2008 Beijing Summer Olympics

Electric bikes have come a distance since they first turned up in the 1890s, just 30 years after the pedal powered bicycle was born in Paris. Now, with new technologies in electric bikes offering lighter batteries, superior storage density and conversion kits, electric motors are the most popular mode of propelling electric bikes. Depending on the type of electric bike, the functionality of the motor can range from taking a back seat to pedaling and used only when extra energy is required, like pedaling uphill, or it may be the primary source of energy, as it is with mopeds, where pedaling is only to be used during emergencies. Some newer models boast the ability to enable regenerative braking and charging while pedaling or rolling downhill, and fuel cells are on the horizon for alternative methods of powering electric bikes.

A few things to look for when choosing the electric bike that’s right for you is motor and driving efficiency, battery capacity, aerodynamics and the weight of the bike. Once you’ve chosen your electric bike, you’ll be saving money not only in the long run, as with hybrid and other fuel-efficient cars, but also in the short term. Your electric bike is perfect for local commuting, sight-seeing and travel trips, and not only costs less to purchase than a car, but the maintenance and upkeep fees are fractional in comparison. By riding an electric bike, you’re not only saving cash but also the environment: electric bikes are classified as zero-emissions vehicles, and with the newer internal combustion engines, the negative impact of battery disposal is eliminated.

Motor scooters are another viable alternative to cars, SUVs and urban trucks. Electric scooters have traditionally been powered by battery, but new innovations in fuel cell energy offer money and environmentally conscious riders another option besides batteries. With gas prices that only seem to rise without limit and daunting warnings about the effects of global warming due to harmful emissions, a motor scooter can give you the same daily freedoms and conveniences a car does, while also creating new conveniences. Recharging your electric scooter at home is far more time-efficient than stopping at gas stations to refuel, as is eliminating oil changes and regular maintenance. To compare the fuel costs of an electric scooter to a gasoline powered scooter, the electric one costs 25% of what the gas one does.

The environmental impact of riding an electric scooter or even a non-electric scooter is nominal compared to that of even the most self-proclaimed environmentally friendly car. Even supplementing your car use with riding an electric bike or scooter within city limits to commute to work or school, run errands or to simply to get around makes a difference, as the US transportation sector alone contributes to one-third of the country’s carbon dioxide production. When all it takes to reduce air pollution by 20%, is to opt for a cleaner method getting off to work one day a week, it makes you wonder why everyone who is able to drive a car is not choosing to ride an electric bike or a scooter instead. Have a look through our vast collection of alternative modes of transportation, and get started on saving your money and your air quality today.

bike racing

For anyone who knows how to ride a bike, mountain biking is an exciting sport. Compared to the average bike ride, it does present some danger. Therefore, you should master these basic skills before you hit the trails or the dirt. Practice your beginning skills at a school yard, bike path, local park, or around the neighborhood. If you can, try to find a location with a steep hill.

Get a feel for your pedals

Practice moving your foot away from the pedal, first while sitting on your bike with one foot on the ground. Next up, release and replace your foot placement when pedaling around for a while. Those with toe clip and clipless type foot pedals will want to spend a bit more time practicing. Just remember that this is not a bicycle riding competition.

Sit and spin for position

Simply sit on your bike and pedal around. You should keep your arms slightly bent. You should also adjust your seat height so your leg is 70 to 90 percent extended at the bottom of every stroke on the pedal. Keep your body relaxed, as there will never be a position where you should have either your knees or your elbows locked.

Shifting gears

Get a feel for shifting gears with your cycling bikes. The higher gears are harder to pedal and will go faster while the lower gears are easier to pedal and will help you ascend hills. As you get to steeper hills, its best to shift before you get to the hill rather than while you are on it.

Coasting

You should spend a bit of time coasting while standing on your pedals, without actually sitting on the seat. Keep your arms bent but don’t lock your knees. Now attempt to shift your body towards the rear of the bike.

Pedal while standing

You should get as comfortable as you can with pedaling while standing on your bike. Stand on the pedals and move them around. Try this on lower gears while on a hill, and higher gears on flat ground.

Dropping down a curb

Try finding a curb where you can easily get to the upper portion of it. Practice at a moderate speed, standing and coasting right off the curb from the upper level to the lower level. Try this at different speeds until it becomes second nature.

You will be able to travel on feeling good on your mountain bike once you practice your techniques and get used to them. Even though it may take some getting used to, it’ll become second nature before you know it.