As our world becomes increasingly focused on sustainability and reducing our carbon footprint, more and more people are turning to alternative modes of transportation. One such mode that has been growing in popularity in recent years is the electric bike, or e-bike.
From their benefits to the environment and personal health, to their impact on transportation and the economy, these are just some of the reasons why e-bikes are becoming a go-to choice for commuters and recreational riders alike.
Mount Saint Vincent University and Zen Electric Bikes are working together to introduce a brand-new clean-energy powered mobility option to campus, made possible by a grant from HCi3’s Accelerating to Zero Grant Program, which was just announced. It is thought that MSVU’s new electric bike program is the first of its type at a university in Atlantic Canada.
$50,000 will be awarded as part of the Halifax Climate Investment, Innovation and Impact (HCi3) Award. Each of MSVU and Zen E-Bikes will provide $25,000 to the initiative (including funding in the form of in-kind assistance and subsidies).
A Guinness World Record holder and e-bike expert founded Zen, which uses cutting-edge e-bike technology to promote sustainable mobility. A battery research scientist, a senior motor engineer with ten years of experience in electric vehicles, and a tech solution architect are among the co-founders of Zen.
A fleet of 15 electric bikes will be made accessible by MSVU to students, faculty, and staff for use during the fall 2023 semester for both on-campus and off-campus transport (such as for students to go to work, etc.). A brand-new e-bike storage and charging station powered by solar energy will also be a part of this trial initiative on campus.
Pedal-style bicycles with an electric motor installed to assist riders are known as electric bikes. Although the cyclist must still pedal, they can choose how much of a motor boost they want as they do so. The several steep hills on the MSVU campus are well-known. The bikes’ electric propulsion will make it easier for riders to ascend college hills, lessen traffic and parking-related problems, and enhance campus air quality.
This program is in line with MSVU’s objectives to accessibility, sustainability, and community engagement as outlined in our strategic plan, Strength Through Community. The plan, in particular, includes a commitment to guaranteeing a campus infrastructure that satisfies the demands of the university community while being environmentally sustainable.
According to Zen Electric Bikes, 15 E-bikes can prevent 360 tons of CO2 from the atmosphere throughout the course of the product’s lifetime; with the addition of solar panels and a backup charging system, the system is fully net-zero.
The Accelerating to Zero grant program of the Halifax Climate Investment, Innovation and Impact (HCi3) Fund promotes creative initiatives that assist Halifax/Kjipuktuk in achieving its objectives of being net zero by 2050 through a just and equitable low-carbon transition. They back initiatives that either directly lower greenhouse gas emissions or create the framework for just and significant climate solutions to help the area reach net zero emissions. One of the seven nonprofit organizations that together with the Federation of Canadian Municipalities make up the Low Carbon Cities Canada (LC3) Network, which was founded by the Canadian government, is HCi3, a division of EfficiencyOne.
More to this story at https://www.msvu.ca/new-electric-bike-program-coming-to-msvu/
Reference and photo credits to: https://www.msvu.ca/
