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February 13, 2006
Electric Bikes Take Hold in China
 image from IEEE Spectrum |
Jerry passes along this article from IEEE Spectrum, apparently indicating that despite government attempts to ban them, electric bikes are thriving in China.
My favorite quote from the story describes the U.S. as being in a "bubble" of highways and long-distance travel:
That bubble has been unkind to electric-bike promoters like Benjamin. The big roads and vast distances that many Americans navigate are a hindrance—so much so that they have altered the way people perceive the bicycle. Electric-bike consultant Jamerson says that to most U.S. drivers, a bicyclist on the road is just a nuisance. And to most bicyclists and bike dealers, the bike is an exercise machine or a toy. Why would they want one with an electric motor?
Here's to reversing the nuisance perception here in Portland as we cycle our way to Platinum. Could electric bikes help us get there?
Posted by Jerry Schneider at 12:13 AM
Comments
February 13, 2006 12:54 AM
Justin Says:
Looks like they offer dual-mode operation.. basically, electric mopeds. El-peds? hmm...
I'd ride one - one reason I bought a scooter is that I need to go distances that are too far for a non-sweaty bike ride, and I hate taking the bus. This would work pretty well, too... and they are cheap! =)
February 13, 2006 1:23 AM
Justin Says:
There are some good points raised in the article, however - take a look at some of the electric 'bikes' being sold:
http://www.spectrum.ieee.org/jun05/1213/basic
Those look more like scooters to me... particularly the one in the background.
This also brings up the problem a lot of chinese companies have - they flout the regulatory laws and sell their products anyways; lots of chinese made scooters (gas powered) show up on craigslist here in Portland, but you can't legally drive them on the road, nor register them with the DMV.
Woops!
February 13, 2006 3:52 PM
Chris Smith Says:
Assuming it's electric, not fossil fuel, does 'bike vs. scooter' matter?
February 14, 2006 9:00 PM
Justin Says:
Nope, its really just legalese to see what kind of regulations they need to slap onto them... pretty much anything thats motorized and can go over 20 mph requires a motorcycle license, I believe.
People tend to buy scooters and the like more based on pure preference than on a particular class of vehicle they want.. and there seems to be a pretty blurry line between these electric bikes & scooters. I'll bet tons of people would be interested in them, particularly in Portland - although perhaps sans the Vespa 'hip' crowd.
November 23, 2006 12:03 AM
Jon Y. Says:
The difference between scooters and bikes is that bikes can more places than scooters (bike trails and parks) with the thinking being that you can turn them off and peddle (if caught under power). Bikes with larger wheels go faster for the same power than scooters with smaller ones (usually 9-12"). However, for the really steep hills in portland, the smaller wheels provide more torque for the same power. Big wheels = fast, but low torque, small wheels = slower but will climb a tree.
The E-bikes and scooters are alive and well in Portland. However, I don't understand how after 2 years in business here in Portland, this site is the first site listed for the search "electric bikes portland". Well, we are here. We are near. And we have high performace products for every occation and terrain.
Come by and visit and see what more there is in electric transportation alternatives: scootonthis.com
Jon
