The writer is a Delhiite and knows the problems people of Delhi face due to pollution. She considers and firmly believes that smart bikes might be helpful in solving the problem of Delhi.
Did you folks notice that Zomato wale bhaiya no longer ride their usual motorcycles as they used to before? I’m sure you have. Instead of motorcycles, they have now started using electric bikes. It’s not just limited to Zomato; many other delivery companies have switched to this eco-friendlier option. The good part is that this option is available to everyone. While the youth seem excited about going with their friends to spend a fun day ‘Yulu-ing’, they still don’t seem to take it seriously.
We live in a time when technology has spread its wings far and wide, revolutionizing almost every field out there. It is a time of immense opportunities and great advancements. We have developed every possible comfort for ourselves, and the process seems to be never-ending. While comfort looks like the top priority, we cannot comprise the environment around us, which I’m assuming, everyone knows why.
Electric bikes, E-bikes, or Smart Bikes are one of the biggest steps toward environmental sustainability and a healthier lifestyle in this decade. They are motorized bikes with an integrated electric motor to aid in propulsion. As opposed to motorcycles that use fuel, E-bikes are powered by rechargeable batteries. They can typically travel 25 to 35 kilometres per hour (16 to 20 miles per hour). If they use high-powered batteries, they can reach the speed of 45 km/h (28 miles per hour). A variety of e-bikes are available widely, but they typically fall into two classes- bikes that support the rider’s pedal-power (i.e., pedelecs) and bikes that include the throttle and incorporate moped-style features.
In the latest models, the user can decide whether they want to use the pedal or not and to what extent. This feature supports both comfort and a healthy lifestyle wherein people can engage in the excellent exercise of Cycling but can switch to hinging on the electric motor completely when they start getting tired. Cycling not only helps reduce body fat levels but also builds muscle strength, promotes flexibility, improves posture and coordination, and enhances cardiovascular fitness.
In this era of digitization, netizens can very conveniently hire smart bikes and move across the city without the slightest discomfort. The only requirement is downloading the app and registering yourself- which is free, of course. Currently, the two most popular apps are Yulu and SmartBike. You can rent a bike through these apps at minimal charges, ride it for any number of hours and return the bike at any of the nearby stations. Easy enough!?
Falling under the category of ‘Green Transportation’ or ‘Sustainable Transportation’, they can be a wonderful alternative for each of us for commuting daily to work, school, or college, and even otherwise. These environmentally-friendly bikes contribute to the improvement of the AQI (Air Quality Index), which keeps making headlines repeatedly and is a matter of serious concern, especially in Delhi, where vehicular pollution has the highest share (40%) in total pollution. What we need to do is make a choice.
Also, smart point – This choice can help you enjoy it as well for who doesn’t reminisce about their days of childhood while riding a bicycle? And Yulu-ing, well, that’s just another level of fun, right?
In this regard, Niall FitzGerald rightly said, “Sustainability is here to stay, or we may not be.” The earlier we shift to renewable sources of energy, the better it is. Truth be said, electric transportation will be replacing the fuel-driven way sooner than we think. The world is all geared up for this electric revolution. It is a move up the ladder of Sustainable Development which is the need of the hour, with many more rungs still left to be climbed!
