Introduction to electric bicycles seminar scheduled for May 1

GetAbout Columbia, in partnership with Columbia Parks and Recreation, is offering an electric bicycle seminar from 6:30 to 8 p.m. on Tuesday, May 1 at the Activity & Recreation Center (ARC), 1701 W. Ash.  The event is free and open to the public.  A short presentation will be followed by a question and answer session.  Local e-bike enthusiasts and bike shops will be on hand to showcase a variety of electric bicycle manufacturers and models.

Electric bicycles, also known as e-bikes, are designed with a built-in motor that activates either by pedal-assist or throttle-control. Expanding technology is resulting in e-bikes that are lighter, lower in cost, and remarkably similar to traditional bicycles. Electric bicycles offer an option that allows more people to use bicycles in more situations (e.g. cycling with a disability or riding up a hill). A national electric bike owner survey, conducted in 2013 by Portland State University, suggests that e-bikes are enabling users to bike more often, to more distant locations and to carry more cargo with them. Additionally, results show e-bikes allow people who would otherwise not be able to bike because of physical limitations or proximity to locations, the ability to bike with electric assist.

Call GetAbout Columbia at 573-441-5495 for additional information. Funding for GetAbout Columbia is provided by the Federal Highway Administration’s Non-Motorized Transportation Program.