As May comes upon us, it is time to celebrate National Bike Month, an event that was founded in 1956 to tout the numerous benefits of biking. Positioning National Bike Month in May was strategic—in the heart of spring as the weather begins warming up, it is the perfect time to remind people about getting outside and biking for exercise, cycling to work, or even just riding around for leisure. Within National Bike Month are other sub-holidays as well, such as National Ride a Bike Day on May 2nd, Bike to Work Day on May 21st, and Bike to Work Week from May 17th to May 23rd.
The biking industry since 1956 has evolved—just like most industries have—and adapted to the use of new technology. One of those innovations has been the introduction and popularity of electric motorized bikes. They are the reason that the current National Bike Month is not only about the benefits of cycling in general but also more specifically about the benefits of electric motorised bikes. While both regular bikes and electric bikes share some of the fundamental benefits of cycling, such as living a healthier lifestyle, electric motorised bikes can move cycling into the future with unique advantages that surely improve events like National Bike Month and the biking industry. Let’s take a look at four of the primary benefits of electric bikes and how they are helping to improve National Bike Month.
1. Inclusive by Nature
The first benefit of electric motorised bikes that helps to improve National Bike Month is their inclusivity. By inclusivity, we are referring to the unique ways that electric bikes allow anyone to enjoy biking, rather than leaving it to the die-hard or talented cyclists. Electric bikes are simply more accessible, encouraging people who would have otherwise never thought to pick up a bicycle to hop on and ride.
This inclusivity comes from supplemental electric power. Rather than relying solely on a cyclist's individual strength or endurance to pedal, an electric bike makes it much easier for anyone to ride long distances, tackle steep inclines, or bike for an extended period. In fact, they are so inclusive that electric motorised bikes provide some of the best exercise that senior citizens can get. Especially in a time when more and more companies and people are beginning to recognize and prioritize inclusivity, electric motorised bikes do an amazing job of leveling the playing field so that anyone can join your cycling group.
2. Innovative in Design
Ordinary bicycles were due for a revolution. For decades, innovation was lacking. Other than companies using new materials, tweaking designs, or testing things like new tires, there was very little innovation. But then electric bikes were invented and completely changed the market. Electric motorised bikes are innovative by design, taking traditional bicycles and adding an electric battery that can send power to the pedals and also allow a digital display to be set up.
The innovation around electric bikes starts with these batteries. One of the challenges that engineers face when designing electric bikes is the weight of the battery. How can the battery be light enough to not impact the ability to pedal the bike effectively while also being strong enough to provide enough power when needed? Fortunately, engineers have solved that problem, so that electric bike owners get the best of both worlds. Ultimately, just like the iPod changed the music industry, electric bikes are changing and improving the cycling industry, and that improvement will be recognized during National Bike Month.
3. Practical in Application
Calling electric bikes practical is an understatement. Electric bikes are some of the most practical purchases a person can buy. That’s simply because they take the existing, proven bicycle design and improved upon it, making it inclusive for any rider. Aside from being inclusive, though, what makes electric bikes practical is their ability to be used in any number of settings and for any number of reasons. Looking for an environmentally-friendly transportation option? Want to try cycling to work but worried that it may be too difficult? Interested in finding a group activity that you can use to build a network and new social circle? Thinking that it is finally time you established an effective exercise routine? Perhaps you just want to get outside more to enjoy nature?
The simple answer to all of these questions is electric bikes.
4. Provide Longevity
The biggest challenge with adopting a new, healthier routine (like cycling to work) is maintaining it for an extended period. Take New Year's resolutions, for example, which are overwhelmingly centered around health and fitness. Most people who set those goals will abandon their new exercise routine by January 19th, less than three weeks into the year. That is part of the battle that National Bike Month is trying to fight, and that is also the reason that the benefits of electric bikes are helping to improve the event.
Whether the new habit you are trying to create, or sustain, throughout National Bike Month is a new cycling to work routine or simply just trying to live a healthier lifestyle, electric bikes can help. Exercise routines, including biking, often fail because people set lofty goals and try to take on too much too quickly. In short, they burn themselves out. But with e-bikes, the electric power helps ensure that no workout is tougher than it needs to be, and even morning or afternoons when you are exhausted, cycling to work or home is still a manageable activity.
If you are planning on celebrating National Bike Month this year, do not overlook the important role that electric bikes play in the industry. Between being inclusive by nature, adding innovation to the cycling industry, offering a practical transportation solution, and providing a long-term routine, the numerous benefits of electric bikes have surely helped to improve National Bike Month. If cycling to work to protect the environment or get more exercise is your thing, then an electric bike is your solution to a lasting, rewarding routine.
