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Electric bikes are a relatively new addition to the world of hybrid sports equipment. While we’re all used to technology being embedded in our smartwatches, smart glasses, and just about everything else, a rechargeable bicycle still feels a bit novel, in the best way. Not only can they get you outside, save money on gas, and provide a fair amount of exercise, but they’re more practical and comfortable than similarly-priced electric scooters. An electric bike may be the best mode of short-haul transportation available to any of us these days.
Fuel prices and the cost of a car are increasing virtually every month. If you’ve been car shopping in the past year, you’ve likely noticed a marked difference in vehicle prices from even one year earlier. If you don’t live somewhere with easily accessible public transportation, then you might feel like you have no other choice than to bite the bullet and pay exorbitant vehicle and fuel prices. Thanks to REI, that doesn’t have to be the case. The outdoor retailer sells a number of electric bikes that can help you get around town without spending a fortune on gas.
Co-op Cycles CTY Electric Bike
The Co-op Cycles CTY Electric Bike is a wonderful choice for your first electric bike. It’s relatively affordable at just $1,439. Especially when you consider that the original price is $1,799. It comes in three sizes and is primarily intended for urban use. The bike takes 7 hours to fully charge and has an eco range of over 60 miles, and can travel up to 20 miles per hour. It has a frame of lightweight 6061 aluminum that keeps you feeling light on your wheels and is highly rust resistant. The universal rider low step frame is easy to get on and off of as well, so this is a great bike to share with your partner if you want to save even more money.
Benefits of electric bikes
Electric bikes offer a number of advantages that make them worth considering. In addition to the obvious fitness benefits, they’re a convenient mode of transportation, and they can save you money in the long run. Traveling by bicycle, electric or otherwise, offers a wonderful cardiovascular workout. Regardless of how fast you’re going, your lungs are doing more work than they would be if you were in a vehicle. What’s more, it provides one of the few ways to exercise without putting a lot of strain on your joints. It’s a low-impact way to stay in shape that works for everyone.
Traveling by electric bike has become far more popular in recent years. If you live in town and want a quick and easy way to get to the store, work, or school, then this type of bike is ideal. Those who like to just hop on and go will find this far less cumbersome than getting in your vehicle and braving the rush hour traffic. Furthermore, you won’t have the hassle of searching for a parking spot when you arrive, which can sometimes take just as long as the commute. An electric bike is far easier to store than a car. There’s no need for a garage, driveway, or street stall, as a bike can be stored inside the home without taking up much space.
These bikes just make financial sense. They’re far less expensive than any car would cost you. Add to that the fact that you’ll never have to gas up your bike, and you’re probably saving hundreds of dollars every month. There’s also no insurance to be paid on a monthly basis, unlike your vehicle. Car registration is another fee that can end up costing you hundreds of dollars every year, and you won’t have to worry about that with an electric bike either. There are so many ways that these amazing bikes can save you money, but you probably don’t want to be here all day, so we’ll leave it there.
More electric bikes from REI
There are a lot of options to choose from when it comes to an electric bike. While the Co-op Cycles CTY Electric Bike caught our eye, there are plenty of other fish in the sea. The following list includes a few of our other favorites from REI.
Cannondale Adventure Neo Allroad Low Step Electric Bike
Salsa Moraine Cues 10 Electric Bike
Tern Orox S12 Electric Bike
Cannondale Adventure Neo Allroad Electric Bike
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