Category Archives: Electric Bike Reviews

Future of Electric bikes in India

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Thanks to the economy recovery, the electric bike sales gradually rising these days. Undoubtedly India is seen as future hub for electric bikes. In this article we shall discuss “what’s going on in the Indian electric bike industry? “

How electric bikes begin in India?

Bangalore based Eko vehicles, Gujarat based Electrothem were pioneers in electric bike business in India. India, being new to this technology taken time to accept this.Slowly they picked up sales because of electric bike advantage of no-license and no-registration. But as the technology still in nascent stage, there were a lot of service related problems faced by the costumer and due to the entire concept of electric bike lost the good will of costumers.

Then UK based Ultra Motors ltd and India based Hero Electric ( a Hero motor group company ) joined hands and flagged of a successful production and marketing of electric bikes along with good after sales service. Though the pair had successfully branded the electric bike concept in India, they got separated and currently launching their products individually.

Mean while Avon cycles, Lectrix Motors ltd, Ampere vehicles pvt ltd, TI cycles also launched their electric bikes and concentrating on the “know how”& “know why” aspects of electric bikes and hoping a big future for this business.

Some news articles from various media sources to show the future trend of the electric bike market in India.

Ultra Motor India is planning to launch three scooters, including one in the high speed category, and import a high- end model to India by next year. “Electric vehicles category is becoming more and more important globally and it will substantially grow in India as well. We are planning to sell 55,000 units in India in 2009-10,” Ultra Motor Chairman and CEO Joe Santana said. ( Source: UMI website )

Hero electric, the Hero Group company hopes to sell 25,000-30,000 bikes this year, up 40 per cent from last year. Its plant has an annual capacity of 120,000 units.

Electrotherm India Ltd (EIL) has posted revenues of Rs.200 million in the July-September period this year, compared to Rs.130 million in the previous quarter. During the quarter under review, the company reported a 54 percent increase in the sale of Yo-bikes. (Published by the Thaindian.com in 28th Oct, 2008)

BSA Motors , a Murugappa group company eyeing a market share of about 18-20 per cent by the end of this financial year ( 2009-10 ). The company plans to increase its dealership network from the present 30 in four southern states to about 100 within three months and thereafter increase it to about 120 by the end of this fiscal. Company is expects sales of about 25,000 bikes during the current financial year. (As reported by THE HINDU BUSINESS LINE on may 16th 2009.

Coimbatore based Ampere vehicle pvt ltd is slowly expanding their operations from electric bikes to hub motor and controller manufacturing. Their upcoming model V60 & Adya 60 has already bagged costumers due to its trendy look and performance.

The above new clips proves that this business is booming and the stated companies are having positive outlook in electric bike business in India.

Advertising campaigns

Currently only YO bikes, Hero Electric is airing a TV commercial and giving promotional offers for their customers. Lectrix motors ltd had presented their e-1 model to the “man of the match “of all the matches played in ICL 2008. Most other companies are airing their commercials on local channels and following traditional banner advertisements. Some companies are giving regional promotional offers for festive seasons.

What Companies should do?

Supply quality products to the customer along with good after sales service.
Innovative Marketing campaigns to attract the prospective users.

 

 

 

 

Murali Krishna U, founder and promoter of B2B portal for Electric vehicles @ http://www.evhub.in & Media portal for electric vehicles @ http://www.evhub.biz


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Gepida Reptila 1100 Electric Bike, Video review

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www.nycewheels.com The Gepida Reptila electric bike is one of the most efficient electric bikes in the USA. With the optional second battery it can travel up to 50 miles on a charge! This is a European style pedelec electric bike with a classic bicycle look and feel. If you’re looking for a comfortable, long range, and reliable electric bicycle the Gepida Reptila is the bike for you. Stop by at NYCeWheels in NYC for a test ride or call for more info. www.nycewheels.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Pedego Electric Bike Review – Electric Bike Report

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Amazon now have then $100 dollars cheaper and at the best price we here have found certainly the safest place to buy your Pedego. Click here for more amazon reviews on this bike

