Zoomo's e-bike: Good or bad?
We've all heard the sales pitch for electric bikes (e-bikes) and bikes in general.
They enhance health, save money, minimise carbon footprints and reduce congestion, contributing to a more efficient transportation network. Good for you, good for the planet.
However, recent news about the dangers and misuse of e-bikes has obscured the compelling reasons for why they are needed in Australia.
As cities across the country grow denser and traffic congestion worsens, the need for innovative urban mobility solutions has never been more crucial.
Zoomo, a leader in the e-bike industry, is at the forefront of this urban transport revolution.
Originally built for gig economy workers, and owing to their efficiency, durability and reliability, Zoomo's e-bikes quickly became the fan favourite among food delivery riders.
This same balance of efficiency, durability and reliability is now being marketed to city commuters through subscription models designed to make e-biking more readily accessible.
The bike itself isn't your typical flashy toy, but a functional machine designed for one purpose: to get from point A to point B in the most efficient way possible. That's why it's fitted with the most urban-friendly features.
The bike comes with five power modes generated by its 250-watt motor, allowing the rider to adjust the assist level depending on the terrain.
It's an innovative feature that's extremely handy for those who ride between quiet backstreets, busy roads, and the odd hill.
The motor is discreetly hidden in the front wheel and propels a rider up to a speed of 25km/h with relatively little effort.
Under normal conditions, the bike's battery lasts approximately six hours, which riders can track on the easy-to-read digital display that also shows speed and distance travelled.
In addition to the power modes, a rear Shimano Nexus 3-speed gear hub not only gives riders further cruising assistance but also allow riders to shift gears while stationary — particularly useful at traffic lights.
It should go without saying commuter comfort is extremely important. And Zoomo haven't missed the beat on this either.
The saddle is ergonomically shaped, offering enough support without sacrificing comfort. The handlebars are also slightly raised with a sweptback design, positioning riders in a relaxed and upright position.
More antitheft features than most cars
Bike safety is paramount and this e-bike takes safety to a whole new level.
Riders must tap a security fob to start the bike and use a key to remove its battery. If these steps aren't followed, the security system activates, locking the tyres with powerful brakes.
And in the extremely rare event someone does manage to steal one of these, Zoomo themselves offer recovery missions alongside tracking features.
While delivery riders still make up a large chunk of Zoomo's customer base, more commuters are starting to see the value of high-performance e-bikes.
Zoomo are offering various rental options, with plans starting from $64 per week.
Alternatively, there are options to purchase the bike outright; with prices starting at $1,500 second-hand and $3,000 new.
For those who are growing tired of urban traffic and wanting an alternative way to get about, Zoomo is making a strong case for leaving the car at home.
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