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Electric Bicycles

Did You Know


1)     Electric bicycles are currently legal for use throughtout virtually the entire  world including the United States
        and Canada.

2)     In 2002 global sales of e-bikes will be approximately 2.2 million units, with sales of approximately 100,000
        units in the United States. Canadian sales are estimated at 2000, because they are just now being introduced.

3)     Electric bicycles are ideal vehicles for commuting. In general they provide power assist to the rider enabling all
        individuals, regardless of physical condition or age, to commute to and from work or to conduct errands. The
        fact is that e-bikes enable people who currently don't use a bicycle for commuting to replace car travel with
        bike travel.

4)     Most e-bikes have a range of approximately 20 km per charge and can easily be recharged by simply plugging
        the battery into a standard 110 V outlet.

5)     A full recharge will consume approximately 3 cents of electricity, which is about as much electricity as an
        electric clothes dryer consumes in 5 minutes.

6)     Electric bicycles are an important piece of the solution to Canada's sustainability. E-bikes are zero emission,
        affordable and sffective in providing many benefits to Canada and Canadians including:

        *   Reduced greenhouse gas emissions
        *   Reduced road congestion
        *   Improved urban air quality
        *   Improved average health of Canadians
        *   Lower noise levels
        *   Reduced parking demands

7)    Why do people choose to ride an electric bike?  Because they

       *   Enjoy the feeling of riding a bicycle - except for hills, starts and headwinds
       *   Prefer their local errands to be easy, slow paced and scenic.
       *   Like to save money, meet new people and protect the enviroment.
       *   Like to cut back on their car or truck's gas bill and save mileage.
       *   Look for extra changes to exercise - even if it's just a little
       *   Still need convenient, point to point transportation after losing their driving privleges.
       *   Want their own traffic "lane" convenient parking spots and shortcuts.
       *   Considered a gas powered moped or small motorcycle, but dislike the noise, smell, starting problems and
            special laws.
       *   Deserve more fun and freedom in their lives.