Electric Bikes - What's up with all the sarcasm for electric bicylists?

I guess you're right, my limited mind doesn't understand, but at least my legs are not so limited that I can't get up the hills without a motor.

Alberta. That's on the Great Plains, is it not? Pretty flat, eh? Come to West Virginia and try some of our mountains on a nonmotorized bike. We have some hills right in Charleston that Lance Armstrong or Floyd Landis would find challenging, and many which are impossible unless you are a trained athelete on a top-of-the-line machine.

It's all a question of where you want to draw the line really. True, bikes are human powered, BUT the human is aided by gears- the mechanics of a bike make it easier on the rider. So what's the difference of adding a little juice into the equation? Again, as I see it it's all a matter of where one draws the line. Also, have many people who are not necessarily in favour of electric bicycles actually tried one? From what I understand the motor aids the rider, much like gears aid one too? Also, if a cyclist thinks of electric cyclists as lazy, shouldn't a jogger/runner think of cyclists as lazy? Just my thoughts.

Well, the singlespeeders and fixed-gearists look down their noses at those of us who ride geared bicycles, don't they? It is part of human nature to try to establish a pecking-order.

from the stokemonkey site:

"Most electric bike products are designed for people who don’t, won’t, or can’t ride regular bicycles. Stokemonkey is different. We don’t believe in replacing human power with electricity; we believe in replacing cars for tasks that even the strongest cyclists seldom if ever choose to handle without a car. Developed in a car-free household, Stokemonkey is for fellow riders who want to become more completely independent of cars in their daily lives."

more here--> http://cleverchimp.com/products/stokemonkey/

I think there are some very good reasons for electric assist.
Exactly, I have no car so I am fitting an Xtracycle, as soon as funds permit I will fit a Stokemonkey.
I expect I will get comments, unless they are particularly barbed, I will laugh them off or ignore them.
The ones I expect to get going up a steep hill with 2 50lb boxes of cat litter will probably not be disparaging! :)

Other "joys" of sharing the road that I haven't have to endure on an ebike include: getting cused out by the drunk redneck in a pickup, the kind incentive to pick up the pace from the thrown bottle to the back of the head, and the ever so considerate high speed buzz. Why only a few MPH increase on the human/electric hybrid bike makes all the difference to the stupid cagers I can't fathom, but I can tell you it is a night and day experience.
Thanks for this info LandLuger, this is one of the reasons I want an electric assist, I feel that if I can
stay with the traffic better I will be safer.

It's too bad we can't make this thread visible in two forums (or can it?). I would really like to hear from regular cyclists.

It's all a question of where you want to draw the line really. True, bikes are human powered, BUT the human is aided by gears- the mechanics of a bike make it easier on the rider. So what's the difference of adding a little juice into the equation? Again, as I see it it's all a matter of where one draws the line. Also, have many people who are not necessarily in favour of electric bicycles actually tried one? From what I understand the motor aids the rider, much like gears aid one too? Also, if a cyclist thinks of electric cyclists as lazy, shouldn't a jogger/runner think of cyclists as lazy? Just my thoughts.
I agree with you but i use my bike for two things: commuting and exercise . I can use an eBike for commuting or i can run for exercise, but only with the bike i can both at once.

I agree with you but i use my bike for two things: commuting and exercise . I can use an eBike for commuting or i can run for exercise, but only with the bike i can both at once.

That's a huge misconception by people who haven't tried e-bikes. You DO get exercise. You actually get MORE because you'll likely ride it more often. And the intensity is all up to you. If you put the same effort in as a regular bike, you just end up going a little faster. Will it make your workout a little shorter because you get there quicker? I don't think that's too much to complain about. But if you did need to get that critical 5-10 more minutes of exercise for that 10 mile ride, then just turn off the assistance or set it really low.

Also, I'm sure that you're not trying to exercise EVERY time you commute. So you can just ride a little easier on commute runs when you don't need a big workout.

Good points. I guess i just enjoy doing all the work by myself. But such a bike is certainly useful and i'll probably get one someday :P


http://www.atob.org.uk/electricbikeadvantages.htm
Great read and great points. Reading it makes me realize that compared to it a car is useless except in special cases.

Good points. I guess i just enjoy doing all the work by myself. But such a bike is certainly useful and i'll probably get one someday :P


Great read and great points. Reading it makes me realize that compared to it a car is useless except in special cases. One of those cases is enjoying the quiet scenery for 72 miles while climbing a Volcano to
10,005 feet in elevation and back to the beach pedaling when you feel like it.Without using any gasoline and going faster than any human powered only bike or ebike that is available... yet!

