Why Britons should invest in e-bikes
Recent research by the University of Leeds has found that electronically-assisted bikes (known as e-bikes) could cut transport emissions and get the UK public back to work.
E-bikes have the capability to slash carbon dioxide (C02) emissions from transport and offer a safe, sustainable and alternative route back to work.
The research indicated that if e-bikes were used in place of cars, C02 emissions could be slashed by 50 per cent in England - this equates to around 30 million tonnes per year.
Replacing just 20 percent of car miles travelled with e-bike travel would result in 4-8 fewer tonnes of carbon emitted each year.
Riding an electric bike has other positive impacts on the environment besides lowered carbon emissions. For example, e-bikes are lighter and generally cause less damage to roads than other, heavier forms of transportation.
Funds from the government currently put towards repairing worn-down roads could instead be used to invest further in eco-friendly transportation such as e-bikes. A greater investment focus on buses and tram links would also prove useful as these are more sustainable modes of transportation than cars.
Electric bikes also give you the freedom and benefits of cycling, just with a little extra assistance. Positives of riding an e-bike include less sweat, more miles and all the health benefits of life on two wheels, making this mode of transportation suitable for getting to work, for instance.
In England, Scotland and Wales, you can ride an electric bike if you are 14 years or over, as long as it meets certain requirements. You do not need a license to ride one and it does not need to be taxed or insured.
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