Electric Cycle
An electric cycle is also known as a powered bike, an e-bike and more technically as a LEV (light electric veheicle). Naturally, not many people use that term. Although they have been around for a few decades, it is only in the last few years that they have really taken off…but not literally!
With the advent of fuel price rises around the world, plus the concern for environmental pollution more and more people are looking for cheaper and environmmentally freindly means of transportation. An electric cycle is ideal for that. They are relatively cheap to buy and incredibly cheap to run. The cheapest electric cycle can be got for $300, although you can also pay into the $1000’s level for more luxurious models with all the addons. Even for a journey of 20 miles you can expect to pay only a few cents/pennies worth of electricity.
Another major benefit of elecrtic cycles is that in most countries there is no tax levied on them. Usually this is the case for only the bikes that also have peddles. If there are no peddles then all forms of licensing, tax and insurance starts to apply.
Currently, the majority of electric cycles available are basically pedal bikes that have been adapted to carry a battery pack and have an electric motor in the rear wheel hub, or within the drive chain hub. Commonly speeds of 20mph are acheivable with a range of upto 20 miles before needing to recharge the battery. This range can be significantly increased if the rider peddles at the same time, thus saving battery power. The more expensive models are capable of greater speeds and distance.
As global pollution shows no sign of reducing nor gas prices dropping, the electric cycle is guaranteed a permenent place on the city streets.