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=-7383462249632414840&q=ecyclemaui&total=6&start=0&num=10&so=0&type=search&plindex=5

http://www.evworld.com/article.cfm?storyid=562

I'm intrigued by the concept of regenerative braking on downhills.

I'm not an engineer or physicist, but I've been told by people who are that there isn't enough mass involved in bicycles for regenerative breaking to work. Even the lightest of cars are so much heavier than even the heaviest of bicycles that one can get a great deal of regenerative energy from the brakes, but even the heaviest bikes are so light that meaningful regenerative engergy cannot be extracted.

My eBike is a mountain bike, just like my older one. I would climb up hills that other people, even those way more fit than I am, would have to get off and walk their bike the rest of the way up.

I think you're missing the point. The same type of bike with the same person will go faster and go easier uphill with an eBike assist setup. Doesn't matter if you're well trained. Add 100% assist and you'll become superman.

Yamaha proved this with a well trained athelete and a special racer eBike they built. It was a run of the mill racer bike with an assist system added on. The well trained athlete went faster.

http://www.yamaha-motor.co.jp/global/news/1999/05/19/images/feature-e.jpg That only proves Yamaha has a crappy ebike.
I have written Lance many times to challange my $80. Huffy MTB ebike and I in a race of his terms up to 100 miles. He never responded back.I already went up a volcano during a http://cycletothesun.net/ race several times to the creater rim at 9,900 feet in eleavtion and the closest human powered racer was 20 minutes behind the first time I tried.This is the longest hill climb bicycle race in the world.

Instead of trying to beat pedal cyclists with your electric bike, why don't you try racing other electric bikes if you want competition? There appears to be plenty of track and field facilities in your area, so all you need to do is video some laps around the track with a stopwatch visible in the frame.

http://www.co.maui.hi.us/parks/maui/central/WarMemorialKeopulaniPark.htm

Instead of trying to beat pedal cyclists with your electric bike, why don't you try racing other electric bikes if you want competition? There appears to be plenty of track and field facilities in your area, so all you need to do is video some laps around the track with a stopwatch visible in the frame.

http://www.co.maui.hi.us/parks/maui/central/WarMemorialKeopulaniPark.htm LOL I dont have to try.They just happen to be company for a few seconds.I dont need to race ebikes either.If there is any other ebike that is available that can realisticaly perform as well on the valley isle hills I would have just baught one.Since there is not such a product and anyone wants to prove they made a more efficient system they can do the same feats if they like.Racing on flat land proves nothing.

That only proves Yamaha has a crappy ebike.
I have written Lance many times to challange my $80. Huffy MTB ebike and I in a race of his terms up to 100 miles. He never responded back.I already went up a volcano during a http://cycletothesun.net/ race several times to the creater rim at 9,900 feet in eleavtion and the closest human powered racer was 20 minutes behind the first time I tried.This is the longest hill climb bicycle race in the world.

http://www.recumbents.com/wisil/racing2006/dempsey2006.htm

I'm sure the top finishers would be happy to race you for the right amount of cash. What's your Wh/km consumption like at 47mph anyways?

http://www.recumbents.com/wisil/racing2006/dempsey2006.htm

I'm sure the top finishers would be happy to race you for the right amount of cash. What's your Wh/km consumption like at 47mph anyways? Do you think the top finishers were not trying when I beat them to 1/4 mile from the finish line by 20 minutes after THEY were racing for 35 .75 miles up hill ? Since it takes over four times the wattage in wind resistance as going 20 mph and is illegal why go there ?
http://www.noontimenet.com/CraterCam/

That only proves Yamaha has a crappy ebike.
I have written Lance many times to challange my $80. Huffy MTB ebike and I in a race of his terms up to 100 miles. He never responded back.I already went up a volcano during a http://cycletothesun.net/ race several times to the creater rim at 9,900 feet in eleavtion and the closest human powered racer was 20 minutes behind the first time I tried.This is the longest hill climb bicycle race in the world.

You should race an optibike rider.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oOADbRYDl8g

How heavy is your bike? To me, if you can rack it on a regular bike rack (like on a bus or a car), it's still considered a bicycle.

I would never say anything to a stranger, that is rude. But I would sure be thinking some elitist things, like:
1) Isn't the bicycle efficient enough? -- either motor or bike, not both!
2) how lazy are you?
3) geez, what a puss!

