I have often wondered our lack of wisdom for getting around in a 4000 pound vehicle. After all, most people drive by themselves and often for short journeys under 10 miles. Whether you are 100 pounds or 250 pounds, why do we NEED to use a two ton vehicle? Why not use something much smaller and lighter that can still meet your need and, if it is fun and healthy, all the better. The smallest car is 2500 pounds, and the SUV exceeds 5000 pounds. Imagine how much steel, energy, and water was used up in making those machines of transport. Imagine how much fuel energy it takes to move it all around once you use it. Is it sustainable? I think not. Instead of sending all that fuel money to an oil producing country, how about spending a lot less on something that is produced locally? Here I am thinking about something that is very efficient and refined over 100 years of developments, and then improved recently with innovations that make it feasible for anyone of average health and capability to get around.

This innovation is the hybrid electric bicycle. It works like a regular bicycle, that everyone has known how to ride for years. But the motor helps out when you need it either by assisting when you pedal or just powering it completely. It can extend anyone to make a 10 mile journey easily as the motor and battery help you out along the way. Every person who has ridden on an electric bike finds it to be a joy, lots of fun, easy to use, and filled with the desire to just go. You owe yourself the chance to try it out for yourself.

If you decide that this is a good thing, you do not have to give up your car, minivan, or SUV. Just ride it when you can and enjoy the trip. If you get 20 miles per gallon for 15,000 miles per year in your car, and you substitute just 10% of your journeys with an e-bike, then your blended average is now 100 miles per gallon. ((0.9 X 20) + (0.1 X 800) = 98) If you are willing to do 30% on an ebike, you get a blended average of 254 miles per gallon ((0.7 X 20) + (0.3 X 800) = 254). You don’t need to spend $20,000 for a hybrid car to do this. You don’t need to change the automotive industry to do this. You don’t need an act of congress to change the CAFÉ standard to do this. You just need to make a personal choice and spend an extra $1200 to free yourself from the tyranny of cars, congestion, insurance, maintenance, and taxes.

If you want to figure out just how much money and Carbon dioxide you can save, just check out PIETZO calculator here: <LINK>. If you would like to share your thoughts and experience, please send me an email at [email protected] .

So, think how you can get smart, have fun, and be free.