Electric Bicycles 'SsingSsing' Soar Amid COVID Resurgence and Rise in Untact Exercise

COVID-19 Resurgence Highlights Untact Exercise Methods
Consider Product Features Beyond Price When Purchasing

[Asia Economy Reporter Kim Heeyoon] As social distancing continues due to the resurgence of the novel coronavirus infection (COVID-19), electric bicycles, which serve as contactless transportation minimizing face-to-face contact and also as a form of solo exercise, are gaining attention.

According to the bicycle industry on the 12th, Samchuly Bicycle reported that electric bicycle sales in the first half of 2020 increased by more than 65% compared to the same period last year, and sales across the entire lineup, including electric bicycles, surged significantly, resulting in a 507% increase in operating profit for the first half compared to the same period last year.

Samchuly Bicycle explained that the increase in bicycle demand due to social distancing measures amid the spread of COVID-19 influenced this growth. In fact, the sales volume of electric bicycles from January to April increased by 34% compared to the same period last year.

As electric bicycles gain popularity, more people are considering purchasing them, but many buy products based solely on price comparison due to a lack of purchasing criteria. However, since electric bicycles have different characteristics depending on the type, it is important to choose an electric bicycle that suits the intended use and purpose.

‘Electric Bicycles for Daily Life’ for Everyday Mobility

If you want to purchase a single-person transportation means for commuting to work or school in daily life, practical electric bicycles for daily use are suitable. Amid ongoing social distancing due to COVID-19, daily-use electric bicycles, which are representative contactless transportation means allowing easy movement without contact with many people, are characterized by enhanced practicality and user convenience. Some models come equipped with baskets or carriers for carrying luggage or bags, mudguards to prevent water splashing from the ground, USB ports for charging mobile phones, and lights and side LEDs for nighttime riding.

Daily-use electric bicycles are released with batteries of various capacities, so it is advisable to select the battery capacity considering the user's travel distance. For transportation near home or short-distance travel, a battery with a smaller capacity is sufficient, while for long-distance commuting, it is necessary to calculate the travel distance and choose a product with a sufficiently large battery capacity. Since these are for daily use, it is better to purchase a product that focuses on basic functions and practicality without a heavy price burden rather than outstanding performance.

‘Mountain Electric Bicycles’ for Riding in Mountainous or Rough Terrain

Mountain electric bicycles are suitable for those who want to enjoy powerful and dynamic riding as a hobby on mountains or rough roads. Mountain electric bicycles have sturdy and strong frames that allow smooth riding even on rugged mountainous terrain. They are equipped with wide tires called wide tires with rough surfaces, enabling them to run effortlessly on mountain trails with obstacles, dirt roads, and slopes, and are designed to maintain a stable posture on various terrains such as flatlands, hills, and downhill slopes.

In particular, mountain electric bicycles are characterized by powerful motors that can climb steep slopes with strength. Also, due to the rough nature of mountain riding, key components such as the motor and battery are often exposed to contamination. To address this, some products come with covers protecting the motor and battery or have waterproof features that allow simple water washing. If necessary, you can choose products with these related options.

‘Tour Electric Bicycles’ for Cross-Country and Long-Distance Travel

Tour electric bicycles are also for hobby use but are specialized for long-distance travel, unlike mountain bicycles. Although the instantaneous output is lower than that of mountain bicycles, the motor and battery are optimized to allow stable riding over long periods during long-distance travel.

Especially, tour electric bicycles are equipped with suspension that absorbs shocks from the ground to provide a comfortable ride even during long hours of riding. Therefore, they can stably ride not only on bicycle paths but also on general asphalt roads, dirt fields, gravel roads, and various road conditions. The tires used are narrower and less rough than those of mountain electric bicycles, making them relatively advantageous for high-speed riding.

A representative from Samchuly Bicycle said, “Since COVID-19, the number of people seeking electric bicycles as a solo hobby and transportation means has increased. Because electric bicycles have different features depending on the product, it is important to select a product that fits the intended use and purpose. Especially since bicycles require continuous maintenance, safety and after-sales service should also be considered.”

This content was produced with the assistance of AI translation services.