When Denverlaunched a program to subsidize e-bikes last year, it was overwhelmed in ten minutes.
It upped the number to over 4,700 vouchers.
“When it comes to allocating subsidies, e-bikes have a clear advantage over electric cars.
Riding a Tower electric bike on a boardwalk.Tower Electric Bikes / Unsplash
It’s an easy sell.
But that doesn’t deal withthe other problems of even electric vehicles.
All that wasted space for multi-lane roads and parking space, for example.
Picnicking in the grass near an electric bike.KBO Bike / Unsplash
“[E]-bikes help alleviate many urban mobility issues that can be attributed to cars.
To encourage a switch, cities could make e-bikes the default.
Cost-wise, bikes and e-bikes are cheaper for users and for the city.
“E-bikes are generally more affordable than electric cars both in terms of purchase price and ongoing maintenance.
Particularly with many consumers feeling the strain of the rising cost of living, this is a significant advantage.
Denver’se-bike program has been a success.
And this is just the start.
KBO Bike / Unsplash
Eventually, the best option becomes the bike.
And by then, no subsidies will be needed.