 

ElectricBikeReport.com After a few days of intensive testing of the Pedego Classic Crusier electric bike, I have put together this video review for you. This is a real world review based on me riding my normal commute route to work, running errands, and taking it on some steep hills and gravel bike paths. I feel like I really put the Pedego electric bike through it’s paces and I got a great handle on the pros and cons of this bicycle. Checkout the video for the full review! Also, checkout ElectricBikeReport.com for more electric bike info!
Video Rating: 5 / 5

 

Kids Electric Scooters Reviewed

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Kids scooters are rising in popularity.  Part of the popularity is because kids scooters few  maintenance problems and the cost of maintenance is down.

Kids scooters are light weight and require very little parking space and work well for smaller adults.

Kids scooters are likely the most fun they will ever have on two wheels. Once these scooters are set up there is nothing to buy but a few pennies for power to charge the batteries. This huge savings compared to fueled models and much safer for the children.

Kids Scooters are great gifts for children any time of the year. As tough economical times continue on, electric scooters are putting dent in high cost of gasoline.

These electric scooters come in several different models. They range from looking like the motorcycle to the little push along scooter with the T bar handle. Some are with seat and some without. What is your cup of tea?

Kids scooters range in price from a couple of hundred on up to several hundred dollars. Generally, the old adage of you get what you pay is true in this case also.

These little kids scooters are designed for going fast so there is little danger of them getting hurt. Some of them may have a top speed of about 15 miles an hour. About as fast as they can run in sprint.

They have varying batteries. Some of them charge quite fast and last a long time. Others require hours to fully charge.

If you want your child to be the most popular kid on the block get them an electric scooter. He will have more friends than Carter got pills.

If you are thinking of buying your child a scooter there a few things that come to mind. Some of them have been addressed already for you. On such question might be where to buy a kids scooter.

Amazon has a fine selection and some qualify for free shipping. How cool is that.

Razor makes a pretty good kids scooter. Some of the features are;

Fun and Fast with a max speed of 10 mph

A maximum use time of 40 minutes per charge

Motor that is chain operated with a large torque 

Throttle with twist grip 

Back wheel made of 125 millimeter polyurethane

Battery that can be recharged

Front tire that is pneumatic with a size of 8″

Suitable for ages 8 and up 

Maximum weight: 120 lbs

Now, why not hop on over the electric bikes reviewed blog for more information on <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=”http://electricbikesreviewed.com/super-turbo-electric-scooter-800-watt-elite-electric-scooter”>kids scooters </a>and electric scooters for adults and find something that will make you child jumping up and down happy?

For the best prices around you cannot beat Amazon. You can get the cheapest prices on <a rel=”nofollow” onclick=”javascript:_gaq.push(['_trackPageview', '/outgoing/article_exit_link']);” href=”http://electricbikesreviewed.com/super-turbo-electric-scooter-800-watt-elite-electric-scooter”>kids scooters </a> right on this link. Click it now for more information.


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Abolition Of Electric Bike: The Interests Of Game And Decision

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– Interview motivation

In Zhuhai, if you ride

Electric Bicycle

The road, it could face the risk of penalties. Because from the beginning on July 1 this year, “the Zhuhai Special Economic Zone Road Traffic Safety Management Regulations” came into effect. This requires, on July 1 after the bike not register, prohibit roads, electric bicycles are not allowed to enter the field of Zhuhai, violators a fine of 500 yuan.

 

It is understood that many cities across the country are under way to halt the government electric bike. Already in force, “Administrative Licensing Law”, “Administrative Punishment Law,” it seems to have turned a blind eye.

We ask is that this incident, the public power of the rule of law what the bottom line? Halt the so-called “reason” to withstand the facts and

Science

Test? Right of way in this series fair and whether the ban can be realized? Transition in China, the interests behind the game, public policy-making and how to achieve a smooth running … …

Ban

Electric cars

Related to administrative licensing

Xinhua: In Beijing, the electric bike how much the actual ownership? The potential extent of consumer demand?

