Why e-bikes are awesome
While reading an article describing the massive international uptake of electric bikes, I realised that for the first time in my life I was an early adopter of something. I am usually behind the eight ball with new technology, but as an electric bike rider since 2010 I was practically on the bleeding edge of early adoption. However, in 2018 e-bikes are now everywhere, even in New Zealand.
For holdouts wondering what all the fuss is about, here are my top five reasons to take the plunge.
Speed: I had been flirting with the idea of an electric bike for awhile, but the final straw was being caught in three traffic jams on a short car trip. I could have walked faster. From being first through lights, using bike lanes, and being able to park near my destination, I find journeys under 8km take a similar time to a car, despite only going at 28kmh.
Wind: A major downside of riding in Christchurch is having to battle the northeast wind. This menace is as regular as clockwork in summer, and a drag to have to face after work every afternoon. On an electric bike – no problem.
Clothes: To avoid sweat, needing a shower and another set of clothes, bike journeys had to be kept less than 5km. With an electric bike you can wear whatever you like. Even cold winters are fine. While other cyclists wait to warm up, I put on a puffer jacket and stay nice and cosy. Admittedly, rain is still a problem, but not getting clammy in wet weather gear is a huge improvement. Safety: This might be less obvious, but having the ability to accelerate rapidly, and being able to give my full attention to random car drivers, rather than peddling, has meant that negotiating traffic was far less problematic. Regular close calls have become far rarer. Money: I confess cost, rather than fitness or environmental concerns, has been my main motivation to bike. While the initial outlay is a bit more than for normal bikes, electric bikes are way cheaper to run than a car.
But the real bonus is that electric bikes make getting rid of a car, and avoiding the massive depreciation cost, a distinct possibility. One of my ‘‘later adopting’’ friends admitted that he hadn’t realised what having an electric bike would mean. Previously, only 50 per cent of his journeys could be easily done on a normal bike. With an electric bike this figure jumped to about 90 per cent. It basically relegated his second car to the garage.
However, if you are ready to take the leap there are a few warnings. Normal cyclists will judge you. Not only are you violating some sense of ethical purity associated with using a ‘‘proper bike’’, you will face the inevitable ‘‘you won’t get fit on that’’ comment. To which the only response is ‘‘I am comparing this to a car, not a bike’’.
As for car drivers, be gentle. It can be difficult to admit that a bike could be more convenient and pleasurable than a car. In my experience, they simply do not believe that whenever possible I would prefer to use an electric bike over a car.
The other warning is slightly strange. Early on a friend pointed out that the other person he knew with an electric bike ended up in Golden Bay smoking dope. I know what he is getting at. Riding at 28kmh feels very quick, on an electric bike it feels like a dawdle. Becoming a hippy feels like a distinct possibility.
My electric bike is no longer unique, so to keep ahead of the game I have bought an electric cargo bike. Now Jess the dog is happy as well, as she can come along for the ride.
Top that, you technological laggards.