Australia — More and more motorists are parking their cars and taking up motorised bicycles , thanks to the rising cost of petrol, not to mention the cost to park in the city.
Described by the Department for Planning and Infrastructure as one of the faster growing forms of transport, the power-assisted bicycles do not need to be registered and can be ridden without a licence.
Tony Alexander , owner of Ace Cycling, said demand for the battery or petrol-powered cycles, which could reach speeds up to 26kmh and cost between $1500 and $2300, had been steadily growing from motorists who seek environmentally friendly or low-cost alternatives to driving. (Some riders are those who have lost their licence – however, even though e-bikes don’t require licenses, check to make sure that in your local area, you can still ride an e-bike on a suspended license.)
A DPI spokesman said that to be classified as a bicycle, the motor must not exceed 200 watts.
