The bike rack looks more packed than ever this year as Terra Linda High School students are getting involved in the ever growing, green revolution. Two particular students ride electric bikes to school, and they built them from scratch.

Taren Bouwman, a senior at Terra Linda and a part of the MarinSEL class of 2016, found a way to build his own electric bike, and rides it proudly to school everyday. Bouwman explained putting the bike together was simple. He “bought batteries from China, got the kit, and got stuff on Amazon, put it all together, got an old bike, jerry rigged some stuff–it works.” However, if you do not understand what “jerry rigged” means, don’t feel bad. Bouwman does acknowledge that although the process may be simple for him, one should “know electronics” and then adds casually, “there’s a very big danger of killing yourself if you cross wires.” This multi-variable calculus student’s approach to constructing his bike was homemade and very innovative, but his level of engineering experience may not apply to everyone.

Emily Switzer, a freshman at Terra Linda also rides an electric bike; her building process was a little more structured and user friendly. Switzer’s father works with Bicycle Works, where she was able to obtain the supplies, and a working environment for her and her dad to work on the electric bike together. Switzer says, “they’ll help you out, and give you a space to work.” Because her bike was built in a more professional environment, it has a few special features worth highlighting. In fact, Switzer’s bike may solve problems for those who want to be more environmentally conscious, but need the qualities of a car when it comes to space, and power. “There’s a back portion where up to two people can sit,” which Switzer claims is “nice for lunch.” The bike also has two side pouches where Switzer can put her “backpack and [her] volleyball clothes.” Although the bike does slow down occasionally when going uphill, Switzer has gotten it up to thirty-five to forty miles per hour. This is very fast for a bike, but similar to Bouwman’s vehicle, they are best for residential riding, and should probably stay off the highway.

Comparing the two, one might find it interesting how a senior and a freshman can benefit from this environmentally-friendly method of transportation. Bouwman does have his license, and can drive, but he is satisfied enough with his bike to ride it to school. However, underclassmen pay attention, Switzer claims riding her bike gives her “so much more freedom,” because she doesn’t need a driver’s license to ride her bike. Bouwman’s method of building can appeal to those who like figuring things out on their own, and would love a great engineering experience, while Switzer’s method may fit best for those who would like to invest some money, get a bike with car-like benefits, and have a user-friendly experience. Both run on one-hundred percent clean energy, are great for the environment, and are becoming more and more popular. One of Switzer’s friends was inspired to get his own electric bike, and is thoroughly enjoying it as well. The rise of green technology is moving fast, and is becoming easily accessible for everyone who wants to get involved.