Wang and: Currently, the electric bicycle is still a black households in Beijing, so for your first question, I can not make an accurate answer. But three years ago, according to the statistics, in January 2001, the electric bicycle in Beijing less than 20 000, and by June has more than 50,000 electric vehicles, bicycles walking through the streets in Beijing.

To the end of 2001, Beijing bike community to maintain approximately 60 000, then

Sell

Capacity is 36,000.

The same token, the 2002 sample survey in Beijing: the public interest in buying electric bicycles were 217.7 million, of which there is an urgent need to buy 62.3 million people, even in areas including the city bus to facilitate the purchase intention The still 12.8% of those surveyed. Xinhuanet: What is the rest of the country situation?

Wang and: As far as I know, the end of 2004, Zhejiang Electric Bicycle holdings reached 1.5 million (including excess

Standard

Car), which only had 300,000 in Hangzhou; electric bicycle ownership in Shanghai has reached 900 000, Chengdu is 50 million, Nanjing, despite a late start, but now there are as many as 220 000.

Xinhua: Many cities across the country by way of notice by the government halt electric bike, which in this case reflects the legal issues?

Cheng Jie: I think mainly, “Administrative Licensing Law,” the number of questions.

, For example, who is entitled to an administrative license? To what extent administrative license? If the chief executive relative to the administrative license set object to, what kind of mechanism can be taken on the administrative license is set to review? Beijing issued “Notice to strengthen the management of electric bicycle,” is set in law a specific administrative license.

Xinhua: “Administrative Licensing Law” be able to resolve the plight of electric bike, what kind of help?

Cheng Jie: “Administrative Licensing Law,” provides the main administrative licensing is dominated legislature, and if the way the government rules and regulations set by permit, such permission must be temporary, one-year Man needs to continue to implement, it should be brought to the level People’s Congress and its Standing Committee have formulated local regulations. The most simple words to sum up, that is, the market principle to permit the exception. But Beijing’s rule was adopted before 2004, so from a legal point of view, after 2004, it is to be canceled or re-ranking of the state.

Xinhua: Notice by the Government to prohibit electric bicycle road, this is an abstract administrative action or specific administrative behavior? Whether actionable sex?

Cheng Jie: The Government issued a circular, is an administrative action, but it does not mean that such acts do not have to review mechanisms. “Legislation Law” provides superior or equivalent legislature and the higher administrative authorities of the government to review such actions. In some circumstances, this may become a specific administrative act. Such as riding a bike because the road was seized, confiscated or a fine, administrative penalty is a specific administrative act, this situation can appeal the.

Xinhua: It is understood that Zhuhai halt electric bike, by way of local legislation. This is simply the government notice also different.

Cheng Jie: Zhuhai, the situation involving the democratic mechanism. Modern parliamentary institutions of representative authorized to make a decision not to be when he was representative of what kind of corrective mechanism? China’s existing laws to provide such a mechanism: the voters can recall their own representatives, can also apply on

1

National People’s Congress to review the decision. But if people do not agree that the provisions of Zhuhai, but do not intend to take measures, then these circumstances, he will be responsible for their actions. Because citizens have the right to public

Services

Say “no”, give up their right to speak should bear the consequences accordingly. If the result is a consequence of this is the boomerang.

I am an expert from China Manufacturers, usually analyzes all kind of industries situation, such as acrylic wine glasses , thermal mug.


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Electric Transportation Advocate Launches Web site to Promote Green Scooters

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Electric Transportation Advocate Launches Web site to Promote Green Scooters











Star, ID (PRWEB) October 29, 2009

Clint Mart is one step ahead of the curve when it comes to traveling with ease and comfort without contributing to environmental pollution. He is a proactive voice of green living as he encourages others to reduce their carbon footprint by supporting the use of electric-powered transportation.

“Electric vehicles are part of the future. They’re quiet, clean, inexpensive and very low maintenance; they don’t run on oil or gas and are great for every facet of life,” Mart said.

