Why an Electric Bike is so much better than a conventional bike...

1. It Will Keep You Fit!

Surely a non-electric bike will keep you fitter than one fitted with a motor? Well, that depends on how much you use it. Research has found that 46% of conventional bikes are used only once or twice a week; with a further 30% being used once a fortnight or even less.

By contrast, a recent survey of electric bicycle owners reveals that a third ride their bike at least once a day and 81% use the bike at least once a week.

Because riding an electric bike is so much more enjoyable in hilly country, into strong winds, or when carrying heavy loads, users tend to make better use of them. The motor provides up to half the effort, but more regular use means more exercise for the rider

2. Safety!

Theres no doubt that an electric bike helps to keep you out of danger - the faster your acceleration, the sooner you can get out of trouble. And with no need to rush the hills, you wont be tempted to ride downhill at breakneck speed as you can use the power assist to get up the next slope.

Electric Bikes Direct recommend that you wear an approved cycle helmet, reflective clothing and lights,(a flashing red LED attached to your clothing is well worth having on day and night).

3. Shrink Hills!

A quality electric bike will increase your average cycling speed and eliminate the strain when a gradient looms.

In hilly country, the effect is nothing short of miraculous. Many users seem to notice that hills seem to get steeper as they get older, well here is the perfect solution.

4. Green Machine!

The amount of energy used by the electric bikes is very small compared to a moped, motorcycle or car. In terms of fuel consumption, an electric bike achieves about 800-2,000 mpg. No other commercially available vehicle can match such performance.

5. Less Sweat, More Fun !

In hot weather, its possible to stay cool and dry by transferring a bit more load to the electric motor.

In colder weather - or if you feel in need of exercise - just throttle back, or turn the motor off.

6. Potential High Resale Value!

Electric bikes are new technology, and its early days yet, but the evidence points to a much better resale value than a conventional bike. True, a typical electric bike costs more to buy, at AUD1,000, but it seems you'll get most of that back if you sell the machine on.

7. Street Legal !

Electric bikes are treated just like ordinary bicycles for legislative purposes, so theres absolutely no registration or legislation to worry about. You are of course free to insure the machine if you wish, but theres no need to do anything but enjoy yourself!

8. Beats Congestion!

Beat the Congestion charge! Make the most of those ever improving Bus lanes and cycle paths .

In theory a car will travel at higher speed on average, but in practise speed often falls below 10mph in cities - often much less in an overcrowded city like Sydney. The problem is congestion - motorcycles get around this to some extent, but theyre still confined to the road network and require additional tax, fuel and insurance.

An electric bike can maintain a higher average speed than a bicycle but can take advantage of the same network of cycle facilities, giving access to areas that cars and motorcycles cannot reach. The result is often a faster door-to-door journey time than any other type of vehicle. And by taking advantage of the uncongested cycle network, but eliminating hills and headwinds, electric bikes are often the most consistent mode of travel at local distances.