Electric bicycles and motorcycles are gaining ground and changing the routine of residents of Pontal, SP Known as the city of bicycles, Pontal (SP) has gained a new trend in the urban mobility routine in the last two years: electric motorcycles and bikes. With around 37 thousand inhabitants and predominantly flat terrain, the municipality, which is 38 kilometers from Ribeirão Preto (SP), has built a strong culture around the use of bicycles over the years, but the scenario is slowly changing. The new electric models are consolidating themselves as an alternative for workers, traders and city residents. ?Click here to follow the g1 Ribeirão e Franca channel on WhatsApp "Everyone knows Pontal for being a city of bicycles and today we also see a huge growth in electric bicycles, which are a practical and cheap means of transport in terms of consumption", says the commander of the Metropolitan Civil Guard, Adolfo Oliveira. Salesperson Maria Eduarda Almeida, for example, uses an electric motorcycle to make deliveries and claims that the change has brought more speed to her work. "Much easier and even much faster to deliver and have customer satisfaction because it is faster." Woman riding her electric motorcycle in the central region of Pontal (SP) Reproduction/EPTV Cost-benefit and economy In addition to practicality, the economy is one of the factors that drive demand for vehicles. According to dealer Rafael Ribeiro, owner of a store specializing in the segment, the models offer good autonomy with low charging costs. "These electric bikes today, with one charge, you can travel around 50 kilometers and you will spend R$1.00 in energy to charge." According to him, electric motorcycles available on the market can reach up to 32 kilometers per hour, depending on the model. Electric bicycles and motorcycles gain popularity in Pontal (SP) Reproduction/EPTV Prices vary between R$5,000 and R$12,000. In some cases, adaptations to the seat allow the transport of up to three people, with two adults sitting and a child in the front. Rafael believes that the transformation of mobility in the city is already noticeable and is even arriving in other cities in the region. "Pontal, known as the city of bicycles, is now also becoming the city of electric motorcycles. Mobility has come, it's a reality. We haven't just stayed here in Pontal either, there are many customers even from the city in the region who have been looking for electric bikes." Rules for driving the vehicle The change in vehicle trends also affected the perception of those who are on the street every day. Despite not needing registration, the vehicle has rules and precautions that, according to GCM, are not being complied with. "We walk around the city and observe that people are not taking these precautions. So, whoever has already acquired or purchased these electric bicycles, should avoid committing traffic violations, such as going the wrong way, running red lights, not respecting stop signs." According to the National Traffic Council (Contran), bicycles, scooters, skateboards, hoverboards and unicycles and electric bicycles can travel on city sidewalks and cycle paths, as long as they respect speed limits and rules. In the case of electric motorcycles, identified as mopeds, it is necessary to have a license plate and license, in addition to the driver needing a specific license to operate the vehicle. See more news from the region on g1 Ribeirão Preto and Franca VIDEOS: Everything about Ribeirão Preto, Franca and the region