Energy, Global Warming, and Electric Bicycles

Hi All,

Please read my article on Google knol, explaining that greenhouse gas abatement by riding an electric bicycle instead of driving an automobile can be extremely cost-effective. Driving a hybrid car costs the driver about $100 per ton of CO2 abated, but riding an electric bike saves the rider between $446 and $2332 per ton abated.

Muscle and motor input to output ratios are also compared. US food production, delivery and preparation costs about ten times more in primary energy than delivered and stored electricity. Riding a bicycle about 5 miles per day will result in less food consumption in an otherwise sedentary individual. Regularly bicycling more than 5 miles per day results in an increase in food consumption. An electric bike is faster than a pedaled bike or car for most urban trips. So, the electric bike is often the best personal transportation choice regarding sustainability, health, and performance.

Presentation format is graphically quantified and non-mathematical, but technical references are provided.
http://knol.google.com/k/jeff-radtke/energy-global-warming-and-electric/9h3f3kub8bcr/6#