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By John Boyle
The Federal government’s love affair with funding incentives for electric vehicle charging stations does not trickle down to e-bike or e-scooter users. The National Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Program (NEVI) awarded Pennsylvania $175 million to install EV chargers along major roads throughout the state. That may seem like a lot but these large EV Charging Stations can cost up to $1+ million to install, compare those numbers to the cost of a Saris E-bike charging station/rack ($1,500 per each unit).
Range Anxiety also applies to E-bikes
Most E-bikes and E-scooters have a range between 15 and 50 miles on a single charge. However, the actual mileage may vary depending on factors like terrain, weather, riding surface, and pedal-assist level. Manufacturers often exaggerate the range of their products, so it’s best to plan your trip accordingly. For instance, if you plan on riding the Schuylkill River Trail from Philly to Pottstown, you may find yourself peddling hard or taking a long multi-modal SEPTA ride back.
Some people argue that there’s no need for e-bike charging stations because you can use any available 110V outlet to charge your bike using your charging brick. However, finding a public outlet that works can be challenging. You could ask a friendly coffee shop owner, but it’s not a reliable option for planning your trip. Instead, people often have to resort to finding a rare outdoor plug or hiding the battery in their backpack at a fast-food restaurant. If your bike frame or e-scooter has a secured battery, it can be even more challenging to charge your battery and secure your vehicle. Additionally, some buildings may restrict e-bike access due to concerns about battery fires. SEPTA forbids the charging of micromobility devices on its property.