Why not try one of these alternatives?
Electric cars are great, and with the Queensland government investing in public charging infrastructure, they are becoming more of a feasible option for people. But the cost of an electric car is still high. So, if what you’re looking for is a zippy option for around Noosa – why not try an alternative electric vehicle?
E-bikes and e-scooters put the power in pedal power
An e-bike is a motorised bicycle, that also possesses a battery that can be charged (such as with home solar panels). Although the e-bike has a motor, it still has all the usual bike parts like pedals and a breaking mechanism. Most e-bikes can go up to around 25kms per hour and are perfect for shorter trips between 5 – 18kms. During peak traffic hours, e-bikes are a great alternative that gets you off the clogged road and around Noosa with a likely faster and more enjoyable trip.
Similarly, an e-scooter is a – you guessed it – motorised scooter, fitted with a battery and an electric motor. Some E-scooters also have the advantage of being foldable, which makes it easier to transport or store at home or work. Most e-scooters can travel between 20 – 30kms in a single charge, but are best suited to shorter trips around Noosa. E-scooters vary in their speed but average a speed of roughly 20kms per hour. Either an e-bike or an e-scooter is a great option for people who are looking to get off the road for local trips. They are also both much cheaper than an electric car. In fact, most e-bike and e-scooter models cost less than $3,000 when bought new.
Get hip and try an e-skateboard
Another option – one that lets you go back to your rebellious youth – is to hop on an e-skateboard. An e-skateboard is a skateboard that comes with a compact battery-operated motor and additional features that help create a smoother journey for the rider. The speed of an e-skateboard is usually controlled by a hand held remote, and the rider can control braking by moving their weight forwards or back. These skateboards can hit up to 30kms, which is why its important to invest in safety equipment – like a helmet – alongside your shiny new e-skateboard. E-skateboards are also very affordable compared to other electric options, with most skateboards retailing for a couple of hundred dollars up to $2,000. So these skateboards are a great, and slightly cheaper option compared to e-bikes or e-scooters, to get you off the road and zipping around Noosa.
Supporting e-public transport
Finally, we should all be encouraging our local Noosa Shire Council and the Queensland State government to support electric public transport options in Noosa. This includes transitioning our bus fleet to electric models and increasing our bus network, as well as investing in other non-petrol public transport options like rail. We should all be able to enjoy an electric transport system that is better for our health and our planet.
If you want to find out more about electric transport and the latest developments check our website at zeroemissionsnoosa.com.au or come and visit the Noosa Electric Vehicle Expo on 19 June 22.
Annika Reynolds
