has encouraged them to invest more in research which will result in more options for a better environment and even lesser rates. One of the major appeals of these bikes is lesser physical effort.

Faster traveling speed, easier after stop acceleration and uphill power boost are some other interest factors. A standard bicycle can reach up to an average of 15 kilometers per hour, but an e-bike can attain an average speed of 22 kilometers per hour.  We don’t think we need to tell you that which one is better!

Apart from this, the batteries can do so much better than the fuel we are currently relying on when it comes to the environment. If these bikes do become a common transport, there will be way less carbon footprint and emissions. 

Decisive Benefits

The journey time can be cut to two-thirds due to the speed. It may even out-speed a four-wheel drive, a bus, or even a subway. It also requires less effort to ride this bike as compared to the traditional one. It is more like a stroll than a sprint. Riders don’t necessarily have to wear spandex; cycling can be done in suits now. Not having to carry a change of cloth and shower after cycling is playing out in favor of e-bikes.

The electric motor takes charge when a rider’s energy level flags. It is encouraging out-of-shape people to get behind the handlebar once again without having to sweat it out. It is opening several new riders to the idea of cycling who would have been hesitant otherwise.

Electric bikes are taking security to the next level. The bikes can now be locked and unlocked through smartphones. Tracking a lost or stolen bike is no more a dream now. Battery powered LED lights at the front and rear are a big game-changer for adventurous souls. It provides more excellent safety at night.

Most of these things can be used with a standard bicycle as well, but it’ll cause a great deal of inconvenience for the bikers. On the other hand, these capabilities integrated into electric bikes will only eliminate hassle. 

Even if someone is using non-integrated battery powered lights on their regular bicycle, how easy it is to steal, the owner may have to remove it after every ride, and how big of an inconvenience it is going to be. They may have to carry them everywhere like work or school, charge them separately, and then bring them back. In comparison, integrated lights of an e-bike are just always there and powered with the bike.

Conclusion

The niche that is currently occupied by automobiles is soon going to be a kingdom for e-bikes. The utility, convenience, and low cost it offers are too much to ignore and not switch. Apart from all these benefits, it can also create a greener environment with cleaner air. 

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