Electric bicycles are a game changer. A reasonable commute distance increases from 5 to 20 km (if the infrastructure exists). Hills are not an issue. No need to wear exercise clothes and shower upon arrival, unless you want to make it a work out. Seniors and people living with disabilaties can participate. Kids and cargo can come along. E-bikes can replace vehicles for many trips.
The cost of an e-bike ranges from ~$1000 to ~$10000. The Nova Scotia government started offering rebates for electric vehicle (EV) or bicycle purchases in 2021. 4-5x as many ebike rebates have been sent out vs EV rebates! There is a noticeable change on the streets of Halifax.
Rebates
Here are a couple of examples from our trip.
We observed a number of charging stations/storage spots along our route from Vienna to the UK.
Within a week of arriving back in Canada we purchased an electric pedal-assist cargo bike that can carry two children, one adult and/or cargo. We had sold our mini-van before the trip, so we now rely on this bike, regular bikes, walking, car share and transit to get around. We (not including our teenager) are loving the freedom and cost savings that come with this active lifestyle. 1330+ km to date.
Carbon conscious COVID dodging family travel 
That’s a serious e-bike, I love it!
LikeLiked by 1 person
It’s very fun & all different types of people are curious about it. Can you see why S won’t go near it?!
LikeLike
For the cost of a bike like that, do you find it more functional or versatile than something like an electric scooter?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Hmmm, we did not consider a scooter. The bike we got can carry cargo on the front and rear, or cargo on the front and 2 kids in the back or 1 adult.
Also, it is pedal assist, so you feel like you are cycling, which brings joy. There are 5 levels of assistance: off, eco, tour, sport & turbo, so you can adjust according to your needs.
I imagine that a scooter goes faster and requires licensing and would not be welcome on cycle paths.
LikeLike
Eye opener on the funtionality of e-bikes – can accommodate passengers and/or cargo! I assume that they are subject to the same ‘rules of the road’ as bikes? At what point, do e-bikes become scooters/small motor cycles and require licenses; is it associated with the ability to pedal?
We went on a e-scooter tour in Chiang Mai – the scooters were the ‘stand-up’ type, but, the wheels were ~8″-10″ diameter (not small 4″ dia wheels like scooters you and I had as kids 🙂 ). It was riding these scooters … even on the ‘main streets’ — that I developed a healthy respect for drivers in Thailand. Though driving appears chaotic and aggressive – as you said, ‘if they see you, they won’t hit you?!?’
LikeLiked by 1 person
The e-bike is limited to 30 kph, although it will exceed that going downhill (I think we’ve been up around 45).
I’m not sure on the regulations, but I expect the speed limiter and pedalling have something to do with it.
Yes, same rules of the road. I feel safer in some traffic situations as I can keep up with the speed of traffic, take the lane and avoid close passes in some situations.
Cycling on a segregated cycle path is preferable to the road.
LikeLike