For those students who want to support ASU's move toward sustainability by trading in their fossil-fueled cars for something a little more eco-friendly, here is one more option: e-bikes.
E-bikes, the nickname that has been given to electric bicycles, are a popular form of transportation in many Chinese cities, said Jenny Hom, sales clerk at the Phoenix Produce Company located near the Downtown Phoenix campus.
Hom's family has been importing the bikes from China since 2006, and the Produce Company didn't take long to sell half of its initial 100 E-bike shipment.
Nursing sophomore Keith Hendricks bought two.
Hendricks said that the best thing about the e-bike is that there is "no gas required."
Hom said e-bike sales have increased since the price of gas went up.
"Over 10 million e-bikes have been sold worldwide," Hom said. She added that sales are expected to double this year.
E-bikes run on 48-volt batteries that hold a charge for about 30 miles. The battery can be removed from the bike and charged at a regular electrical wall outlet.
An added perk is that e-bike riders don't have to worry about being stranded with dead batteries because the bikes are outfitted with pedals.
E-bikes also have a basket and rack, rearview mirrors, headlights and taillights. They are narrow enough to fit in a bike rack or on a bus rack. They can be ridden in bike lanes and don't require a driver's license to operate.
And unlike some of the other earth-friendly transportation out there, these are lookers. The bikes have slender aluminum frames in bright red, blue, green, orange or silver, which complement their red rims, orange mud flaps and two-toned seats.
Hendricks, who rides his blue e-bike to campus, said he has been stopped by more than one admirer who asked, "Oh my God, where did you get that?!"
The bike, which reaches a top speed of 20 mph, is also easy to ride.
"If you can ride a bicycle, you can ride one of these," said Phoenix Produce Company owner Samuel Hom.
Shereen Saurey, information specialist coordinator for ASU's Parking and Transit Services, said she hasn't seen any electric bikes on the Downtown Campus yet, but also said there are no restrictions against their use.
"It is strongly recommended that if the electric bike has the capability to be in manual mode that it is in that mode when cycling on the sidewalks of campus," she added.
Hendricks said he has been satisfied with his campus ride so far and encourages other students to purchase them.
The bikes range in price from $297 to $388 and can be purchased at Phoenix Produce Company. For more information, call (602) 252-4881.
"Let's try to save some air — some of God's breath," Hendricks said.
Reach the reporter at: ksarver@asu.edu.
