Alternative Transportation
I have been wrong, more than a bit unfair and judgmental. I’m sorry. For years now folks have been asking me for bikes like the above, but even more powerful and totally illegal. I have assumed they were all Court Appointed Cyclists, or folks just wanting a cheap motorcycle. I’ll always stand against such foolishness, but my assumptions have been incorrect.
I am finding that folks who would normally use a car are riding e-bikes for work, visiting friends, out for an evening or just an entertaining jaunt. Don’t get me wrong. They are mistaken to think any bicycle is a cheap alternative to a motorcycle or scooter. They cannot be made safe or reliable above 20mph, but many would like even more practical transportation (sorry, one person velomobiles, with limited storage and a huge price tag, aren’t a viable option).
Most would prefer an all weather EV. We need an alternative to driving huge, expensive cars and trucks. They are a pain in traffic. Try to find a place to park for any fair or festival. They’re bad for the environment as well. These last are ideal examples of where e-bikes really shine (talk to me).
Bikes can go on the local Multi-Use Paths, where they are safer. Unfortunately, MUP’s don’t go everywhere we need. The three wheeler above can and it is enclosed for the weather. It is small, easy to handle and park. It even has a large trunk. Most importantly, with a generous dealer margine, they sell for under $16,000!
Why aren’t these available? They’ve been teased for fifteen years! Quick, good handling and now with both rollover and side impact protection.
I don’t need a highway cruiser. When I go out of town I take a train or rent. At .75/mile, driving my wife’s economy car is just too expensive! The model above will do 80 quickly and easily, but 45 would do many just fine. Might that drive down the cost and extend the range? Give me a lisc. plate restricting me from limited access highways and interstates. When I go to Clinton, Iowa City, Muscatine or Geneseo, I’ll take county roads.
Why should only rich folks be able to afford a practical EV? I’ve said before, there is a large and growing segment of our population that never again will be able to afford a safe or reliable automobile. We need alternatives. Mass transit isn’t filling the gap and much as I’d prefer, at this point, it is a lot more expensive to build out. My customer base is proof there is a market. What if you did not have to drive your big expensive truck when it wasn’t needed? What if there were a fun and affordable alternative? Would you consider an urban commuter EV?