China is the Electric Bike Capital of the World

In China, last year, the sales of electric bikes (e-bikes) more than doubled the sales of automobiles. 

In total, 21 million e-bikes were purchased in China.  This means the Chinese bought more than 90% of the 23 million e-bikes sold worldwide in 2008.  Simply put, e-bikes dominate China's roads.

An e-bike, at its basics, is a pedal powered machine that also receives an electric boost from a battery.  The immense growth of electric bikes in China's is a direct result of government policy.  In 1991, the government made developing e-bikes an official technology goal.  Many Chinese cities have created extensive bike lanes which allow for easy transportation.  And, the government has also significantly raised licensing fees for gas-powered vehicles.  There are now over 2,600 e-bike manufacturers in China.

The continued development of the e-bike has also put China ahead of the game in terms developing electric cars.  Electric-vehicle analyst Frank Jamerson, says, "what's happening in China is sort of a clue to what the future will be."

Read the full sotry at Time.com:  On the Streets of China, Electric Bikes Are Swarming

Image courtesy of The City Fix