As commuters slowly return to the workplace, motorcycles & eBikes are proving to a popular alternative to public transport.
Over the past few weeks we have seen considered & staggered lifting of the UK lockdown (devolved administrations still have their own lockdown restrictions in place) With many people being able to return to workplaces, there has been a considerable shift from people in certain sectors seeking ways to return to work & having to make decisions about their travel options.
For many people, especially those who need to use public transport to travel to & from work, this poses a real dilemma & one of the main concerns for the transitional lifting of lockdown measures, are the fears for public safety on public transport. We have of course seen a huge increase in cycling & the bicycle incentives from the Government continue to support this zero emissions form of travel.
However, for those who still need to travel some distance to gain access to their work places, public transport is often the only choice. From Monday 15.06.2020 all public transport requires all passengers to wear a face covering, a real indicator that we are still very much in the midst of the Covid19 crisis.
A survey of 3000 participants by Auto Trader found that nearly half of UK public transport users (48%) said they would be less likely to use it once lockdown restrictions have been lifted (2) & of those surveyed some 56% who do not currently own a car, would consider their personal transport options & personal space considerations, by purchasing a car. (1)
Cars are the most common mode of transport regardless of the journey type. 94% of British car journeys are under 25 miles, with 58% under five miles in 2018. 87% of car users in England are of the view that their current lifestyle means they need to own a car. (2)
However, for many thousands of commuters & workers across Britain who do not have access to a car & are very mindful or concerned about using public transport; one other option is using a motorcycle as a form of commuter or work transport.
Many bikers across Britain already use their motorcycles for work transport. However, with Theory Test centres still closed (at the time of writing), gaining a full licence for a motorcycle over 125cc has it’s challenges.
However, for those considering motorcycling as alternative to using a car or public transport; there are some options which can safely & securely get a worker from A to B with only the need of a CBT (Compulsory Basic Training) & with some motorcycle training establishments safely providing CBT training; this could be the time to consider access to motorcycle commuting.
The surge in electric motorcycle manufacture means there are more & more options available & with motorcycles not able to as yet follow in the hydrogen footsteps of cars; electrification is currently the only alternative to a combustion engine in motorcycling. Here are a couple of ideas for commuter eBike alternatives.
Note: CBT licence laws for electric bikes in the UK state that:
- A 17-year-old can take a CBT and ride a bike that has no more than 14.6bhp (11kw) continuous power.
- They must use L-Plates and cannot carry a pillion or use motorways (3)
The Super Soco TSx 1200r (4)
Featuring a powerful 1200W Bosch motor, it can accelerate faster than petrol 50cc engines and has up to a 50mile range.
Restricted to 28mph, it qualifies as a moped in the UK and can be ridden on a CBT licence.
Charging is simply done from a 3 pin UK plug, and a second battery is available for doubling range.
The 60V 26AhAH batteries are made by Samsung, LG or Panasonic with a 3 year manufacturer backed warranty. Advanced features such as USD front forks, adjustable rear mono shock, full LED headlights, keyless starting, anti theft alarm and lightweight frame offer real value for money combined with the very well regarded Bosch motor system. (4)
The NIU NQiTS Pro scooter is like a 125cc
The NIU NQi-Series is using state of the art lithium-ion battery packs by Panasonic with a two-year guarantee.
Weighing in at only 10kg (22lbs.), you can easily carry the NIU battery for in-home/office re-charging. The 29aH battery pack is fully re-charged in six hours, providing a 50-70km range, or about four typical days of urban commuting. (5)
Written by Katy-Jane Mason for & on behalf of Dolphin N2
- https://www.am-online.com/news/latest-news/2020/04/22/consumers-to-opt-for-car-ownership-rather-than-public-transport-due-to-covid-19
- https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/government/uploads/system/uploads/attachment_data/file/878642/decarbonising-transport-setting-the-challenge.pdf
- https://www.bennetts.co.uk/bikesocial/reviews/bikes/zero/tested-zero-s-65-road-test-review
- https://supersoco.co.uk/super-soco-tc-electric-motorcycle/
- https://www.niu.com/en/n-series/
