SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Riding a bicycle to work might not be convenient for some, but electric bikes could change that thinking. It could have environmental benefits, as well.
Even though they are powered with some sort of fossil fuel, electric bikes are three times more efficient than an internal combustion engine, which means it emits three times less greenhouse gases to the environment. More people biking could reduce traffic congestion and free up parking space.
A battery connected to the bike is what propels it forward, and it allows cyclists to select what level of assistance they want. It even allows for riding it like a normal bike.
"You can go between 40 and 50 miles depending on the model," said Ethan Marvel Requardt, a SUNY ESF graduate student. "These bikes actually have a modicum of charging capacity going down hills so, depending on how you ride it, you might get more."
E-biking is spreading across the country, but states like New York have restrictions while legislation is pending.