Michigan Alternative Transportation

  Last post we talked about types of alternative transportation, one of the most popular types of alternative transportation is an E-Bike or Electric Bicycle. E-Bikes come in different shapes, sizes, and power levels, so let this post be a beginner’s guide to E-Biking.   Class 1, 2, or 3? Let's start out with the classes of E-Bikes, there are three classes: Class 1, Class 2, and Class 3. These classes have to do with the speeds achievable on the bikes and where you can legally ride them. Class 1 E-bikes have a locked top speed of 20 MPH. These are pedal assist bikes and have no throttle for on demand power. You should always check local regulations , but class 1 bikes are generally legal to ride anywhere a regular bicycle is allowed. Class 2 E-Bikes have a top speed of 20 MPH and have pedal assist as well as a throttle to engage the motor without pedaling. Class 3 E-bikes are similar to Class 2, but have a top speed of 28 MPH. Most bike paths allow Class 1 E-Bikes, so...

 Alternative and Last Mile Transportation According to New York City Census Data, less than half of households own a car. Many people get around using public transportation like subways and buses. Using public transportation reduces pollution compared to everyone driving fossil fueled vehicles, but it does not solve the carbon footprint issue entirely nor does it always completely solve your transportation needs. What could help with both you ask? Electric alternative transportation is a good place to start.  Rise of Electric Scooter Shares If you have been in nearly any major US city in the past 2-3 years, chances are you have seen someone whiz by on an electric scooter they rented using a cellphone. This idea exploded after Bird Rides, Inc. started dumping dockless electric scooters in densely populated California cities back in 2017. The concept of scooters you can pick up, ride, and leave wherever you end of was widely popular to some and hated by others. Controversy aside...