Electric Bikes - E-bikes for lazy people?

Are ebikes for lazy people? Seems like what most people think when they see one or hear about one.
They can be used to make hill climbing easier, offering an unfair advantage against other cyclists who have to pedal using their own muscles unaided. Are ebikes unfair and for lazy people?

Before you attack...

<---------ebike owner, enthusiast, and rider

No, of course not. Are TVs only for non-creative people? (well, maybe not a good example) I use one for the steep hills but mostly for carrying loads so I can leave my truck home 90% of the time. I am amazed at the e-bikes that are underpowered and seem to be made to do what anyone could do on a regular bike. If they can't help carry a person up a STEEP hill it is worthless it seems to me.
I would much rather lazy people be on e-bikes than in their cars.

that's about like saying a regular bike is for cheap people who wont splurge for the electric.

I commute on an ebike but tour on a touring bike and ride with my wife on our tandem. You don't hammer a nail with a screwdriver.

E-Bikes are for people who have not yet achieved the stamina/endurance to ride a regular bike... ;-)

J/K

Any bike is better than no bike!

Are ebikes for lazy people? Seems like what most people think when they see one or hear about one.
They can be used to make hill climbing easier, offering an unfair advantage against other cyclists who have to pedal using their own muscles unaided. Are ebikes unfair and for lazy people?

Before you attack...

<---------ebike owner, enthusiast, and rider

Answer: no

Case and point: me

I got an ebike 2 years ago right after I quit smoking. I couldn't possibly pedal a bike more than 5kms back then. Now I can do 40kms no sweat, possibly more. I've lost 10 lbs since then as well.

The eBike certainly did help me get back in shape. Now I can ride a regular bike if I want to, and I often transform my eBike back into a regular mountain bike (see my "Transformer bike" thread) in about 3 mins.

I always commute as an eBike though because I don't want to break a sweat just commuting to/from work.

eBikes are not for lazy people. Lazy people don't bike at all! They use cars and SUVs!

if you're on a bike at all, most likely, you're not lazy.

My commute is 23 miles to work... one way. I readily ride my commuter to work and back, because I love to ride. Here's my current setup with the kids trailer. (No, I don't take the trailer to work :) )

http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g280/Patriot1970/DSC00334.jpg

However, because of all the miles I do ride, somedays I'm simply too tired and worn out to ride that far. I have been seriously considering an e-bike conversion for my long commute when I don't want to ride my roadie.

http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/XtraLite/XL3.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/Bike/Commute1.jpg

http://homepage.mac.com/awcg/.Pictures/Bike/Giant/Rug.jpg

I use mine to haul heavy loads up big hills.

ya know...i have a regular Kona bike for when we are camping and such. But here in the burb, I LOVE my new ebike. I can get to karate class in 10 minutes (same as in my car). I can get to the library in 10 minutes (same as in my car). I can get to the grocery store in 10 minutes (same as in my car). I can keep up with my 10-year-old tornado (priceless)

I do not think of myself as lazy with the ebike but BLESSED.

CK

The lazy people are the ones who drive, not considering alternative transportation.

If anything, ebikers are real "go-getters" who take the initiative and find a cleaner way to live, instead of keeping in line with the masses who gain convenience through pollution.

Go ebikes! :)

Now if I could just find a better way to commute in those -40 degree celsius winters, I'd be set..... :(

Now if I could just find a better way to commute in those -40 degree celsius winters, I'd be set..... :(

How about 90+ degree weather in New Mexico? I will have my California tan in two weeks... CK:lol:

I would say ebikers are innovators. People not afraid to try new alternatives and set new trends. I've come across a few persons at works who think we don't exercise. All ebikers do is ride on the electric motor. To all of them, I've suggested they trade rides just once and ride my bike back to my house (15km-10miles) and I'll bring their car over for them. So far, not one has accepted the challenge. :D

How about 90+ degree weather in New Mexico? I will have my California tan in two weeks... CK:lol:

Makes me wonder why people in warmer climates aren't innovators in electric transportation, where cold temps aren't a problem (try making an electric vehicle for -40 C).

I'm planning on riding my ebike up to -10 C or so, possibly -15 C if I can insulate everything enough. My ride to work is only 5km. Don't know how the motor will react in those temps but I wanna try it out.

