Green Transportation - Electric 2 Wheelers
Bicycles are one of the best forms of green transportation. But they do not qualify as a good mode for long distance travel. It is almost impossible for a rider to paddle for large numbers of kilometers every day and still manage to participate in regular day to day activities. In regard to this problem, manufacturers have invented electric bicycles. This invention has also been approved by the Consumer Product Safety Commission with some specifications that always have to be adhered to.
a) The bicycles should work with a maximum speed limit of 20 mph.
b) They should have fully functional pedals.
c) Propulsive power should not be greater than 1 HP.
This comes at a time when there is a desperate need to find modes of green transportation amidst increasing global warming and fast depreciating fossil fuel resources. They have been able to get the attention of everyday commuters and are fast becoming the new way to get around.
Folding bicycles area available in the market in varying size and come with a variety of features. They get their names from the fact that they can be folded and hence come especially useful for those who live in space crunched areas. By facilitating the owner with electric assistance and portability, this type of green transport comes as a huge advantage. The design and construction is such that the bicycle remains 100% stable while being ridden and does not fold mid-way (a concern that many new to the concept have).
Green bicycles make use of three important things in order to work. First, a battery, second, an electric motor, and third controls of some form to help maneuver. A combination of Lead - Acid is used for the battery (example: NiCd). They are rechargeable in nature and can be charged by connecting them to a power socket. The electric motor serves the purpose of propelling the bicycle forward.
Interestingly, the total performance of the system is better than expected. Total costs of charging the battery is as low as $5 a year. This effectively means that a very small amount of electricity is consumed while charging them. Further, it does not take long for the battery to get charged. On an average, it takes approximately 4 hours for one cycle to complete.
Another addition to the fleet of 2 wheelers is the electric scooters and electric bikes. These differ from the bicycle in terms that they have a pedestal seat and are often equipped with larger rubber tires. Like normal scooters, they have the hand brake mechanism and are very silent. They come in two different types, motorized kick scooters and non-motorized scooters. (Motorized scooters are comparatively larger in size).
Batteries of these two wheelers are more powerful than those used in the electric bicycles. A cycle of charge usually takes $25 but provides for a total travel of 5,000 miles. Per mile cost comes down to a level which can never be competed against by the conventional cars. With time, as their popularity increases and they enter mass production, the cost of batteries would further decrease.