Introduction to electric bicycles seminar scheduled for April 28

GetAbout Columbia, in partnership with Columbia Parks and Recreation, is offering an electric bicycle (e-bike) seminar from 3:30 to 5 p.m. on Sunday, April 28 at the Activity & Recreation Center (ARC), 1701 W. Ash. The seminar is free and open to the public.

A short presentation on how e-bikes work and the reasons people need and want them, 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 e-bike manufacturers and models. Demo e-bikes will be available to test ride. Attendees are encouraged to bring a helmet.

Electric bicycles 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. E-bikes offer an option that allows more people to use bicycles in more situations, such as cycling with a disability or riding up a hill.

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. To learn more about e-bikes, call Ted Curtis, City of Columbia bike-ped coordinator, at 573.489.8853.