Are E-Bikes the next "Commuter Cool?"
While surfing the CNN Website, I came across this article. I have seen a couple of these electric bikes at courteous mass rides and at the recent "Light up the Night" event. Never though more about them, but it looks like this might be something to get non-cyclists back on a bike.
But then knowing what I know about the sorry state of bike lanes in Atlanta, I wonder how well recieved they would be by the auto-centric public? Also what kind of response would they get from more "traditional" cyclists (those that prefer people power over electric power on the bike)?
So those that may own one of these e-bikes... what are your thoughts and feeback on them? For the more traditional cyclists, how would you react to an e-bike cyclists? Are they true cyclists? And how do you think the auto-commuting public would react to seeing them on the road? Or would they even notice the difference between an e-bike and a traditonal bike?
On a side note: they still have not fixed the bike lane on the 17th street bridge. Anyway, keep on pedaling and be safe.
John Tackett
- jtackett's blog
- Login or register to post comments
-
%20(.jpeg)%20(1).thumbnail.jpg)
Comments
My E-bike experience
E-bikes can provide a way for people to ride a bike who otherwise might not be able to ride. The assist of an electric motor can change ridding a bike from a unpleasant experience to something to look forward to everyday.
Kits to add electric assist to regular bikes are widely available via the internet. Care must be given to the selection of appropriately sized and powered kits. If you are interested in reading about my build experience, here is a link: http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=522723
Although I built this bike for my wife, I have used it numerous times. I consider it our 2nd car, and use it for short trips to nearby stores. I know I could just take my regular bike, but often I just don't feel like ridding very much after my bike commute home.
A bike is a bike
I agree with Kyle. If the tech is what motivates society more to ride a bicycle, good enough. Maybe some of them will keep riding them, maybe some of them will think "what was the big deal?" after awhile and buy a different bike.
Get 'em out there, at least to start
E-bikes were big at Interbike this year. It appears many manufacturers are banking they will be the next big thing; however, the interest stems more from the green transportation trend than fitness or fun.
That was a point I vocally sputtered at in the CNN article: the guy said he lost 30 pounds in six months, riding his e-bike? Doubtful. The average is 15 pounds in a year for starting commuters. But perhaps he cut down on calories, or began riding a lot.
There's nothing wrong with e-bikes. If people feel that is what they need to get on bikes, then at least they're on bikes, and not in cars. Better for the environment and better for the rest of us, as their visibility will increase awareness.
And so far as judging them against how we cycle: not cool. Like the hipsters, racers or commuters thinking, or saying, the others are less than themselves, just because they ride differently or for other reasons.
My only criticisms of the e-bikes are that they are more expensive and work less against American obesity; however, perhaps the joy of putting the fun between their legs will lead these folks to get another (or several other!) bicycles, of the manual variety.
on the subject of e-bikes
I have a really large number of friends that are bike commuters. I'm completely jealous! I on the other hand recovered from an illness that leaves me unrealiably energetic. Some days I can ride the 5 miles to work/school no problem. Other days a little help is necessary.
When thinking about how people choose to ride, please, please try to see that we all have things going on that we don't wear like signs on our foreheads. I am all for anything that helps people get around more efficiently and more healthfully than they already are.