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Could Electric Bikes Be Perfect for Big-City Commuters

Big city traffic can be such a hassle that it deters many commuters from owning cars. Between traffic jams, accidents, and constantly struggling to find parking, there are a lot of reasons why driving a car to work can be more an inconvenience than not. But, that doesn’t necessarily mean commuters should have to make …

Big city traffic can be such a hassle that it deters many commuters from owning cars. Between traffic jams, accidents, and constantly struggling to find parking, there are a lot of reasons why driving a car to work can be more an inconvenience than not. But, that doesn’t necessarily mean commuters should have to make their daily trek on foot. The happy in between? An electric bicycle.

A little bit of a boost

Unlike your standard bicycle, the electric motor on some electric gives you just the boost you need to actually enjoy riding a bike every day. Depending on brand and model, these engines can typically help you get through riding conditions that aren’t ideal, such as riding up a hill. While you may still be stuck on public transportation during inclement weather, riding an electric bicycle gives you quite a bit more freedom — and personal space.

an electric bike sits on a park pathway
PSNI launch pilot ebike initiative | Liam McBurney/PA Images, Getty Images

Limited practicality

Of course, there are a lot of things riders are limited by choosing an electric bike over a traditional car. Cargo capacity is limited to a backpack, or sometimes even a basket, which, compared to what you can carry on public transportation like a subway, is still a pretty decent deal. Electric bikes are also a bit of a let-down when it comes to rainy or snowy weather as there isn’t much you can do to resolve your exposure, but it is still a great option for a

A police officer holding a new electric bike in a park
Strandtown Neighbour Policing Team Officer Clare Douglas in Victoria Park in Belfast with a new electric bicycle | Liam McBurney/PA Images, Getty Images

Convenience to balance out the bad

While weather can be a bit tricky, and balance grocery bags on the handlebars probably isn’t on your list of things to do, many electric bikes are affordable enough to have one handy to use when you can. For commuters, not having to deal with stressful traffic, especially in large cities, as well as finding — and paying — for expensive parking every day sounds like a good enough reason to consider switching to an electric bike.

An electric bike parked on the sidewalk
An electric bike is seen near Gae Aulenti square | Mairo Cinquetti/NurPhoto, Getty Images

There are still a lot of things to take into consideration when deciding to use an electric bike as your commuter vehicle, but even if you have to have a car as back up, or use public transportation on occasion, an electric bike can relieve stress from your daily ride.

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