In an effort to promote electric motor and battery powered vehicles, he transformed his ideals into a prosperous online business, http://www.ElectricScooterVille.com, in September of 2009. Here green living enthusiasts and other customers can browse through an exciting selection of electric-powered transportation options that are all equipped with the latest technological advancements and backed by an Xtreme Scooter warranty.

The electric bicycle is available in many varieties including two models that even look like regular bikes and one model that can be easily folded for convenient travel and transportation. Every design adheres to the federal bicycle regulation HR727, which allows the cyclist to travel in bike lanes and on bike paths and can be operated without any form of driver’s license or registration.

The electric scooter is also in compliance with this law; it’s allowed in bicycle lanes and paths in most jurisdictions and doesn’t require a driver’s license. Great for kids and adults, it can be used to perform a variety of tricks. Best of all they are quiet and won’t disturb the neighbors (or you). Many have an optional seat that is easily installed or removed.

The electric mobility scooter has proven to be Mart’s favorite vehicle because of the superior mobility it has provided his wife, Sylvia, who is a Polio survivor. This revolutionary new design is for a person who can’t walk any distance but is healthy and active. The XB420M scooter is unlike most other mobility scooters that can only get around on firm, smooth surfaces. This model can easily travel across four to six inches of thick grass, through gravel, dirt and rough surfaces without slowing or getting stuck. Set on three large pneumatic wheels, it features an adjustable captain’s chair, side mirrors, turn signals, a horn and storage compartments. This stable mobility scooter can safely and securely travel up to 15 mph and 20-25 miles between charges.

The line of electric mopeds certainly shows the latest technology in electric vehicles. This swift and safe ride can travel up to 65 mph and has a range or of up to 85 miles between charges. They comfortably seat two adults and are superb commute vehicles. They have a low center of gravity and they eliminate the hassles of oil changes, fueling spills and smells; in general, they’re very low maintenance.

The electric ATV, available in two models, is a great transportation resource for hunting, construction sites or general play. Each vehicle is quiet, low maintenance and doesn’t cost much to operate.

Many of these products have been featured on NBC and ABC news and will be discussed in further detail on Mart’s new interactive blog, http://www.ElectricCycle-ScooterReview.com. Here customers can also read about how each of these electric vehicles is adaptable to businesses, the engineering behind the motor and batteries, green transportation and how federal bike laws allow such electric vehicles to be included in their regulation.

Every electric vehicle at ElectricScooterVille.com is an excellent option for commuters, large campuses, industrial complexes, running errands, recreation and family fun. They are dedicated to providing quality and affordable products matched with professional service.

About the Company:

ElectricScooterVille.com is owned and operated by electric-transportation enthusiasts Clint Mart and his wife, Sylvia. Mart has more than 40 years of retail and service business experience. He has worked in sales and service of motor scooters, motorcycles and four-wheel vehicles. He and his family (3 generations) have built, restored, sold, serviced, raced and promoted both two and four-wheeled motor vehicle events.

Clint Mart

http://www.ElectricScooterVille.com

(208) 286-0694

iePlexus, Inc.

http://www.iePlexus.com

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Why buy an electric bike conversion kit?

