By Ryan Freed
Alexandria, VA – What if your next trip to the grocery store, coffee shop, or school pickup didn’t include sitting in traffic or circling the block for a parking space? For more Alexandria residents, an electric bike, or e-bike, is making that possible.
Transportation accounts for about one-third of our greenhouse gas emissions, so swapping car trips for e-bike rides is a simple way to help fight climate change and improve the air we breathe. About 60% of trips in Alexandria are less than three miles, so many of your everyday destinations are already within easy e-biking distance.
E-bikes make biking easier for everyone. E-bikes come in three types: Class 1 (pedal assist up to 20 mph), Class 2 (up to 20 mph with a throttle), and Class 3 (pedal assist only up to 28 mph). Many e-bikes also have a low clearance, so it’s easy on your joints to get on and off. Prefer a workout? Turn down the pedal assist. Facing a particularly steep hill or have a bike full of groceries? Nobody’s judging you for using the throttle!
For families, a cargo e-bike can be a practical second-car replacement, with room for groceries, child seats, or even an enclosed passenger compartment for your kids. Skip the car line for school drop-off and enjoy some fresh air together. E-bikes can also be your primary mode of transportation, offering a convenient way to commute, run errands, and get to appointments without worrying about traffic or circling the block for parking.
Ready to give one a try? Alexandria has several options. Local Eco-City Businesses (https://www.alexandriava.gov/EcoCityBusiness), including Handy Bikes, Pedego, Strictly E-Bikes, Trek, and Velocity Bicycle Cooperative can help you find the right bike.
Not ready to buy, don’t want to maintain your own e-bike, or short on storage space? Hop on a Capital Bikeshare or Lime e-bike to get around town. Eligible residents can also save with income-qualified programs such as Capital Bikeshare for All (https://capitalbikeshare.com/) and Lime Access (https://www.li.me/).
A few safety basics: wear a helmet, obey traffic signs and signals, and ride predictably. E-bikes are not allowed on the sidewalk in Alexandria, but can be ridden on roads, bike lanes, and certain trails. Charge batteries only with manufacturer-approved equipment and choose UL-certified battery and charging equipment.
This month, give your car a day off and take an e-bike for a spin! Discover a new favorite route, and see where two wheels and a little pedal assist can take you. Your lungs and the planet will thank you.
