Electrifying change: The promise and peril of e-bikes and scooters
Electrifying change: The promise and peril of e-bikes and scooters
By Mike Ivey, Isthmus
“…Electric-assist bikes or “e-bikes” are bringing major changes to the self-propelled transportation space. It’s arguably the most dramatic design improvement in bicycles since the introduction of chain drives in the 1880s and has persuaded millions of Americans to reduce their reliance on cars. Sales at retailers like Crazy Lenny’s E-Bikes are soaring, both among experienced cyclists and novices.
But e-bikes are not the only new game likely coming to town. E-scooters — which can be located and rented using a phone app — are now even more popular than e-bikes, especially in warm weather places like Austin or Atlanta. While Madison has yet to allow any of the national scooter share companies to launch a fleet here, other Midwestern cities, including Milwaukee and Chicago, have launched pilot projects to judge their viability.
The potential benefits of these new ways to move around town include relieving parking and traffic congestion in dense urban areas, reducing carbon emissions and pollution, and improving health, both physical and mental. But, as with any new technology, come challenges and growing pains…”