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Electric bikes are an environmentally friendly mode of transportation and gaining in popularity due to the many benefits they offer. Most people travel everywhere by car and are sure to be spending a lot of time stuck in traffic, searching for a parking place or filling up at the petrol station. For these reasons and many more you might be interested in a different way of traveling around. You don’t even have to spend a lot of cash and purchase a brand new electric bike, because it is possible to convert your current bicycle with an electric bike conversion kit. Whether you will use it for riding through the city centre at rush hour or pedaling down the country roads in your free time this could be the healthy answer you have been looking for. What is an electric bike conversion kit or what can you do with an electric bicycle? Basically it is a normal push bike with a battery powered electric motor attached to it. To charge it you plug it into the regular electricity mains. And it is as easy as can be, once you start to pedal the motor starts, stop pedalling the motor stops; pedaling speeds up to 15mph can be reached with the help of the electric motor. Electric bikes are the answer for those who want to stay or get fit, for short distance or weekend trips, those who help the environment and active elderly people. Riding an electric bicycle is a very sustainable mode of transportation, saving on gasoline and it burns lots of calories too! Basically it is just a perfect solution that saves time, money and provides you with a healthier lifestyle! There are lots of benefits to posses an electric bicycle. For one you don’t need a licence to drive or insurance as it is categorized as a push bike. To own an electric bike works out far cheaper than having a car or even a scooter. A conversion kit for your regular bicycle is an economical alternative to buying an electric bike as it involves simply changing your regular bike into an electric machine. So if you have a bike that you love than there is no reason to go to the cost of buying a new one, just purchase an electric conversion kit! There are many bicycle manufacturers and models of bikes made every year; folding bikes, mountain bikes, BMXs’, all with their benefits and individual style giving the consumer plenty of choice in selecting the one that suits their lifestyle. However, there are not nearly as many electric bike manufacturers. A new electric bike can cost a good deal more than buying a conversion kit. The biggest advantage in buying an electric conversion kit compared to a new bike is the amount. If you do want to get yourself a new electric bike you will find the choices very limited. Purchasing an electric conversion kit can solve this issue as it can be adapted to any model, style and make of bike you want, even your own bike. Another reason to consider a conversion kit is if you require your bicycle to be as light as possible. If you live in a busy city traveling to work on an electric bicycle will be a cheaper and quicker option, less stressful also about high fuel prices at the gasoline station, annoying traffic jams or driving for 1 hour to find some where to park. For most people regular trips are within a small area, consisting of calls to the local shop, visiting friends or going to the bank, trips easily made on an electric bicycle. Whether you decide to purchase an electric bicycle or an electric conversion kit will depend on your needs and essentials. To find info about this subject go online today and convert to an environmentally friendly energy saving stress free style of traveling as soon as possible.

Electric bikes are an environmentally friendly mode of transportation and gaining in popularity due to the many benefits they offer. Most people travel everywhere by car and are sure to be spending a lot of time stuck in traffic, searching for a parking place or filling up at the petrol station. For these reasons and many more you might be interested in a different way of traveling around. You don’t even have to spend a lot of cash and purchase a brand new electric bike, because it is possible to convert your current bicycle with an electric bike conversion kit. Whether you will use it for riding through the city centre at rush hour or pedaling down the country roads in your free time this could be the healthy answer you have been looking for.

What is an electric bike conversion kit or what can you do with an electric bicycle? Basically it is a normal push bike with a battery powered electric motor attached to it. To charge it you plug it into the regular electricity mains. And it is as easy as can be, once you start to pedal the motor starts, stop pedalling the motor stops; pedaling speeds up to 15mph can be reached with the help of the electric motor.

Electric bikes are the answer for those who want to stay or get fit, for short distance or weekend trips, those who help the environment and active elderly people.

Riding an electric bicycle is a very sustainable mode of transportation, saving on gasoline and it burns lots of calories too! Basically it is just a perfect solution that saves time, money and provides you with a healthier lifestyle! There are lots of benefits to posses an electric bicycle. For one you don’t need a licence to drive or insurance as it is categorized as a push bike. To own an electric bike works out far cheaper than having a car or even a scooter.

A conversion kit for your regular bicycle is an economical alternative to buying an electric bike as it involves simply changing your regular bike into an electric machine. So if you have a bike that you love than there is no reason to go to the cost of buying a new one, just purchase an electric conversion kit!

There are many bicycle manufacturers and models of bikes made every year; folding bikes, mountain bikes, BMXs’, all with their benefits and individual style giving the consumer plenty of choice in selecting the one that suits their lifestyle. However, there are not nearly as many electric bike manufacturers. A new electric bike can cost a good deal more than buying a conversion kit. The biggest advantage in buying an electric conversion kit compared to a new bike is the amount.

If you do want to get yourself a new electric bike you will find the choices very limited. Purchasing an electric conversion kit can solve this issue as it can be adapted to any model, style and make of bike you want, even your own bike. Another reason to consider a conversion kit is if you require your bicycle to be as light as possible.

