What's Driving the E-Bike Boom?

E-bikes have been around for over a hundred years. But the popularity of e-bikes has soared recently. Thanks to a confluence of factors such as concern for the environment, social distancing requirements from the recent pandemic, and demand for a cheaper and easier way to get around, e-bikes have exploded onto the scene. This explosion of demand has tested the e-bike market’s ability to deliver bikes at a pace to keep up with exciting riders.

Once thought of as too expensive or too specific, the best electric bikes have improved greatly over the last few years due to advancements in manufacturing and technology. These changes have made it easier to produce e-bikes that people want at a price they can afford. Today, we look at six key factors to tell the complete story of the bike's rise to dominance in micromobility options for today’s consumers. 

E-bikes are Good for Sustainability

Care for the environment is chief among concerns for all age brackets, but especially Millennials and Gen Z. As these groups enter their prime earnings years, they tend to vote for their values with their money. By purchasing products and services from companies that are good for the environment, they can ensure a healthy planet Earth is around for many generations to come.

Thanks to long-lasting and high-efficiency lithium-ion batteries, like the ones found in Himiway’s latest lineup of new e-bike models, carbon emissions are drastically reduced, even after accounting for the energy required to generate the electricity used to charge the battery. The energy required is orders of magnitude less than traditional transportation. Most trips in a car are made only to nearby locations, often less than seven miles away. This doesn’t give the engine much time to warm up, and thus it uses more energy. By switching short nearby trips to an e-bike, you can save the planet from much harmful waste. 

Not only do e-bikes contribute to lower levels of emissions, but they also contribute to less noise pollution than a car, moped, or motorcycle. More bikes mean less traffic congestion, which we will cover next. 

E-bikes are Good for Traffic

Especially when one considers that most car trips are made with only the driver, the size, and power of the entire car are often unnecessary. Drivers take heavy tolls on roadways and bridges, and the wasted time spent sitting in traffic is reason enough that people are switching to the convenient e-bike. Running errands feels great when you are zooming past cars stuck in a long line while you have an open bike lane in which to cruise. As cities become more crowded post-pandemic, traffic is only increasing, and cities aren’t able to easily expand the roads. Check out our latest e-bike guide for commuting to learn more about how you can avoid traffic for good with a fat tire e-bike. 

E-bikes are Good for Exercise

Not only are e-bikes good for the planet and for beating traffic, but they are good for exercise and weight loss, too! Related reading can be found here: 5 Ways to Use your E-Bike for Weight Loss.

With new and improved pedal-assist technology built into most e-bikes, it’s never been easier to customize the level of exercise you get with your bike. Use a high level of pedal assist to get where you are going fast and without much effort. But use a low level of pedal assist when you want to add a bit of a workout to your ride. 

In addition to providing a better workout, using a lower level of pedal assist will increase the range of your e-bike battery per charge. With new Himiway bikes getting upwards of 60-80 miles per charge, you won’t need to worry about your e-bike running out of energy before you do. 

E-bikes are Good for Budgets

With gasoline still stuck at stubbornly record high prices, cost-conscious consumers of all ages are turning towards electric options for getting around town. The e-bike represents the most comfortable and versatile option while remaining at a reasonable price. The e-bike market is growing at about 10% per year for good reason – it’s affordable!

Saving money has never felt so good. Commuting in the fresh air, for pennies on the dollar of a traditional car, all while getting exercise is truly a great feeling. Even if you can only commute a few times a week or only during the summer months, it is guaranteed you will save money overall. The money you save on gas may even make up for the entire purchase price of the electric bicycle itself. You may even find yourself earning extra money with an e-bike. 

E-bikes are Good for All Ages

Riders as young as teenagers to seniors can enjoy the delights of e-biking. As such an inclusive option to get around, it’s no wonder e-bikes continue to swell in popularity. As more cycling groups form and word of mouth spreads, this wave is only going to continue to grow. Electric bikes are great for college campuses, commuting to work, and riding around the neighborhood.

And for those with limited flexibility or the inability to lift their legs very high, attractive step-thru options like the Himiway Zebra or Himiway Cruiser have hit the market. Younger crowds love the 750W of pure power from the rear geared hub motor, while older, more experienced riders like the comfortable seat and fat tires to absorb all the impacts of the road. E-bikes are also great for seniors to stay socially active and have fun. 

E-bikes are Good for Social Distancing

With many concerned citizens around the globe warier than ever about the risk of airborne illnesses, it comes as no surprise that the recent uptick in e-bike popularity also stems from the excellent social distancing inherent in their application. Buses and trains are crowded and filled with germs and disease. The fresh air of the bike lane beckons anyone who has had to rely on public transit to travel. There are many advantages of the e-bike during Covid-19. 

The electric bike market is booming for a whole host of reasons. Whether it is people of all ages looking for an eco-friendly transportation option, looking to get some more exercise, or looking to save a few dollars each day on their commute, more riders than ever are turning to electric bikes for sale. Himiway Long-range e-bikes like the Cruiser are ready for the market’s challenges.