2 days Ago By Edward Birt
We love our cars in the Illawarra. Perhaps a little too much for our own good as Transport for NSW data shows that 82 per cent of 1 to 2km trips around the region and even 55 per cent of trips under 1km are being taken by car. Subscribe now for unlimited access .
Login or signup to continue reading Let's be honest - we have all been guilty of it right? It feels harmless enough - until you realise those short trips are wreaking havoc on our wallets, our health, and our planet. But guess what: there's a new superhero in town here to save the day, transform our lives and rescue our neighbourhoods from ill health, congestion and pollution. The electric bicycle or e-bike.
In 2025 why not ditch the car keys and gift yourself - or someone you love - the freedom, fun, and eco-friendly benefits of an e-bike? Let's break down those benefits of e-bikes over cars for those short trips. Your wallet thanks you: The weekly running costs of a car in Australia in 2024 ranged from $192 to $480 every single week and things aren't getting any cheaper. On the other hand charging an e-bike will cost you about 30 cents to travel 100km on a full charge, it is just so much cheaper it's quite staggering.
And parking? Say goodbye to circling the block and feeding the meter; most e-bikes can be parked anywhere for free. Maintenance is also much cheaper on an E-bike costing a couple of hundred dollars a year. There are no oil changes, no engine repairs, just you, a bike, a pump and some chain lube.
Imagine what you could do with all that extra cash (why do you think cyclists love their post-ride snacks?). Goodbye traffic jams: Sitting in our famous bumper-to-bumper traffic in Thirroul, Dapto or Albion Park is frustrating and dull, staring at the clock, and mentally drafting an excuse for why you're late again. On an E-bike, traffic is a thing of the past.
You can glide through bike lanes, cruise past traffic snarls, and even take scenic routes on your way home - Puckeys is lovely any time of the year! Short trips suddenly feel ...
fun. Plus, arriving somewhere without the stress of road rage with your blood flowing and your brain engaged? Priceless. Feel like a fitness pro (without breaking a sweat): Think of an e-bike as your personal trainer, but one that doesn't yell at you.
The pedal-assist feature means you can work as hard - or as little - as you want to. If you want a workout you can turn off the motor and pedal harder. Tired after work but still want to cruise up that hill like a boss? Let the motor do the heavy lifting for you.
Regular rides add up, and before you know it, your legs are stronger, your energy levels are higher, and you're fitting into those jeans you swore must have shrunk in the wash. Be a planet hero (and save your car, too): Short car trips are some of the worst for carbon emissions, your engine isn't running efficiently and it creates unnecessary wear and tear on car engines. Replacing those trips with an e-bike reduces your carbon footprint and increases the longevity of your vehicle.
You can feel good knowing that every time you choose the E-bike, you're cutting emissions, easing air pollution and reducing congestion. Fun factor: Riding an e-bike really is FUN. Remember how riding a bike felt as a kid? Wind in your hair, freedom? Well, e-bikes nothings changed (oh, apart from the bit where you had to get off and push your bike up hills).
New discoveries: Grab a copy of your local bike map (like Wollongong Council's Bike Map) and discover a new route to your local shops, work or the beach arriving at your destination with a smile on your face. But aren't e-bikes expensive? For between $1,500 and $7000 for a decent E-bike it is certainly an investment, but one that pays off quickly. Think of the gas money you'll save, the fewer Uber rides you'll need, and the wear-and-tear you'll avoid on your car.
Plus your health and wellbeing will benefit and it's hard to put a price on that. The bottom line: In 2025 it's time to join thousands of others across the Illawarra and trade your car keys for an E-bike for shorter trips, save money, improve your fitness and add a bit of fun to your day. An e-bike isn't just a gift to yourself and others - it's a total lifestyle upgrade.
So, what are you waiting for? Ride into 2025 with style, savings, and a smile. See you on the share paths. More from Latest News Newsletters & Alerts DAILY Today's top stories curated by our news team.
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