If you live in a busy city traveling to work on an electric bicycle will be a cheaper and quicker option, less stressful also about high fuel prices at the gasoline station, annoying traffic jams or driving for 1 hour to find some where to park. For most people regular trips are within a small area, consisting of calls to the local shop, visiting friends or going to the bank, trips easily made on an electric bicycle. Whether you decide to purchase an electric bicycle or an electric conversion kit will depend on your needs and essentials. To find info about this subject go online today and convert to an environmentally friendly energy saving stress free style of traveling as soon as possible.

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50cycles Electric Bikes Reveal 2011 Kalkhoff Range and Their New Website

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50cycles Electric Bikes Reveal 2011 Kalkhoff Range and Their New Website











The new 2011 Kalkhoff range


(PRWEB) January 18, 2011

50cycles have launched a new website to showcase the latest electric bikes from the German manufacturer Kalkhoff. These are electric bikes that can assist the rider for up to 100 miles on a single battery charge and are now available in the UK for the first time. This latest Lithium battery technology also offers double the lifetime of previous Lithium battery packs. Test rides on Kalkhoff electric bikes can now be booked at around 70 locations across the UK, as well as at the 50cycles showrooms in Richmond and Loughborough.

As well as an improved range, the 2011 Kalkhoff power assisted bikes bring a number of clever new features to the road, including a bicycle that charges itself as you pedal, a commanding 1:2 assistance ratio that demolishes most hills, even a system that charges up your phone or mp3 player as you ride. Electric bike manufacturers tend towards one-size-fits-all thinking, but each Kalkhoff is available in a range of sizes and frame styles.

50cycles co-founder Tim Snaith says “charging up on Sunday night knowing that you’ll be good for a week’s worth of riding 5 or 6 miles to work and back, and that every one of those miles will be swift and almost effortless appeals to thousands of people who would otherwise face increased fuel, parking and ticket prices.”

Accessories like the stylish Yakkay and snug Casqu’en Ville cycle helmets with their swappable covers are also winter favorites. On the safety theme, 50cycles have come up with novel ways to light up your bike with USB chargeable gadgets like the Spooklight cycle indicator and brake light, the ultra-intense Nukelight front lamp and general purpose torch. Then there’s the jaw-dropping Tunebug Shake no-headphones helmet audio system – a smart way to listen to your favorite music on the road without blocking out the sounds around you. It all adds up to a highly original way to kit out yourself or the cyclist in your life – safety, style and seriously cool sounds to make every ride a treat.

All these products are featured on the new 50cycles.com website which has been designed to be as quick and efficient as the bikes. It’s easy to select the model that best fits your size and requirements, you can book free test rides, read customer reviews and recent awards, watch videos, even chat to one of their resident e-bike experts online. Bikes and accessories can be purchased online with free next day delivery, through the Government-backed Cycle to Work Scheme or even through a 12-month Buy Now Pay Later finance package.

50cycles is the UK distributor for the Kalkhoff electric bicycle range. They have showrooms in Richmond, London and Loughborough in Leicestershire.

Visit their new website at http://www.50cycles.com and follow them at 50cycles on Twitter or call 0333 900 5050 for more information.

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Mongoose Cruiser Electric Bike Review

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Some footage about the electric bike, see the full blog review at teazo.blogspot.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5

Rickshaw 500 watt motor – Carry Capacity: 330 lbs – Hill Climbing – Incline: 15° Top Speed – 32 kph but Gliding i hit a easy 37 kph downhill www.daymak.com www.daymak.com The Daymak Toronto Canada has 10 stores , their site says they can usually ship within 24 hr , they had one in stock when i talked to them and paid for it , and it got delivered 32 days later , it was damaged , front forks bent in and twisted , rear tire & Tube were split in two , right mirror broken , one light on the entire bike was working, the rear running light ,the front light you guessed it , burned out , of all things , several splits in rear cowling , battery was so flat the horn couldn,t work , key was off ? , Battery and speedometer were wrapped in original plastic and i finally got to use it today , 75 days after i paid for it and 4 days before Christmas . So if you do buy one online , buyer beware , i suggest you have them ship it to a bike shop in your area to inspect it because it could be a Real Lemon and a Heartbreaking Nightmare like i now have . after 74 days of unanswered emails and calls not returned , it has taken its toll . See their other bikes below , my advice is don,t bother with anything under 48 volts . Take Care www.daymak.com
Video Rating: 4 / 5

