E-Bikes Are Real Bikes—and They’re Great for Everyone
E-Bikes Are Real Bikes—and They’re Great for Everyone
From transforming daily commutes to bridging the gap for non-cyclists, e-bikes are the most significant evolution in cycling since the mountain bike—and that’s a win for all.
From transforming daily commutes to bridging the gap for non-cyclists, e-bikes are the most significant evolution in cycling since the mountain bike—and that’s a win for all.
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Why not evolve all the way and get a motorcycle?
It's too fast and too dangerous for me, considering I'm not sitting in a cage designed for crashes. I also don't like wearing a full face helmet all the time, and the thick clothes suck in summer. It would also have to make me drive on the road instead of bike lanes, and a lot of my ways are on gravel like ground and through woods, up and down the hills, taking shortcuts between places. I use it for long and very short distances like going to the shop a kilometre away.
An e-bike is still a bicycle when the battery runs out.
It has cheaper replacement parts, isn't as heavy and doesn't need registration or insurance.
I like riding my bike, in every weather besides thunderstorms, I just don't like working against the wind and uphill, and an e-bike cancels both out.
I ride about 7000 km each year with it.
Riding my e-bike is still a physical workout, just one that takes me further than my regular bike. I can take bike paths or forest paths and don't have to always use the roads. E-bikes are quiet.
Motorcycles would be a step backwards in almost every aspect, except for speed. 😕
A step backwards just for changing the pedals for footpegs and adding a throttle control? I think it's a great step forward, you don't have to get tired anymore.
Just off the top of my head:
- Can you store a motorcycle in an apartment, closet, or under a desk?
- Carry one up or down a flight stairs?
- Drive one legally without training, licensing, and insurance?
- Take one on paths away from traffic and large vehicles?
- Purchase one new for under $1000?
- Safely move kids with it?
- Take one on public transit?
- Service it with basic tools and inexpensive components, even in your own living room?
- Ride one without it making noise?
- Use one to carry cargo (i.e. a week of groceries)?
- Refuel one at home or at the office?
I can come up with dozens of reasons why an e-bike would be better (more practical) than a motorcycle, for pretty much anyone.
I'm not against motorcycles, but they are basically cars with two wheels and far less utility.
Took about 2 minutes to find a two wheeled open seat vehicle powered by a motor (definition of a motorcycle) with most of those requirements. Look up the SWAGTRON Swagcycle. All for about 800€
That's a seated e-scooter.
Are we talking about actual motorcycles or something else?
Where I live (ontario, Canada), the Swagtron you mentioned wouldn't even be allowed to be used legally.
But the definition of motorcycle here is quite expansive, depending on the speed it goes, whether it has two or three wheels, the weight, motor size, etc. They all require special licencing, including "low-speed motorcycles" and mopeds.