The capital of Texas has a thriving local economy, several universities and a legendary live music scene. Here are five reasons why electric bikes are the best mode of transportation for experiencing everything Austin has to offer.
1. Austin Is the Gateway To Texas Hill Country
Austin is located in central southern Texas on the southeastern Edwards Plateau in the midst of a region referred to as Hill Country. The center of the city is built on a hill that rises north from the banks of Lady Bird Lake to the Texas State Capitol and the flagship state University of Texas at Austin. An electric bike makes riding uphill a breeze, even in the heat. Choose the right bike for your lifestyle, such as a city, commuter, cruiser or hybrid bike. Select any size up to the best ebike for tall riders.
2. The Austin Trails Pilot Program
City government recently undertook a pilot program to assess the impact of electric-assisted bikes and electric scooters on selected portions of the city’s extensive Hike and Bike trails. Although the Austin Code of Ordinances broadly prohibits the operation of a “motor driven device in a public recreation area,” local laws may change as a result of this program.
3. Electric Bikes Flow Around Traffic
The population of Austin has more than doubled in the last 30 years. The infrastructure of the city has been slower to adjust to this rapid population growth. Increasing population density in and around the city has led to considerable congestion, especially on roads leading in and out of downtown. Electric bikes are useful for commuters who need to travel downtown or around the university.
4. A Powered Bike Makes Transportation Easier
Austin has a public transit system that includes Capital Metro buses and the Capital MetroRail commuter rail systems. Try combining these systems with an electric bike with a battery-powered motor that has sufficient range to make the final leg of trips to and from daily destinations such as school or work. Consider options for traveling with or safely securing the bike you rely on for your commute.
5. Ride to Any Activity
Austin is a very bike-friendly city. Most major streets have bike lanes and there are many less crowded side streets you can take to navigate through most neighborhoods. Whether you need a convenient way to ride to a concert venue or go for a dip at Barton Springs, an electric bike makes it easier and more affordable to get around central Austin. Select a model with a motor that provides a suitable speed and range with pedal assist and the option for full electric power to help you get where you’re going in ease and style.
Austin has a reputation as a city that loves live music where residents can live life to the fullest. Experience riding an ebike between the University and Downtown areas, out to the East Side or across the bridges that span Lady Bird Lake to South Austin. Make a daily commute or cruise in comfort on an electric bike.
Ford has launched e-bikes at this year’s Mobile World Congress (MWC), as part of its plans to extend its footprint beyond cars.
Increasingly car manufacturers are looking to new ways to make money with many developing so-called smart transportation systems.
Ford’s electric bicycles come in two versions – one for use by commuters, MoDe:Me, and one as a commercial bike for couriers, MoDe:Pro.
Both are linked to a smartphone app that provides step-by-step navigation.
The experiment with e-bikes is part of Ford’s smart mobility plan – it is keen to study how such bicycles integrate with cars and public transport.
“There are so many ways to get around a city, but what is really needed is a way to connect all of these transport options together,” said Ken Washington, vice president of Ford Research and Advanced Engineering.
“Being able to seamlessly move between cars, buses, trains and e-bikes and react to changing traffic situations can make a big difference both for commuters and for those delivering goods, services and healthcare.”
Traffic problems and overly long commutes have been proved to have a significant economic and social impact on cities. According to the European Commission, congestion within the EU costs about 100 billion euros each year.
Both Ford’s e-bikes are equipped with a 200-watt motor with a 9-amp-hour battery that provides electric pedal assistance for speeds of up to 15mph. Both can also be folded.
Rear-facing sensors offer riders an alert system that warns the cyclist when a vehicle is overtaking by vibrating both handlebars. Sensors also alert motorists to the presence of the e-bike by lighting up the handlebars.
An app – currently only available on the iPhone 6 – provides step-by-step navigation – it plans an entire route for commuters, from driving to a train station to taking a train and completing a journey via an e-bike. It also offers information about the routes – so if a train service in cancelled it may offer an alternative method of transport.
It also provides navigation for riders, via a Bluetooth headset that uses haptic touch technology to notify the rider of whether to turn left or right.
Harley-Davidson has revealed its first electric motorcycle.
The bike will not go on general sale, instead the iconic manufacturer will select customers from the US to ride it and provide feedback.
Harley-Davidson LiveWire electric motorcycle (photo Harley-Davidson)
Dubbed Project LiveWire – the motorcycle will travel down the US’s Route 66 visiting more than 30 Harley-Davidson dealerships between now and the end of the year.
Fans had a mixed reaction to the bike.
“Project LiveWire is more like the first electric guitar – not an electric car,” said Mark-Hans Richer, senior vice president at Harley-Davidson Motor Company.
“It’s an expression of individuality and iconic style that just happens to be electric. Project LiveWire is a bold statement for us as a company and a brand.”
In a teaser video released by Harley-Davidson a motorcycle is seen driving down Route 66 almost without noise.
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