Readers Response final draft

 

The article titled "Bosch Active Line GEN3”, by Gepida (n.d) introduces the Bosch Active Line e-bike drive, its functions, and features. The author emphasizes that using the Bosch Active Line drive eliminates any inconvenience when travelling. As e-bikes gain popularity German engineering company Bosch has developed their e-bike motor drive since 2009. The Bosch Active offers three features for delivery riders. Firstly, it provides pedal assistance with a torque sensor allowing riders to enhance their pedaling effort. Secondly, e-bikes maximize travel range because of their battery capacity enabling deliveries on a charge. Lastly, e-bikes are beneficial for lower body muscles when cycling during deliveries as it is a low-impact exercise that eases the knee joints. The Bosch Active Line drive technology assists food delivery riders in Singapore who rely on e-bikes for income due to their adaptability and versatility. Furthermore, it has the added benefit of allowing riders to travel longer distances without putting excessive stress on their knee joints, maximizing the benefits of cycling.

The key feature of an electric bike is the pedal assist with a torque sensor. The Pedal Assist Systems (PAS) allow e-bike users to improve their pedalling effort. Riders must actively pedal to benefit from the drive provided by their PAS, according to the article (Magnum, 2022). These systems boost the output force of the bike, allowing them to climb hills or combat wind resistance more easily, said Swagtron (2018). This encourages more people regardless of their fitness level or physical limitations to live an active and healthier lifestyle by taking up cycling as there is a decreased physical effort needed to pedal.

In addition, one feature of electric bikes is their battery capacity as it can provide longer range of travel. The lithium-ion batteries in electric bikes enable them to travel much further than regular bicycles. Evans stated in 2023 that riders of a standard e-bike with a 48-volt, 20-ampere-hour, or 960-watt-hour (Wh) battery could travel between 64 and 97 kilometres (approximately 40 and 60 miles), depending on the battery's capacity and model of the e-bike. KBO Bike (2021) stated that the actual range may vary based on several variables, including the rider's weight, the amount of assist used while riding, the terrain, the weather, and any cargo being carried. Delivery riders in particular can benefit from this increased range as it enables them to complete more deliveries in a single trip without having to worry about running out of battery. Due to this, delivery becomes possible to wider areas as it is not only convenient but also effective. Delivery riders can earn more as this efficiency allows them to spend less time charging the battery and have more time to deliver their orders.

Electric bikes' ability to travel long distances is closely linked to their support for low-impact exercise, which is especially beneficial to knee health according to Best Electric Bikes (2021). Riders' knee joints are subjected to less impact when they can cover greater distances with less physical exertion, making their delivery work more flexible and joint-friendly. Cycling has significant benefits for knee health and general joint mobility, as Wang pointed out in 2023. It offers a secure, low-impact aerobic workout that supports lower-body muscle growth. The circular pedalling motion helps maintain and control joint movement, which can reduce inflammation and stiffness (Dumain, 2019).

Singapore is well-known for its carefully designed urban environment, but it is also dealing with the effects of high population density and limited land area (Wu, 2020). As a result, urban area roads and streets are frequently congested, particularly during peak hours (e.g. 7:30 AM to 9 AM, and 5:30 PM to 7 PM), said Leong (2023). This traffic creates a serious safety risk for e-bike delivery riders especially during these hours as e-bikes are not allowed on pedestrian footpath but instead are allowed on the road as it poses a risk to pedestrians due to the speed of the e-bike (Chan G, 2023). The pressure to maximize profits in the highly competitive field delivery, where riders receive payments based on the number of deliveries accomplished during their shifts. This financial incentive frequently drives riders to risk their safety to complete as many deliveries as possible in a short amount of time. However, Bosch has limited their e-bike active line e-bike drive to 25km/h (Bosch, n.d).

In conclusion, The Bosch Active Line drive technology assists food delivery riders in Singapore who rely on e-bikes for income due to their adaptability and versatility. Furthermore, it has the added benefit of allowing riders to travel longer distances without putting excessive stress on their knee joints, maximizing the benefits of cycling.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

References

‌Best Electric Bikes. (2021, May 17). Riding e-bikes knee pain. Best Electric Bikes. https://www.bestelectricbikes.com/riding-e-bikes-knee-pain/

 

‌ Bosh (n.d). Active Line: the smooth-running Bosch motor for eBikes. https://www.bosch-ebike.com/us/products/active-line

 

‌ Chan G. (2023, February 21). More than 5,000 e-bike riders caught riding on footpaths in 2022. The Straits Times. https://www.straitstimes.com/singapore/over-5000-e-bike-riders-caught-for-riding-on-footpaths-in-2022#:~:text=SINGAPORE%20%2D%20More%20than%205%2C000%20power,pedestrians%20and%20riders%2C%20said%20LTA.

 

Dumain, T. (2019, July 10). Cycling and Arthritis: Why Cycling Is Good for Your Joints, and How to Get Started. CreakyJoints. https://creakyjoints.org/diet-exercise/cycling-and-arthritis/

 

Evans, L. (2023, August 17). What’s the Range of a 48V 20Ah Battery? Exploring the distance the E-Bike Battery can take you. Holaty. https://www.holaty.com/blogs/news/how-far-will-a-48v-20ah-battery-go

Gepida. (n.d.). Bosch Active Line GEN3. https://gepida.com/technology/drive-unit/bosch-active-line

KBO Bike. (2021, September 28). What Factors Affect The Range Of An Electric Bike. KBO Bike. KBO Bike. https://kbobike.com/blogs/news/what-factors-affect-electric-bike-range

 

Leong, C. (2023, September 2). Find Out Just How Bad Traffic Congestion Is in Singapore [2023]. Bestinsingapore. https://www.bestinsingapore.co/traffic-congestion-in-singapore/

 

Magnum. (2022, September 14). How E-Bike Pedal-Assist Systems Work: Cadence And Torque Sensors. Magnum Bikes. https://magnumbikes.com/blogs/learning-hub/how-e-bike-pedal-assist-systems-work-cadence-and-torque-sensors

 

Swagtron. (2023, September 29). Can Electric Bikes Go Uphill? — Swagtron. Swagtron. https://swagtron.com/faq/ebike/can-electric-bikes-go-uphill/

 

Wang, L. (2023, September 5). Riding an Electric Bike for Bad Knees or Arthritis: A Comprehensive Guide. Hiboy. https://www.hiboy.com/blogs/news/riding-an-electric-bike-for-bad-knees-or-arthritis-a-comprehensive-guide

 

Wu, D.  (2020). Singapore: the best-planned city in the world. Cathay. Cathay Pacific. https://www.cathaypacific.com/cx/en_HK/inspiration/travel/singapore-the-best-planned-city-in-the-world.html#:~:text=Its%20public%20infrastructure%20%E2%80%93%20comprising%20a,here%20via%20long%2Dterm%20planning.

 

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