Watch any busy roadway or intersection for a few moments.
It becomes obvious that most cars contain a single occupant. While it’s true that they could be carrying several more passengers, and those shiny new vanity trucks could be carrying some sort of payload in the back, the reality is - they don’t. We’ve somehow lost our way.
Most of us do most of our travelling alone - with a ton or two of
polluting metal strapped to our you-know-what.
For contrast, let’s consider the advantages and the limitations of travelling by PEV - or Personal Electric Vehicle. Instead of having an internal-combustion engine burning petroleum fuel, PEV’s have an electric motor powered by a battery pack.
PEV’s divide neatly into two groups - electric scooters - and - electrified bicycles that have an assist motor attached or built in.
The scooter is comfortable transportation - with wide tires, a comfy seat, and two shock absorbers on each wheel. The e-bicycle is lighter, offers several gear options, an electric assist motor, and a moderate amount of exercise. Both are designed to carry one person and some luggage.
How fast does it go?
How far will it go before needing a recharge?
How long does it take to recharge?
There are always three factors that will influence your experience. In addition to the distance travelled, you'll need to consider the combined weight of the e-bike and the rider, the number of hills on your route and your average speed.
A lightweight person riding on a mostly level route will be able to go much further than a heavier person that faces a long or steep hill on their trip. So the answers to these questions depend on your address, your body weight, and your destination. Range under power can vary from 25 to 80 km depending on your battery type and your choice of e-vehicle.
We can often increase your range by installing an extra battery in your e-bike.
Maintaining proper tire pressure is very important, because the resistance of underinflated tires requires extra energy from the motor and batteries.
Metaphorically speaking, your battery acts somewhat like a bank account.
The more and the faster you spend - (energy) - the sooner it will run out.
Recharge time will vary by battery type and the amount of charge required to top up your batteries - generally between two and six hours. The “smart” charger supplied with each e-bike automatically regulates the charging process for optimum battery life. Recharging after a trip from Ganges to Fulford and back will cost about 8c.
There is an element of craft to riding a PEV.
The first and most obvious skills are about balance, braking, traction, and avoiding collision. But there’s more. Unlike a petroleum powered vehicle, which will respond to simply “pushing it harder”, the e-bike will reward awareness and finesse. An experienced rider will get far more range from their e-bike than a beginner.
A PEV rider needs to be realistic about any physical limitations they may have.
You should be physically capable of handling your vehicle responsibly and with
confidence in all circumstances. Common sense and courtesy toward others will help to keep us welcome on the road.
While car drivers frantically search for scarce parking spaces,
the e-bike rider will cruise smugly through the chaos - and easily find a spot.
When it’s pouring rain, the PEV is somewhat less appealing - you may want to wear a poncho. Sunburn can be a concern; so can getting a chill on a cool day. You are your own heater; there’s no windshield, nor a roof.
It’s relaxing and enjoyable.
You just can’t be in a hurry if you’re riding an e-bike ‘cause they won’t go very fast. About 32 kph is the average, which gives the rider time to notice their surroundings. There is a certain calm joy to moving along quietly, wind in the face and all senses engaged, that is unavailable to someone riding inside a metal-and-glass container.
For most of us, a PEV won’t replace a car.
Still, it does offer a viable and enjoyable alternative for someone who would like to reduce their dependence on petro-travel. Zipping into town to pick up a video and a few groceries is utterly guilt-free. And so is a quiet Sunday-morning joy ride.
As we assume our personal share of responsibility for climate change and ecological breakdown, we will naturally seek less damaging ways to travel and to live our lives.
Electric vehicles have an exciting future as growing consumer demand, evolving battery technology and rising fuel prices make them an attractive alternative to our harmful petro-powered habits.
The idea is - to use your electric vehicle whenever you can -
and to use your petroleum-powered vehicle as wisely as possible.
Thank You |