I'll let everyone know how that goes and at what point I chicken out and take my truck this winter. :) Although a studded rear tire and a ski for the front tire would make a cool ebike when the snow comes!

If you never pedal your e-bike... then that's a small sign of laziness.

If you never pedal your e-bike... then that's a small sign of laziness.

Sometimes, if your legs are soar, it's ok to be lazy, since you obviously weren't lazy to begin with. And of course, at least you can be a little lazy, and not pay for gas. :D

Are ebikes for lazy people? Seems like what most people think when they see one or hear about one.
They can be used to make hill climbing easier, offering an unfair advantage against other cyclists who have to pedal using their own muscles unaided. Are ebikes unfair and for lazy people?

Before you attack...

<---------ebike owner, enthusiast, and rider

The truth is if someone is on a bike unless I know them the information stays in my brain about 10 minutes then is discarded so who cares what I think.

" E-bikes for lazy people?"
No. I think they are mostly for handicapped people.
I think that under 400 watts, they should be treated just like regular bicycles. Over 400 watts they should be treated as motorcycles. All gas powered bikes, scooters, mopeds should be treated as motorcycles.
A powered wheel chair would be treated as a regular wheel chair as long as it is not capable of exceeding 10mph, if it exceeds 10mph it should be treated as a motorcycle.

I get called "cheating" more than lazy. For some reason, when people (who don't bike) learn that I ride an electric bike, their first reaction is, "isn't that cheating?" hmmm... I guess it never occured to them that driving a car is a big way to cheat to get to your destination!!

I get called "cheating" more than lazy. For some reason, when people (who don't bike) learn that I ride an electric bike, their first reaction is, "isn't that cheating?" hmmm... I guess it never occured to them that driving a car is a big way to cheat to get to your destination!!

What I want to know is who am I cheating against?

- I'm not in a race
- I'm not cheating myself

So who am I cheating?

What I want to know is who am I cheating against?

- I'm not in a race
- I'm not cheating myself

So who am I cheating?

Well... yeah, thing is. What you do is you order them to, "Explain what you mean by cheating."

If you never pedal your e-bike... then that's a small sign of laziness.

You mean....I'm supposed to pedal....DARN!:lol: I thought all the work was putting on my helmet, sunscreen, water bottle....

" E-bikes for lazy people?"
No. I think they are mostly for handicapped people.
I think that under 400 watts, they should be treated just like regular bicycles. Over 400 watts they should be treated as motorcycles. All gas powered bikes, scooters, mopeds should be treated as motorcycles.
A powered wheel chair would be treated as a regular wheel chair as long as it is not capable of exceeding 10mph, if it exceeds 10mph it should be treated as a motorcycle.

I've changed my feelings on this. All e bikes, motorized bikes and the like should be treated as motor vehicles and be subject to all requirements of a motor vehicle.
Only exception- motorized wheel chairs for the legitimately disabled, and they should be limited to 4mph maximum speed.

I've changed my feelings on this. All e bikes, motorized bikes and the like should be treated as motor vehicles and be subject to all requirements of a motor vehicle.
Only exception- motorized wheel chairs for the legitimately disabled, and they should be limited to 4mph maximum speed.

And you're wrong.
And just about every lawmaker says you're wrong too.

eBikes are classified differently than mopeds, scooters and so on for a reason. One of which is to encourage the adoption of eBikes as an alternative to cars.

I've changed my feelings on this. All e bikes, motorized bikes and the like should be treated as motor vehicles and be subject to all requirements of a motor vehicle.
Only exception- motorized wheel chairs for the legitimately disabled, and they should be limited to 4mph maximum speed.

Maddyfish.....you're a prize....LOL
Why aren't you in school today?

And you're wrong.
And just about every lawmaker says you're wrong too.

eBikes are classified differently than mopeds, scooters and so on for a reason. One of which is to encourage the adoption of eBikes as an alternative to cars.

I understand that they are not regulated now, but that is wrong. Motorized vehicles need to be regulated.

In the past when they were not very common, their lack of regulation could be excused. But these things will become more popular now that gas is more expensive. You can't have a bunch of unregulated, unlicensed motor vehicles running around everywhere.

