Electric Bikes

17th June 2009

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The silent revolution

China has gone through a full cycle when it comes to transport. 30 years ago their cities and villages swarmed with bicycles before the relentless economic transformation saw the adaptation of the automobile. The cities became choked with fumes which resulted in an unsustainable situation where the health implications are very serious. China is familiar with revolution and the latest one is welcomed with the rising of the electric bike. The truly clean vehicle seems to be a real and practical solution that requires no gas, so quiet and sustains a healthy population. Today in China electric bike are leaving the automobile behind when it comes to sales, with over 21 million electric bikes sold in 2008 compared to 9 million automobiles. The latest estimates would suggest that there are close to 100 million electric bikes as compared to 25 million automobiles. You have to admire the foresight in China when it came to this technology, as far back as 1991 the government made official policy in developing electric bikes. It’s not just the technology however as they have invested hugely in cycle lanes and are increasing the license fees on gas powered vehicles in cities such as Shanghai.

We must watch, learn and act……….