Transport Hartford addresses misconceptions surrounding electric bikes and vehicles

HARTFORD, Conn. (WTNH) — Transport Hartford is breaking down misinformation of electric bikes and electric vehicles.

The first is the cost. They said prices have significantly dropped, and the state tax credits make a big difference.

“He saved 11,000 dollars,” said Jay Strange, Transport Hartford Coordinator.

Next is the range. A panelist the group brought in Tuesday night was a woman who traveled coast to coast using an electric vehicle.

Strange said a clear positive is the environmental impacts; whether it’s a e-bike or EV, their zero emissions emit no pollutants like carbon.

“Every time we can get one internal combustion car off the road, that’s going to be better for everybody, for everybody’s air,” said Strange.

State lawmakers have debated a potential gas-power vehicle ban, similar to California, but that legislation hit a political roadblock with pushback from republicans in the Regulation Review Committee.

Now, Transport Hartford wants to extend the state’s use of e-bikes as well, but said safer roads and more charging ports are needed to keep up with the growing industry.

“Figure out safe places here in Connecticut to ride e-bikes. I want to be safe driving a car. I want to be safe riding a bike and I want to be safe walking the street,” said Strange.