Just being honest.


I'll follow your example in being blunt and honest - you're a fool.

People have different physical capability at any age, and people's ability to put out energy fades as they age. Who are you to have snide thoughts about an individual quietly riding his ebike to work? If electric assist means that a not very fit person rides a bike rather than driving a <20 mpg car, so much the better. If a 55 year old person decides they'd like a bit of electric assist to get up the hills, what has it got to do with you? I'm 56 years old and ride my folder 20 miles every other day. I'm well aware that when I was 25, I could ride my road bike 40 miles in 2 hours and feel a similar degree of tiredness. I can see the day when I might get a lot of pleasure out of electric assist. It isn't yet, but when it's time I'll put two fingers up to any young fool who thinks he's better just because he hasn't lived very long yet.

I've been lurking here for a while, but this topic is an excellent read, so I have to jump in here.

I'm 44 years old, my knees got destroyed when I was a teenager and I've used a mobility scooter since 2003 at work, and on family trips. Fortunately using that scooter has given my knees a bit of time to heal such that I haven't used it in the last 12 months. When I lost the ability to walk I could have simply given up, but I'm not a quitter, so in the three years that I used the scooter I was also looking at ways to get walking again. So today I'm back to walking all day at work. That's without surgery or any other intervention using tax payers money!

I live 5 kms from work, I drive a 1997 GMC Sierra pickup with a 5 litre V8 engine. Costs me $150 per month in gas alone.

Recently I picked up an e-bike, realize that it is physically impossible for me to pedal a bike anywhere. My understanding of the e-bike program in Ontario is that it is facilitate people who just can't physically make it on a regular bike. While I think their intent was for people not in shape enough to ride to their destination, I also read it to include me.

I have gone for a "bike" ride with my 13 year old son for the first time in his life, and with my wife for the first time in over 15 years. Once I learned about the program the decision to get this bike was a no brainer. The joy on my son's face during our first ride together was absolutely priceless and worth any derision that the "real" cyclists may throw my way.

So if you happen to be in the Ancaster Ontario region and see me on my burgundy Daymak scooter, you can call me a lazy puss if you like, but smile when you say it. :D

Have a great one everyone.

Remember; if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.

We now return you to your regular programming

T...I already went up a volcano during a http://cycletothesun.net/ race several times to the creater rim at 9,900 feet in eleavtion and the closest human powered racer was 20 minutes behind the first time I tried.This is the longest hill climb bicycle race in the world...

I seem to be hearing that you actually lost that race to human powered bikes. Don't get too cocky.

I seem to be hearing that you actually lost that race to human powered bikes. Don't get too cocky. Now that depends if I was even racing and where my finish line was ? The real race was being the first electric vehicle to ever climb a 10,005 foot mountain on battery power.

Oh Randy..... The event was about reaching the top of the volcano FIRST! Were you the first one to the top? If not, you LOST the race. It's plain and simple. The only reason nobody has beaten your unofficial 'record' thus far is that you're an ocean away and nobody really cares enough to bother. One more thing ..... Don't forget that 3 guys on non-power-assist bicycles beat you..... How tough would it be for someone with a properly thought out ebike? Be careful what you ask for.

Robbie

I have written Lance many times to challange my $80 Huffy.

That's a coincidence! I've called Lance several times to challenge my 1989 Honda Accord. He hasn't shown up for me either? Go figure....

Robbie

The only reason nobody has beaten your 'record' thus far is that you're an ocean away and nobody really cares enough to bother.
Robbie If there were any ebike companies that wanted to prove there performance they have a challange at least.

Okay Randy. I challenge you, man-to-man to a race up Everest. Now you have an equally ridiculous challenge.

Robbie

Okay Randy. I challenge you, man-to-man to a race up Everest. Now you have an equally ridiculous challenge.

Robbie Ok meet me there next Sunday.

If there were any ebike companies that wanted to prove there performance they have a challange at least.

Some companies like going after records that are actually recognized:
http://www.greenspeed.us/machine-x_burro_bike.htm

Some companies like going after records that are actually recognized:
http://www.greenspeed.us/machine-x_burro_bike.htm That leaves you out.

That leaves you out.

I'm not trying to set any world records...

While it's great that your bike made the trip up the volcano in 4th place, until it's published somewhere, a world record it's not.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cycling_records

That leaves you out.

That only matters to those that are falsely trying to claim records. That means you Randy. There's always a bright side, however. You've got to be approaching a world record for obstinance? How many message boards has it been now?


