Let's Talk About E-Bikes

   Over the last 5 years we all have seen the explosion of E bikes or even people converting their regular or as some call in the industry “acoustic” bikes with kits and modifications to get a little assist. The bike industry has seen everything go crazy since the start of the pandemic concerning all types of bikes but with electric motors taking over in such a short period of time cities and states have been scrambling to figure out laws and regulations. It clearly has been the “Wild West” when it comes to rules let alone etiquette amongst riders. Rather than touch on the rules of each state or the backlash of many bike shops not wanting to work on cheaper budget E-bikes I would like to tell you how I turned my E-Bike frown upside down.

   As a lifelong cyclist I have always taken pride in getting up that hill on my own power. I also worked hard to get into shape when I did the rollercoaster of weight gain and loss. It is no secret that riding up is not easy but to me the rewards of cresting a mountain climb and seeing something beautiful or just meeting the challenge head on is so gratifying. 5 years ago, I was climbing a beautiful local mountain called Mt. Tam on a dirt trail and was really working hard. The sweat was pouring off my head like a faucet off the tip of my nose and I heard a noise from behind. I assumed at the rate they were approaching it must be some young very fit mountain biker. As they zipped by me it was two older women that did not look in good enough shape to be doing this trail at that pace. Then it hit me as I saw the oversized bottom bracket that it was a mid-drive high end mountain bike. It took me a second to see they were not even barely pedaling and going two and half times my speed up a steep climb. Then it happened...they both looked at each other and laughed. I am sure it was just a pure joy excited fun laugh that had nothing to do with me but let me tell you I took it personal. Why? I really don’t know but it was like I felt that they were cheating and part of riding a bike is to do the work.

  For a few years I scoffed at any E-bike as they zoomed by me on city streets or out on trails. I remember riding with a friend that was a little older than me in his late 50s/early 60s and he said “I might be older and a little slow, but I don’t need an E-Bike yet” As I talked to other cyclists or saw comments on social media it seemed like this was becoming “a thing” with the negativity. I started to meet and talk to cyclists that had E-Bikes andI heard stories on how they could now ride with others in their family due to physical limitations. I heard about how if it wasn’t for the E bike, they would not be able to go to some amazing places and have these life changing adventures. I watched people who just wanted to have fun cover longer distances than they could without some assistance. People that have not been on a bike in years suddenly wanted to get back on the bike with a new sense of excitement. Isn’t that what we all want? Happy people riding bikes? Is it really that important that one person gets to the top on their own power, and another wanted to get a little help? Cycling can be inclusive, but it has always been a very opinionated group. There is nothing wrong with how you feel but to “shame” others who ride an E bike as being “lazy” or “cheating” needs to be reexamined in my opinion.

  I recently got back from my first cycling trip in Europe to the Dolomites for a huge group ride of thousands called the “Sella Ronda” at Passo Gardena, Italy. Over 40 miles of breathtaking roads around some of the most beautiful mountains I have ever seen that climb and descend four passes. They close the road off for 9 hours for this event and everyone rides counterclockwise. I saw bikes of all types and riders of all levels, ages, sizes and genders. Everyone was grinning ear to ear and there were plenty of E Bikes in the mix. Maybe without that assistance they would not be able to experience the ride of a lifetime. One other ride I did was Furka Pass in Switzerland high up in the Alps that was a difficult long climb. There was an older couple up ahead near the top and as I pulled up to them, we chatted for a little while. They were using bikes with rear drive hubs and said how they loved that they could experience one of the most beautiful places on earth by bike because of the extra help it gave them. To see the joy in their faces and hear their story was the final straw. I had been converted. No matter how you get from A to B just enjoy the ride.