As children, our bicycles gave us the freedom to explore and the ability to have fun. Many of us even use our bicycles to stay in shape and get some much-needed exercise. It’s true that there is a wide range of uses for bicycles and, with the introduction of electric bicycles, we can add one more, saving the environment.
Electric bicycles, such as Mate Bike’s MATE X and MATE City, offer a wide range of features, all of which are specially designed to be both user and environmentally friendly. The easier a bicycle is to use, the more we will ride them, and electric bicycles are among the easiest to ride just about anywhere. By riding bicycles more often, we are helping to protect the environment while reducing our carbon footprint.
With that in mind, we are going to take a look at some of the environmental benefits of riding an electric bicycle.
Increased Distance
For the average bicycle rider, we have a set limit on the distance we can ride. Electric bicycles can increase that distance significantly making them more useful for our daily commute. Some ebikes, like the MATE X and MATE City can travel long distances on a single charge. The MATE City has a 50-mile range which is one of the longest usable ranges of any e-bike.
Lower Carbon Footprint
Electric bicycles have a lower carbon footprint when compared to conventional vehicles including cars and motorcycles. A lower carbon footprint means a healthier planet for everyone. Bike engineer Zack Krapfl calculated the energy efficiency of an electric bike compared to a variety of other modes of transportation.
These are his results:
| Internal Combustion Engine (ICE) Cars | 20 – 50 MPG |
| Electric Cars | 100 – 130 MPG |
| Walking* | 55 – 70 MPG |
| Motorbike | 65 MPG |
| Airplane (All seats occupied) | 90 MPG |
| Cycle* | 270 MPG |
| Electric Bike – Cargo Bike | 480 MPG |
| Electric Bike – Commuter Bike | 570 MPG |
*MPG of walking and cycling is calculated by taking the metabolic efficiency of a person (we are ~25%, similar to a Honda) and the fact that food consumption requires energy to produce it. The major gain in MPG for an electric bike owes to the mechanical efficiency of the motor, which is around ~80% efficient. These numbers are conservative estimates for electric bikes.
E-Bikes Reduce Air And Noise Pollution
Electric bicycles can reduce both air and noise pollution significantly. This can make neighbourhoods, parks, and city centres much nicer places to be. The average street noise level is around 70 decibels. Brussels experimented with car free Sundays and saw noise levels fall by 10 decibels. This is like going from the noise level of a washing machine to an electric toothbrush.
Choose An E-Bike That Is Right For You
As you can see, there are many environmental advantages to riding ebikes. The next step is choosing an eBike that is right for you. Mate Bike’s MATE X and MATE City are technologically advanced, innovative electric bicycles that are designed to make your daily work commute easier, as well as giving you the ability to explore the great outdoors on the weekend. In fact, the rugged MATE X and MATE City are just as at home on the pavement as they are off road.
Both the MATE X and MATE City feature 7 speed gears, front and rear suspension, foldable stem, frame, and pedals, Tektro disc brakes, a comfortable saddle, and an easily adjustable saddle/handlebar height.