E Bikes have become very popular over the last couple of years, attracting all kinds of age groups. They are more than a mode of transportation, breathing new life in older generations, as well as creating a frenzy with the younger kids who want the latest in bike technology.
E bikes are enjoyable to ride around a city for work purposes or on a quiet suburban road, as well as a rail trail. E Bikes can be purchased online, but it’s best to buy one through a licensed dealer. The price ranges from “$2,000” to :”$7,500”, with the average purchase being $5,000. “It lowered the entry barrier for riding. Older people who have had injuries are now E Biking”.
In speaking with Nick, a sales associate at Goodales, he stated “where demand comes the need for supply and Goodales has been perfecting the availability and sales of E Bikes. “It [the costs] lowered the entry barrier for riding. On an annual basis, they sell approximately $2500 for E Bikes.”
Looking around the streets of Hollis, it’s clear E Bikes have engulfed the town by storm, which has created additional work with the police department.
Officer John Tate added that the kids riding in an unsafe manner has caused issues around town, primarily in the 4 corners and Monument Square areas.
There are set rules and restrictions for bikes and a minimum age of 16 for operating them.
Operators of Class 1 and Class 2 e-bikes can ride on most bike and multi-use paths unless prohibited, while Class 3 e-bikes are restricted to roads or paths that specifically allow them.
There are some bikes which go over 20 MPH and these are not considered E Bikes. These bikes are labeled OHRV or Off Highway Recreational Vehicles, which have more stricter rules than an E Bike. These types of vehicles are viewed as a motorcycle, which does require the rider to possess a valid driver’s license to operate.
When asked if he feels E Bikes present a problem for the Hollis streets, Paul LaPierre commented “I don’t think they caused a problem until so many kids started having them. “I think as long as the town restricts how powerful the E Bike can be, this will be fine for everyone.”
Paul LaPierre is not only a long time Hollis resident, but an owner of an E Bike, as well as having a child (Paul Jr) who owns one, too. LaPierre feels E Bikes are not only fun, but allow people to cover a lot of ground with very little effort.
He purchased “fat tire” E Bikes, as he wanted to use in the trails, in addition to on the road. Having a multi-versatile E Bike helps maximize your time with the bike and enhances the enjoyment factor.
Paul Jr. wanted an E Bike after seeing his dad purchase his first one, as he realized how cool it was to have a bike that was faster than a traditional pedal bike.
E Bikes are priced at a level that people feel they are affordable and the utility/enjoyability factor easily justifies the cost. Paul Lapierre paid $1,200 for his first E Bike and the second one for $1450, which is a very reasonable cost based on what Nick from Goodales mentioned were the average price range.
Ebikes are the next generation of bikes with a lot of good things with them, but still present a lot of issues on the roads and side walks.
The popularity of E Bikes is anticipated to remain strong for many years to come, but will require towns and cities to play a role in ensuring they are safe for use on public streets.
With Technology comes growing pains and once more local government interaction is evident, there will be the Proper balance for all to not only enjoy riding, but other drivers on the road to feel
Equally safe.
