Spring fever has definitely hit me! It's been around 70 for the past 3 days and riding my e-bike has been such a blast! 
Having conversations with people along the Greenbelt...pedestrians, cyclists and people outside spending time with their pups! 
Idaho and Cycling - A Great Match!

I sold my truck in July 2021 and have been car-free since. I used my bicycle for transportation until I injured my foot in June 2023, and I purchased an e-bike in September 2023. I love my e-bike, and it's made my life much easier. Still, I've always been an adventurer, and I've been missing taking drives to other areas away from my home. I've been researching vehicles and have even applied for financing got approved, and ordered a new car.

Before I accepted delivery of the car, I had second thoughts and canceled the order. I continued looking at vehicles, watching reviews on YouTube, and contacting local dealers when a car caught my attention. The number of emails and phone calls I've received from the dealerships tells me it must be really tough in the car market right now.
Several articles I read and videos I watched indicated uncertain times ahead for the auto industry and the economy in general.

Further research on the costs of car ownership opened my eyes even more.

• Average Monthly Payment - $726.00 for new and $533.00 for used.  (Source - NerdWallet)
• Average Annual Auto Insurance Premium - $1.982.00 (Source - NerdWallet)

As I mentioned above, I always enjoyed taking trips to areas away from my home which is challenging on a bicycle though not impossible, I rode across the USA in 2017. Still, to take a long trip to visit family or friends would be difficult. I can always rent a car or fly. Plus, I came across a car sharing website called TURO that looks like it may be a great option. If you've used TURO please leave your thoughts in the comments.

During my time being car-free, I've managed through various resources that can deliver anything I've needed.

• Instacart
• Amazon
• Door-Dash
• Uber Eats

I've also utilized ride-share services from Uber and Lyft when needed.

You may have heard on the news that there is a new, totally car-free community in Tempe, Arizona. It looks pretty interesting and they have partnered with bike companies, ride-share businesses and more. The community  includes apartments for rent, with transportation, shopping, restaurants and more all within walking or cycling distance.
Learn more about Culdesac Tempe

If you are a car owner or are just doing research, I recommend checking out the website Caredge.com. The site is run by a 43 year car sales professional and his son. There is a wealth of research resources and they also have an informative and entertaining YouTube channel. The video below I found especially interesting:
IT'S OFFICIALLY THE WORST TIME EVER TO OWN A CAR!

If you're a regular cyclist like me, (car-free since July 2021) you know that riding a bike can be a great way to exercise and save money on transportation. But what if you're looking for a way to make cycling more accessible and enjoyable? An e-bike might be the perfect solution.

After I injured my foot, I haven't been able to ride my “traditional” bike as often or as far as I would like. Additionally, being car-free, I rely on my bike for grocery shopping and other errands plus the occasional commute to the office (10 miles each way), so it seems to me that an e-bike is a great alternative. There are many benefits to switching to an e-bike from a traditional bicycle, and while everyone’s reasons may be different, here are some of the things that have made me make the change (though perhaps not permanent) to an e-bike.

• E-bikes are easier to ride. The electric motor can take some of the strain out of pedaling, making riding more accessible for extended periods. This can be especially beneficial for people with limited mobility, like I do with my foot injury.
• With a properly equipped e-bike, I can carry more gear easily.
• I can ride an e-bike with fenders, lights, and other accessories in most types of weather.

If you're considering switching to an e-bike, there are some things you need to keep in mind. First, you must decide what type of e-bike is right for you. Many different types of e-bikes are available, so it's essential to research and find one that meets your needs.

Second, you must ensure that you are familiar with the laws in your area regarding e-bikes. Some locations have restrictions on where e-bikes can be ridden. Having reviewed the laws in my area and considerable research, I’ve decided to purchase an e-bike.

The e-bike I’ve decided on is the Aventon Level.2 commuter bike. I’ve spoken with owners of Aventon e-bikes, and they are very impressed with them, and it will work well in my area and terrain. (Idaho).

I share information about the buying process, shipping, assembly, and initial impressions.