Family turns to environmentally friendly electric bikes

This story first appeared in the July 28 edition of the Kansan.

As fuel prices loom between $3.50 and $4 per gallon, many people are looking at alterative ways of transportation rather than using a personal automobile.

Some people chose to walk, ride bicycles, carpool or use public transportation.

The Bradshaw family of North Newton is looking into another avenue — electric- powered bicycles.

Mary Bradshaw came across an article in Yankee Magazine about electric bicycles and showed it to her husband Bruce.

“We called the company and found there were no dealers of Liberty electric bicycles in Kansas,” Bruce said. “However, we have purchased several models that we use already, and we’re contemplating becoming a dealer.”

A few months ago, the family began looking into the electric bicycles that do have pedals but are also powered by an electric motor.

“It’s been a lifestyle change,” Mary said. “The bicycles won’t replace the car, but it does help reduce the need for it when running errands around town.”

She explained she can stop by the library to pick up a couple books, pick up a few things at the grocery store and make a few other stops before coming home. With the baskets on the bike and a backpack, its not a problem to carry her purchased items, she said.

Bruce, who is a pastor at the Zion Mennonite Church in Elbing had used the bike to get to work there.

“I preach about economic and environmental justice at church,” he said. “These bikes are a way of practicing that and becoming a little less dependent on cars and oil.”

The electric bicycles have enough power stored in the battery to go an average on 30 miles before needing to be recharged, which takes between four and eight hours.

“This is something we see as economically feasible and socially acceptable,” Bruce said.

While the Bradshaws know the electric bikes, that have a top speed of about 20 miles per hour, don’t replace the need for automobiles totally, they believe the bikes are a good supplement when making short trips.

“We’re exploring the need and the response of the community before we commit to becoming a dealer of the electric bicycles,” Bruce said. “With increasing fuel prices becoming an economic crisis, these bikes could be part of an answer.”

While they are still considering becoming a dealer for electric bicycles, Bruce has come up with a slogan to use — Healing the environment and your budget one mile at a time.

The bicycles run an average of 30 miles on a charge. Bruce said the average car runs 30 miles per gallon so there are some savings here. It takes between eight and 10 cents to charge the bikes.

“If people chose to change their lifestyle to include an electric bike, the saving will accumulate over time,” Mary said.

The Bradshaws have begun making that lifestyle change, using the electric bicycles to make their way around town.

Mary, who is a teacher at Chisholm Middle School, said she can use the bike to get to school.

“Riding the bike out to Elbing is pushing it’s limits, but for around town here in North Newton and Newton, it’s great,” Bruce said.

Even their son, Phillip, who is a student at Newton High School, said using the bikes to get to and from school won’t be a bad thing.

“For high school students, these bikes would be a lot cheaper than cars,” Phillip said. “And the parking lot would be a lot easier to get out of than waiting for all the cars.”