n the wake of the 2009 climate change conference in Copenhagen, the British Government has launched a new commitment to lowering carbon emissions. The 10:10 campaign encourages individuals and organisations to make a personal commitment to lowering their individual carbon emissions by 10% by the end of 2010, and offers a range of advice as to how to achieve this. However, businesses thinking of making the 10:10 pledge may wonder whether the decision has wider benefits beyond helping to combat climate change. Reducing energy consumption saves costs on fuel bills, but what other positive impacts can it have, and how can the necessary reductions be achieved without impacting on the day to day running of the business?

A simple method for lowering emissions for both employers and their staff is to address the daily commute. Transportation by car or by plane accounts for a little over 12% of the total green house emissions produced each year; with much of this travel being work related, a simple switch to more sustainable modes of transport, such as using an electric bicycle, is a simple way to lower your carbon footprint, as well as gain wider reaching benefits for both employer and staff.

Employers committed to the 10:10 campaign will find their transport emissions greatly reduced if they can encourage some of their staff to commute to work using another form of transport instead of their car. Government cycling schemes actively encourage employers to promote sustainable commuting, by offering financial benefits to staff who choose to hop on their bike, rather than drive to work. Members of Bristol’s ‘cycling city’ campaign can help their employees save up to 50% on new bicycles and accessories, providing a very real incentive to those for whom price is a major obstacle. On top of this, studies show that a fitter, healthier workforce is generally more productive, both in terms of day to day engagement, as well as cumulative sick days.

An evidence review conducted for London Transport in 2007 found that an increase in physical activity of just one hour a week per person (easily achieved by walking or cycling to work) leads to a measurable reduction in absenteeism due to short term illness, supporting the idea that there is a clear benefit for employers who invest in alternative workplace travel plans.

So how do you encourage staff to cycle to work, especially in winter? Simple measures, such as providing suitable bike storage for cyclists can help, but one of the primary objections to cycling to work is the physical strain, especially in hilly areas, such as Bristol. With this in mind, many commuters are now turning to electric bicycles- the additional power helps combat the strain of all those inclines, at a much safer speed than on a normal bike, without having to resort to pushing it up the hill. In a congested city such as Bristol or London, electric bikes offer an exhaust free alternative to the daily commute, reducing overall pollution and improving air quality for everyone- if enough people can be encouraged to commute on their bicycles. Cycling to work allows the commuter to nip through traffic, using the dedicated cycle and bus lanes, and can be much faster than alternatives, such as public transport. Combine this with the additional cost saving benefits accrued through reduced fuel, insurance and maintenance costs associated with driving to work, and the idea of commuting on a bike becomes more widely appealing.

So why not take the 10:10 pledge yourself, and the opportunity to improve the health and wellbeing of our businesses, staff and cities. For further information on employer cycling schemes, the 10:10 pledges, or electric bicycles, please see: http://www.1010uk.org, or http://www.betterbybike.info/employers-gear

Simon Biggin is the Managing Director of Bristol based The Electric Bike Company. With a passion for electric bikes and sustainable transport in general, and more specifically how to persuade more people to use sustainable travel solutions, Simon and his team pride themselves in providing electric bikes in Bristol and further afield to suit each individual’s needs. Established in ‘Britain’s First Cycling City’ Simon supports local sustainable projects and aims to promote green and clean alternative transportation. If you want an electric bike for cardiac rehabilitation or green transportation (or if you’re just looking for a exhilarating, eco-friendly, and most importantly fun new hobby) visit his website http://www.theelectricbikeco.com for an easy online shopping experience that will change the way you travel!


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