Sheer convenience of e-bikes

Ashok and his family on their eBikes

‘Sheer convenience’: Ashok and Amy’s first travel choice is always an e-bike.

E-bikes are an integral part of life for Ashok, Amy and their young family. A cargo e-bike and a mid-sized e-bike, which is easier to park in tight spaces, are the main way they get around.

As Ashok says ‘If it’s raining and the kids are grumpy the family will revert to car use, but it is definitely not the first choice.’

The cargo bike is what Ashok calls the ‘pick-up truck of cargo bikes.’ It is versatile and strong; able to carry a child and portable soccer goals to training, or a full picnic load of chairs, blankets and a stack of pizzas for a school movie night. The additional e-bike, mostly ridden by Amy, allows the four to travel together. In addition, Amy can drop their son at daycare and commute on to work.

Amy and Ashok are long-time bike riders; it’s a lifestyle choice they actively made, and they see many benefits.

There is the joy:

‘We get fresh air and exercise together. Traveling this way allows us to connect with the kids outside; we can stop and see a Tawny frogmouth on the creek trail if we spot one.'

Saving petrol and public transport money is a definite bonus, as is not having to worry about finding a parking spot.

And there are environmental and health motivations. ‘As renters we don’t get a lot of choice in switching to lower carbon sources of energy at home, so choosing a greener form of transport is where you can make that change. It also suits our preference for being more active: so it’s a win-win.’

E-bikes are also extremely cost effective and easy to charge at home via a wall charger. Ashok has calculated that a full charge of a battery costs about 12 cents and provides around 50kms of riding. At current rates of use he expects to get more than 10 years use from each battery, which will then be safely recycled.

Ashok and Amy’s tips for successful family e-bike riding:

  • Invest in good locks and security where bikes are stored at home
  • Check out secure bike parking
  • Thoroughly explore the bike paths in your neighbourhood
  • Find a great mechanic who can also lend a bike when yours is being fixed
  • Join an online e-cargo bike forum such as Melbourne Cargo Bikes
  • Rent a demo model for test rides before you purchase
  • Be seen and heard for safety– have a loud bell and bright lights!
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