In China, where streets formerly packed with bicycles are increasingly clogged with cars, a new two-wheeled vehicle is quickly gaining momentum as an alternative means of transportation. Rechargeable electric bikes, or e-bikes, are growing in popularity as Chinese commuters begin to acknowledge the negative aspects of owning a car, such as gas prices, parking fees, noxious fumes and the notorious traffic jams.
Besides the lower costs for parking, and the convenience of quickly whipping through intersections, e-bikes typically cost much less to maintain than cars. Batteries charge overnight and last about a year before needing replacement.
E-bikes range from about $219-366. About 20 million will be sold in China in 2009.
Via: Washington Post
Photo: Nelson Ching/Bloomberg News