Robbie

That only matters to those that are falsely trying to claim records. That means you Randy. There's always a bright side, however. You've got to be approaching a world record for obstinance? How many message boards has it been now?


Robbie Yeah, enough of these bogus records crap, just e bikes especially hub motors is what I want to hear about. Everybody with me here?

Yeah, enough of these bogus records crap, just e bikes especially hub motors is what I want to hear about. Everybody with me here?

I'd like to hear about any types of powered drivetrains. Bogus records not so much...

Just wish to add to the comments about how matching speeds with the other traffic is safer. This is the conventional wisdom, and I think it is true. However, I find another reason that power-assist can make two wheels safer is that the great/easy acceleration (with assist) makes it "easier" to *slow down* around intersections and visual obstructions etc... knowing that the faster speeds can be gained back easily... Too often there are stories about cyclists moving at speed straight through lights and stop signs etc.

tks

Lock

Yeah, enough of these bogus records crap, just e bikes especially hub motors is what I want to hear about. Everybody with me here?
Yup - the little girls are bitc*ing again. They just can't help themselves. Ruins the forum totally.

Just wish to add to the comments about how matching speeds with the other traffic is safer. This is the conventional wisdom, and I think it is true. However, I find another reason that power-assist can make two wheels safer is that the great/easy acceleration (with assist) makes it "easier" to *slow down* around intersections and visual obstructions etc... knowing that the faster speeds can be gained back easily... Too often there are stories about cyclists moving at speed straight through lights and stop signs etc.

tks

Lock

Another reason it's safer to be closer to the cars' speed is it will irritate the drivers less often.

Yeah, enough of these bogus records crap, just e bikes especially hub motors is what I want to hear about. Everybody with me here?

Yup 100% I couldn't care less about those two arguing over the records and claims.

Fortunately Robbie Hatfield and his sock puppet accounts have been forever banned. And Bobby Kapveld has kept quiet since too.

I read an outstanding technical argument that he made in favor of using ebikes on the commuting forum. The roadies had to gang up on him and resort to name calling because they couldn't present a more solid argument.

http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=316083

It's too bad that thread was closed. It frustrates me reading about the "need more exercise" argument against ebikes in the commuting forum. You just go in circles trying to convince them that ebikes gives you better and even more exercise than regular bikes.

The best argument I've seen for not getting an ebike is if you want the satisfaction of accomplishing the commute or ride on your own power. When I participate in big organized rides, I like taking the regular bike out because completing the ride event with my own two legs is my main goal. But when I'm commuting to work, running errands, I don't need that as my goal so an e-bike is perfect for all my practical reasons and even for getting exercise.

I've test ridden an Elec Trec and a BionX set up and was surprised how much effort I needed to/could expend. I'm seriously considering an electric set up for my commute as I currently have 7-8 hilly miles (mostly uphill on the way in). I'd like to get to and from work a bit quicker, I'm currently at about an hour going in and 35 minutes coming home. Any suggestions for an E upgrade or outright e-bike purchase?

You can easily get the same or better work out by pedaling harder with power assist.

I read an outstanding technical argument that he made in favor of using ebikes on the commuting forum. The roadies had to gang up on him and resort to name calling because they couldn't present a more solid argument.
http://www.bikeforums.net/showthread.php?t=316083
Interesting. The bad behaviour was unfortunate though...

Just to add to that thread, I might point out that riding a little two-wheeler in congested urban traffic consisting of huge, heavy and high powered vehicles is about the most dangerous form of exercise on the planet? Just about any other form of exercise would be safer...

And exerting yourself such that your respiration rate is elevated, while alongside rows of smoking tailpipes increases exposure to emissions?

That to the extent exertion leaves one tired, and perhaps then less attentive, this will makes things more dangerous too?

Turns out, a bike with power-assist is the safest form of motorized vehicle on the planet... for *everyone else* around you.

So far, in one informal survey, 100% of respondents have indicated they would rather be hit by me on my little two-wheeler, rather than me in a Toronto Parks Department minivan.

tks

Lock
human-electric hybrid pedestrian

I've test ridden an Elec Trec and a BionX set up and was surprised how much effort I needed to/could expend. I'm seriously considering an electric set up for my commute as I currently have 7-8 hilly miles (mostly uphill on the way in). I'd like to get to and from work a bit quicker, I'm currently at about an hour going in and 35 minutes coming home. Any suggestions for an E upgrade or outright e-bike purchase?

Why not go with the BionX kit? It's pricey, but it sounds like it's what you're looking for.

