In many countries, cycling is a way of life, but for us, it is so normal. The Netherlands is the perfect cycling country. With 22 million bicycles, special parking garages, 32,000 kilometers of cycle paths, cycle highways and public transport bicycles at almost all train stations. In the meantime, the electric bike is gaining ground, and more and more smart gadgets are coming that make the cyclist's life easier. These bikes make the car unnecessary.
Electric Bicycle
A few years ago, an electric bicycle was mainly something for the elderly and people with limited mobility, but that is a thing of the past. The technology of the bikes improved, the design became more and more beautiful, and the range was increased. Models appeared in the city, for recreation, and a mountainous landscape. And charging points everywhere in the Netherlands.
Sustainable Electric Cycling. Just Leave Your Car
Can you lose weight on an electric bike?
Cycling can burn up to 500 calories per hour! But on a traditional bike, that can be hard work, especially if you have a few extra pounds at the outset. So the bottom line is, you'll burn calories when riding an electric bike.
Because of the arrival of the electric bicycle, more and more people decide to leave the car and cycle long distances to work. You go fast, about 25 kilometers per hour. Harder can not, because there is a speed limiter on it to keep it safe. On a standard bicycle, most people get around 16 kilometers per hour, but then you have to peddle a lot. Now are already 32 % of all bikes sold were electric, and this number continues to grow.
Recommended: The Solar Bike: Mix Between A Two-Wheeler And A Tesla
Racing On The Speed Pedelec
There is also another electric bike, the speed pedelec. This super-fast bike makes it easy to pedal 30 to 40 kilometers per hour. That is just as fast as a scooter, and that is why the rules are the same. A helmet is mandatory, and the bicycle is not allowed on the bike path in the built-up area, but there is a lot of disagreement about it. The speed pedelec is especially popular with people who travel long distances between home and work and like to do so by bike.
Bike On Hydrogen
Now the bicycle on hydrogen is also approaching. A French start-up Pragma Industries develops this bicycle. The cost price is now 7,500 euros, and that is still far too much for a consumer. But the company is working on a cheaper model. The advantage of a bicycle on hydrogen is that charging is done in a few minutes, while an electric bike has to be plugged in for a few hours.
Recommended: Hydrogen Powered Bikes In Production: Biarritz, France
Smart Gadgets For Locks
What is a smart gadget?
A smart device, as the name suggests, is an electronic gadget that can connect, share, and interact with its user and other smart devices. Although usually small in size, smart devices typically have the computing power of a few gigabytes.
Bicycles are also increasingly equipped with smart and technological extras. For example, the Swedish company Kronan Bike developed a bicycle with a steel basket in front, which also functions as a bicycle lock. Another company, Ilockit, makes locks that are connected to your smartphone. If you walk away from your bike, the lock will close. If you come back, it will open. And if someone tries to steal your bike, you get a message.
Never 'Lose' Your Bike Again
For people who have always lost their bikes in crowded garages, there is the WheelReveal. On your bike, you stick a sticker that communicates with an app on your phone. Based on GPS, you can always find your bike again.
Always LED Light In The Dark
And of course, there is something new for lighting too. No broken front lights, or loose lights, because with the lighting of Revolights Eclipse +, you stick four thin strips of LED lighting on your tires and spokes. They automatically turn on when it gets dark, and you are visible from all sides.
Cycling is and remains the ideal mode of transport in the Netherlands, and with all these developments, it only becomes more attractive. We are curious what you think of it. Do you already cycle electrically? Or do you prefer to kick yourself solidly? See those gadgets, or stay with the old familiar chain lock. We would like to hear about it!
WhatsOrb embraces innovations. Electric ' bicycles are a ‘transit innovation’ from which the battery is still a hazard for the environment. With mining lithium and cobalt in the DR of Congo is often child labor involved. Currently, a conventional bicycle without motor and battery is still the most environmental way of transportation.
Before you go!
Recommended: Electric Bike Buying Guide For Starters And Professionals
Did you find this an interesting article, or do you have a question or remark? Leave a comment below.
We try to respond the same day.
Like to write your article about your cycling experience?
Click on 'Register' or push the button 'Write An Article' on the 'HomePage.'