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Monday, October 28, 2019
E-bikes are revolutionising European cities. Why is the UK not following their example?
In the wake of growing climate awareness, electric bikes are speeding into the mainstream. So why is England falling so far behind in the race to go Lime green, asks Sonia Klug
resulting emissions, air pollution, road deaths and noise just seems the natural order of things. But, if you look to Europe, many cities have managed to loosen the tight grip cars have on them. In Amsterdam, half of all journeys are done by bike (as opposed to 2.5 per cent in London), and in Copenhagen, 41 per cent of people cycle to work or school.
In cities like these, e-bikes have become mainstream and play an essential part in broadening access to cycling, with all demographics embracing them for everyday mobility – from grocery shopping to commuting. They’re quick and convenient, relatively cheap and have been shown to improve physical and even mental health. There is also a vast body of research that shows that cycling (e-assisted or not) can solve some of our most pressing problems. Greater uptake would help to reduce CO2 emissions to slow global heating, lessen air pollution, stop cities from grinding to a halt and lessen health issues caused by inactivity, which are crippling the NHS.
Yet in the UK only an estimated 60,000 e-bikes sold in 2018, compared to the 1 million in the Netherlands, where they now outsell standard bikes. In Germany, 920,000 were sold in the first six months of 2019 alone. Here, a third of households either own one, or plan to buy one in the next 12 months. So why is the UK lagging so far behind other European countries when it comes to making the most of this technology?
A bit like internet dating, e-bikes emerged in the Nineties and have gone from being embarrassing to completely normal in countries with a big uptake. Long gone are bulky engines that look like biscuit tins stuck to the back wheel. Smaller batteries and motors are now often integrated into the bicycle frame, resulting in lighter and slicker-looking e-bikes. While they still tend to be heavier, the lightest weigh only 11kg and don’t even look like e-bikes.
From stylish designer versions to folding and mountain e-bikes, manufacturers have brought out a wide range of products that cater to all demographics. E-cargo bikes are also increasingly used to get around with children as well as for deliveries by local businesses.
E-bike legislation was brought in in the UK in line with EU law in 2015, allowing anybody over 14 to use an electrically assisted pedal cycle, as long as it has a maximum power of 250W and the electrical assistance cuts out at speeds over 15mph. Some bikes also come with starting assistance, but once the bike is going, the e-assistance only kicks in when you are pedalling. Most bikes allow you to choose how much support you would like. There are also so-called speed pedelecs, which can assist you up to speeds of 30mph, but these require a driving license, motorbike helmet and can’t go on cycle paths.
WHAT DO YOU THINK? - We have all sinned and deserve God's judgment. God, the Father, sent His only Son to satisfy that judgment for those who believe in Him. Jesus, the creator and eternal Son of God, who lived a sinless life, loves us so much that He died for our sins, taking the punishment that we deserve, was buried, and rose from the dead according to the Bible. If you truly believe and trust this in your heart, receiving Jesus alone as your Savior, declaring, "Jesus is Lord," you will be saved from judgement, and spend eternity with God in heaven.
What is your response? Yes, today, I'm deciding to follow Jesus
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