Ultra Motor, a leader in urban transport solutions introduced the A2B^TM electric bike today to cycling bike dealers at Interbike (Booth #1015), North America’s largest national bicycle trade event. The company also announced results of its first annual Smart Transport Survey. The results indicate that Americans are ready to embrace alternative transportation methods and demonstrates why the A2B is an ideal alternative for urban commuters.

Overall, 80 percent of respondents said they think alternative transportation methods such as electric bikes, smart cars and hybrids are the way of the future. When asked about the main source of future transportation energy, nearly one-third of all respondents believe electricity will be the key energy source that people will rely on for their transportation needs in the next 10 years. This suggests ample market opportunities for electric bicycles such as the A2B, which uses standard household current to recharge its battery just as a cell phone or laptop.

“Alternative transportation offers many clear benefits and it is evident that people are ready for change,” said Chris Deyo, CEO of Ultra Motor USA. “Whether they’re headed to the office, college campus or running errands around town, commuters will find that our A2B electric bikes will fill their transportation needs without emptying their wallet at the gas pump.”

Gas Pains Persist

Though gas prices have dipped slightly from their record highs in recent weeks, Americans are still looking for ways to avoid pains at the pump. Seventy-five percent of commuters who drive to work and 39 percent of college students who drive to school, cite not having to pay for gasoline as the number one reason for switching to an electric bike. College students are also attracted by the relative ease of parking a bike versus a car on campus.

After the price of gasoline, commuters said that stop-and-go traffic is the second-most frustrating aspect of their daily travels to and from work. Seventy-five percent of commuters said getting to and from work is much more challenging than it was five years ago. College students said that delays caused by long walks, traffic congestion and a lack of parking are the top three transportation-related reasons to be late for class.

Eco-Trends

From a green perspective, a notable 90 percent of respondents believe that it is either moderately or vitally important to be eco-friendly. With respect to transportation, being eco-friendly was cited as another rewarding aspect of riding an electric bike. Finally, 60 percent of respondents would rather receive a gift that is good for the environment than a gift that is trendy.

Survey Methodology

The national online survey conducted by Zoomerang, the leader in online surveys, polled two groups, commuters ages 18 to 45, and college students ages 18 to 29. The survey generated a total of 1,082 responses, covering a range of topics from the transportation industry and the gas crunch to the benefits of riding an electric bike and environmental trends.

About Ultra Motor

Ultra Motor provides urban transportation solutions for the global market. With state-of-the-art technology manufactured in Taiwan and a design team in Germany, Ultra Motor is paving the way for innovative, emissions-free personal mobility. The company’s global headquarters are in London, and its US operation is based in San Francisco, California. For more information on Ultra Motor USA, visit www.ultramotor.com/usa.