Any suggestions for an E upgrade or outright e-bike purchase?
Hi Erik.
One of the "maxims" that seems to come up regularly in the EV community is that a vehicle designed and built as an EV will be better than a conversion...

I think this thought is more often in regard to four-wheel vehicles, but anyway...

I am familiar w/motor w/sprockets and chain, and I am sick of this. I now have a hub motor to play with. There are arguments pro/con hub versus chains etc, but at this point I am more interested in *quieter* and more reliable/simpler. Hence the hub.

If I were electrifying a bike I like the idea of a drop-in replacement for the front wheel (if the forks are strong enough and wide enough) with another wheel that has the hub motor. This is the minimum amount of mucking about with the existing bike, versus a rear wheel hub install.

Helps to spread the weight around too, versus motor and batts both installed to the rear.

There are others here w/way more experience and expertise than I so I hope you get other opinions.

There is already lots online - threads where the various options come up. Do lots more reading/"listening"<smile>

tks

Lock

ps... Oh yeah, and if you "lean" on the electrics too much for fast starts and quick acceleration (bad behaviour but terrific fun), the spokes can get like rotten teeth... Electric torque chews spokes and rubber... So make sure spokes are up to the job... The hub motor I have now is cast as a 16" wheel, so no more spokes for me either!

Thanks for the info. I would go out and get the BionX today if it wasn't so pricey :) I appreciate the opinions on hub v. chain drive. I lean toward the front hub myself for the reasons you express Lock. Although the Charger electric only costing $749 is intriguing.

Lock,
What sort of hub wheel do you have? My current bike is a Downtube Mini with 16" wheels, so yours sounds like a great solution.

One more question. I see that Wilderness Energy has some refurbished kits for a pretty reasonable price which I thought might be a good introduction to ebiking. Does anyone have an opinion on their product? Specifically the brushed 16" wheel version. Thanks again for all the useful answers as well as the great previous discussions that I've been scouring.

Lock,
What sort of hub wheel do you have? My current bike is a Downtube Mini with 16" wheels, so yours sounds like a great solution.
Hi Erik.
Here is a thread from another (great) forum site which illustrates my concerns about brushed (hub) motors:
http://endless-sphere.com/forums/viewtopic.php?t=431

The 16" cast wheel/hub I have at the moment will serve for proof-of-concept. It was given to me by Joshua at EVSolutions:
http://www.evsolutions.net/

It was made by Kenny and the good folks at Forward & Fortune Co who make the Crystalyte brand of hubs...
http://www.crystalyte.com/

If all goes well I will repay Joshua by ordering truckloads of brushLESS cast hubs...

The 16" is for me a trade-off. I am only familiar with 12.5", but it is impossible to get quality rubber for 12.5"!

16" gets me into the good stuff (street rubber) from folks like Maxxis and Schwalbe.

The cast wheel is heavier (slightly) than rim and spokes, but this too is a trade-off, reliability and zero maintenance versus the extra weight and slower acceleration (wheel weight is better at hub than at rim, so spokes/rim require less energy to "spin up"). I need "bullet-proof" in the Reliability Dept.

I don't know whether Crystalyte has a cast wheel in regular production at the moment. They used to, but I don't think there was enough demand?

tks

Lock

My commuting bicycle is a road bike with the Bionx system added. It helps me get around 20% faster and it's a little less sweat and wear on the body. I think it's ideal for commuting. And it's safer on the roads because cars have a little more time to see me from behind.

But I still get the snide remarks when I answer people's question, "what's that thing on your bike" (it's a battery):

"Isn't that cheating?"
"Wooow" (sarcastically by a road who cruised by me.. I was just taking it slow that time)
"That takes all the work out"
"that's cheating man"
"that's being lazy"

If I'm cheating, isn't driving a car to work the ultimate way to cheat? I'm not racing anyone, so I don't get why I still get these remarks. Do other electric bicyclists get these remarks as much as I do? Is It cheating to ebike quietly past gridlock traffic stuck on the road not buying gas or paying highway taxes? To all the car drivers and the government YES it can be considered cheating big time. As far as the Lycra racers are concerned .. they want to controll use of the bikeways for there own sad bunch of weekend girl scouts wearing tights.

My only problem is i can't afford an e system lol. Other wise i would be running one. Also i hate charging batts.

I've been lurking here for a while, but this topic is an excellent read, so I have to jump in here.

