An Electric Bike as an Alternative to Owning a Car

For many of us, transportation closely follows food and shelter as critical components of our daily lives. Without effective transportation, we become prisoner of our immediate geography and circumstances. Mobility means we can move ourselves to where we need to be so that we can earn a living, fulfil our responsibilities, and enjoy our lives. Mobility can mean freedom. Unfortunately, a one-size-fits-all approach to providing mobility can produce a situation that causes many of us to wonder if there might be a better approach.

The automobile is the dominant form of transportation in the United States and much of the world. It offers us the ability to move from place to place with no physical effort and, if the road is clear and the sun is shining, with a pleasure of speed and power. Unfortunately, there is also a significant downside to the mobility and power provided by the car. The automobile is one of top contributors to pollution, global warming, resource consumption, political unrest, and an uncertain energy future. The automobile manufacturers and many in industry, media, and government preach that the problems of the car can be addressed simply by relaxing, sitting back, and waiting for the fuel cell cars of the future and all will be fine. (In a similar way, the tobacco companies spent decades telling the public not to worry because cigarettes posed no health risks).

We are faced with a challenge. Given our need for quick and convenient mobility, is there any way to have our cake an eat it too? Can we have the mobility our lives require and somehow reduce the price we must pay as individuals and as a planet? The answer is not as dismal as most assume it to be.

Five steps to lowering the personal and planetary costs of getting from point a to point b.

1. Think differently. When thinking about transportation, don't limit yourself to what you do today or to what every around you is doing. It can be far easier than you think to improve your situation but it requires being open to new possibilities.
2. Be objective. One of the great dangers of living in a fast-paced consumer society is that there are many influences that encourage us to confuse our wants and our needs. Taking an objective look at our needs can enable us to find novel ways to satisfy them.
3. Reflect upon your needs. What are the different trips you need to take? What portion are short distances? Are you most concerned about saving money, saving time, lowering stress and frustration?
4. Don't search for a simple answer to a multi-part question. Choosing one mode of transportation that will meet 100% of your needs means your solution won't be well tailored to any of your needs. Consider different solutions tailored to your different needs.
5. Look for novel solutions. There are a myriad of possibilities. An electric bicycle is one of them.

An electric bike can be an exceptionally convenient and cost-effective alternative to a car for around-town travel.

Local travel, ten miles or less with only the driver in the car, constitutes the overwhelming majority of trips taken in the United States. Substituting a bicycle for a car will have a substantial impact upon your health and finances and will also contribute to improving the pace and health of your community.

If you replace your car with an electric bicycle, the financial and health impact is substantial. Even if you don't replace your car with an electric bike, by riding an electric bicycle you'll find yourself driving less. You'll save gas, wear and tear, maintenance cost and you'll enjoy far better health.

Financial Comparison

The following tables show a comparison of typical costs of purchasing and operating  a car in comparison to an electric bicycle.

Initial Purchase Cost Comparison: New Car, Used Car, Electric Bicycle

Ongoing Cost Comparison: New Car, Used Car, Electric Bicycle

Fuel Costs Comparison: SUV, Car, Electric Bicycle

Total Cost Per Mile of a Car vs. an Electric Bicycle

Notes:

1. Typical prices
2. Based upon California sales tax and county sales tax for San Francisco. Total: 8.5%
3. Estimated fees for California.
4. Based upon $43,318, the inflation adjusted annual income of the nation's median household in 2003 according to the U.S. Bureau of Census.
5. For ebike, the cost is based upon an annual $60 tune-up plus an annual set-aside of $90 for a once-every-three year battery replacement. Car annual maintenance costs are estimated.
6. Electric bicycle fuel costs based upon estimated $.02/charge estimate for 10 mile ebike ride. Automotive fuel costs based upon estimated $2.50/gallon fuel price and 2003 U.S. Department of Transportation calculation of average U.S. fuel efficiency of 27.5 miles per gallon for passenger cars and 20.7 miles per gallon for "light trucks".
7. Estimated costs for 10,000 miles per year travel. For electric bicycle cost includes depreciating cost of ebike over ten years, annual maintenance of $250 (estimated for 10,000 miles per year), and $.05 cost per charge. Automotive data taken from AAA Autoclub South (http://www.aaasouth.com/acs_news/Drivec04.asp)

Suggestions and Comments

If you have suggestions about how we can improve the information on this page or comments you'd like to offer, please send an email to steve@myebike.com.