‘E-pass’ to better health
E-cycles have the double advantage of being good for both physical and environmental wellbeing
People who are wary of using crowded public transport due to the coronavirus threat can be encouraged to turn to e-bikes rather than to personal cars. Riding bikes to work or for daily errands also gets us the necessary physical activity to beat the sedentary lifestyle blues — ADITYA MUNJAL, Director, Hero Cycles
Getting up at 5 a.m. is tough but the fresh air, no traffic and the company of a few family members are great. The bonus is the 500 calories we burn. No wonder cycling has become such a popular COVID-time exercise —SHOBANA KAMINENI, executive vice-chairperson, Apollo Hospitals
That electric vehicles will dominate roads across the world in the next few years is a given. Celebrities like Leonardo DiCaprio, Arnold Schwarzenegger, Salman Khan, Ayushmann Khurrana, Ranbir Kapoor and Shahid Kapoor are fans of electric bikes, and are drawing people’s attention to this ‘green’ means of transport.
STAYING ACTIVE
Why are so many celebrities riding electric bikes? Many claim ebikes help them stay active in ways they wouldn’t be able to with a regular bike.
When it comes to getting around in a city, the conventional cycle has found many fans during the pandemic. Shobana Kamineni, executive vice-chairperson, Apollo Hospitals, sometimes bicycles through the streets. “Happy to live in city where cycling is a pleasure. Seeing our heritage Charminar, Tankbund, Cantonment or nature, Himayatsagar, Gandipet, KBR. Getting up at 5 a.m. is tough but the fresh air, no traffic and the company of a few family members are great. The bonus is the 500 calories we burn. No wonder cycling has become such a popular COVID-time exercise,” she says.
LOW CARBON, HEALTHY TRANSPORT
While the world knows the environmental importance of low-emission transport, it is equally important that the transport modes of the future are designed in such a way as to also address the vital aspects of health and traffic congestion.
E-bikes help get more people into cycling. Conceptually they are a great choice. In fact, this is reflected in Europe, where e-bikes are surpassing regular bicycles for commuting — GOKUL KRISHNA, Co-Founder, The Bike Affair
I have been a cycling enthusiast all my life. Cycling alone is quite a meditative experience for me personally —AYUSHMANN KHURRANA posted on his social media
E-bikes offer low cost, energy efficient, and emission-free transportation which also has physical and health benefits. According to a new study by Brigham Young University, electric bicycle riders get nearly as much exercise as those using pedal bikes.
Electric vehicles bring the benefit of low operating costs along with a low carbon footprint. “E-cycles offer not just an environment friendly alternative to vehicles which run on fossil fuels, they also resolve the pressing urban concern of traffic congestion. As India works towards an e-mobility shift, we must look at e-cycles as an equally important sustainable alternative as four-wheeled e-vehicles,” says Aditya Munjal, Director, Hero Cycles. “This will enable the creation of more sustainable and liveable cities. Encouraging people to adopt e-cycles will also push them towards a healthier lifestyle,” he adds.
HEAVY DUTY
E-bikes are heavier than regular bicycles because of the motor and battery in addition to the regular bicycle parts. The frame also has to be stronger to support the heavy battery.
“E-bikes help get more people into cycling. Conceptually they are a great choice. In fact, this is reflected in Europe, where e-bikes are surpassing regular bicycles for commuting. E-bikes have what are called battery-powered pedal assist technology. Technically, this is a machine integrated within the bike to give your pedalling a boost,” explains Gokul Krishna, Co-Founder, The Bike Affair. This can reduce stress and impact on your knees and thighs.
GREAT EXERCISE
Riding a push bike isn’t just a convenient way to get around town, it’s also great exercise, says Mohammed Abrar, personal trainer. “I believe cycling combines physical exercise with the benefits of being outdoors and exploring nature. It’s not only good cardiovascular exercise but it prevents obesity and helps improve core strength and build strong legs. Overall, it also boosts mental and physical strength,” he explains.
CHARGING AHEAD
The e-bike comes with a 250 watt, IP65 waterproof motor that has a top speed of 25 kmph. Its battery can be charged in 2.5 hours and offers up to 35 km at full charge.
Deloitte predicts that 130 million e-bikes could be sold globally between 2020 and 2023.