I'm 44 years old, my knees got destroyed when I was a teenager and I've used a mobility scooter since 2003 at work, and on family trips. Fortunately using that scooter has given my knees a bit of time to heal such that I haven't used it in the last 12 months. When I lost the ability to walk I could have simply given up, but I'm not a quitter, so in the three years that I used the scooter I was also looking at ways to get walking again. So today I'm back to walking all day at work. That's without surgery or any other intervention using tax payers money!

I live 5 kms from work, I drive a 1997 GMC Sierra pickup with a 5 litre V8 engine. Costs me $150 per month in gas alone.

Recently I picked up an e-bike, realize that it is physically impossible for me to pedal a bike anywhere. My understanding of the e-bike program in Ontario is that it is facilitate people who just can't physically make it on a regular bike. While I think their intent was for people not in shape enough to ride to their destination, I also read it to include me.

I have gone for a "bike" ride with my 13 year old son for the first time in his life, and with my wife for the first time in over 15 years. Once I learned about the program the decision to get this bike was a no brainer. The joy on my son's face during our first ride together was absolutely priceless and worth any derision that the "real" cyclists may throw my way.

So if you happen to be in the Ancaster Ontario region and see me on my burgundy Daymak scooter, you can call me a lazy puss if you like, but smile when you say it. :D

Have a great one everyone.

Remember; if you're not part of the solution, you're part of the problem.

We now return you to your regular programming

Yes it does get tougher. I cannot possibly bike 50kms distance like I can on my e-bike and have great respect for those with the physical condition to do so. But not everyone is an athlete.

Isn't road biking just another way of cheating?

Running to work would be the best workout, wouldn't it? You're spending a lot of energy while making the commute as efficiently and quickly as your body will allow you to. Buying a cheap mountain bike on craigslist greatly increases the efficiency of your body, allowing you to get to work sooner and with less energy expended. This is less of a workout, and from the point of view of a purist runner it would be cheating. On the other hand, it has the obvious benefit of getting you to work quickly and cheaply, while still providing a workout.

Spending $800 - $1000 for an entry-level road bike increases your efficiency yet again. When I was younger and didn't have $800 to spend on a road bike, it certainly felt like spandexters were cheating. They spent loads of money on an ultralight carbon fiber bike in order to go faster - while spending the same amount of energy as I did on my heavy mountain bike. From a competitive standpoint, what's fair about that? But are they actually cheating? I'd say that it's just a different form of transportation. I didn't feel like my bike was cheating, even as I passed joggers on my way to school -and I doubt the spandexters felt they were cheating me when they road past me in a tuck.

I don't jog. I don't bike for the sole purpose of the exercise, although it is high up on my list of why I choose a bike over a motorcycle or scooter. For me, and for many others, biking is a cheap way to get to work. In America that's not the main point of bicycles, but in most countries it is. And ebikes make more economic sense than road bikes. This is a fairly new development: it's cheaper to buy a good ebike than an entry-level road bike. It's even cheaper to add an ebike kit to your mountain bike, if you're choosing between upgrading to a road bike or to an ebike for your commute. Many purist road bikers are in excellent physical shape, which is both a reason they choose cycling and a result of their choice. For this reason, you might still see arguments for commuting by road bike over ebiking. But dollar for dollar and with the same rider, an ebike will get you to work in less time.

An average cyclist will get a higher average speed with an ebike than a road bike, and he'll pay less to do so. Isn't that the whole point of commuting on a bicycle? An ebike is less physically demanding than a road bike. Isn't that the whole point of bicycling in general? Mile for mile or minute for minute, running is a better workout than a heavy bike, a heavy bike is a better workout than a road bike, and a road bike is a better workout than an ebike (at full throttle). That's what happens when your commute gets more efficient - your workout shortens. This also allows for longer commutes, which in my case makes all the difference in the world.

One thing I largely left out was the "fuel cost" of using an electric bicycle. To preempt the protests, it's a completely false argument. The cost of electricity is so low per mile that in most cases it would be more expensive for the commuter to replace the food calories.

To sum up my long-winded point, it's not about the workout for some of us. It's about transportation. Even road bikers would agree that's part of the allure. If they got the same workout but averaged 5 miles an hour, there just wouldn't be that many bikers around. As for me - I want to get to work in a reasonable amount of time without paying dearly for each mile, and I want to get some exercise. I'm going to ride an ebike and you're not going to even notice. The batteries are in my lunch box and the hub motor is as large as the disc brake on my mountain bike. Enjoy your sweat and your shower, and I'll see you at the water cooler.