Maddyfish.....you're a prize....LOL
Why aren't you in school today?

Couldn't think of anything else to say eh?

Couldn't think of anything else to say eh?

How about, you are right. If it has a motor it should be tagged, and allowed on the road.
No motor means it is a toy and should be required to keep to the sidewalks.

I understand that they are not regulated now, but that is wrong. Motorized vehicles need to be regulated.

In the past when they were not very common, their lack of regulation could be excused. But these things will become more popular now that gas is more expensive. You can't have a bunch of unregulated, unlicensed motor vehicles running around everywhere.

Would you rather have cars instead?

Again, these thigns are not motor vehicles according to the law. And making them "motor vehicles" will bring all the usual motor vehicle problems with it. You don't want that!

The whole purpose of eBikes is to get people out of cars. The type of people that would not normally think of biking at all because of biking downfalls.

Again, legislators did their homework. You sir, are completly wrong.

Couldn't think of anything else to say eh?

I actually agree with him.

You are a "prize". LOL

How about, you are right. If it has a motor it should be tagged, and allowed on the road.
No motor means it is a toy and should be required to keep to the sidewalks.

That's silly.

I don't want to see Segways, electric skateboards, etc. on the roads.
And I also don't want to see bikes on the sidewalks.

PS: If you were just being sarcastic, your forgot the </sarcasm> tag.

Zeuser....Do you get the feeling we are talking to a brick wall?

I understand that they are not regulated now, but that is wrong. Motorized vehicles need to be regulated.

In the past when they were not very common, their lack of regulation could be excused. But these things will become more popular now that gas is more expensive. You can't have a bunch of unregulated, unlicensed motor vehicles running around everywhere.

Because...?

I think the line should be drawn based on a combination of weight, power, and speed of a vehicle. What's the difference between an electric bike that weighs 50lbs going down the path at 15 mph vs a bicycle loaded with schoolbooks that combined weight 50 lbs going down the path at 15mph? Just because one is motorized is not a valid reason to license it.

Maybe e-bikers aren't elite enough in your eyes to share the trails with someone who pedals on their own. Regulation will only discourage people from getting out of their cars. Believe it or not, having more electric bikes out there will benefit all cyclists.

Believe it or not, having more electric bikes out there will benefit all cyclists.

:thumb:

I've been saying this all along!

It keeps my 60 year old knees from hurting and I'm still active. I also enjoy all leading edge products like this for a hobby. I was an early adopter of many things only to find I really was ahead of the curve.
Maybe that one guy is afraid....go easy on him :saweeet:

I first saw the scooter style in BC 5 years ago, and was shocked to find out that they were only allowed in that province....I waited for years for us to catch up....legally...now I look forward to the day we catch up...mentally.

I totally agree.
I do not believe I hear this anti scooter style attitude from BC. There they are totally accepted. I just do not understand the reasoning behind this debate other than the fear of us entering their comfort zone.

Maddyfish, I agree. Let's make it illegal to use anything except a car! And it has to weigh at least 3,000 lbs and be able to go 150mph and get less than 10 miles per gallon. Put everyone else in jail.

Ya know...I am kinda new to this forum as I just got my ebike from Amazon last week. I have been on several forums for camping, etc......Sorry, but is this not getting a little immature?

I think that it will all be worked out...it always has......

Time to shake hands and make nice

Momma CK

Ya know...I am kinda new to this forum as I just got my ebike from Amazon last week. I have been on several forums for camping, etc......Sorry, but is this not getting a little immature?

I think that it will all be worked out...it always has......

Time to shake hands and make nice

Momma CK

Thank You.:thumb:

Momma...I like your style.....
Actually very well accepted in Quebec as well! In my travels they are accepted here to...There is just something about public forums and the anonymity of the writer that seems to bring on this negativity...Everywhere I go on my scooter style e-bike, people are smiling and asking questions and are generally interested. I have lived in the suburbs in the same spot for 30 years and never talked with neighbours except to the left and right of me....Over the last two years at some point when neighbours are out mowing their lawn or watering their flowers, they either wave, smile or give me a thumbs up...They actually are an incredible addition to the planet for many reasons....

That's silly.

I don't want to see Segways, electric skateboards, etc. on the roads.
And I also don't want to see bikes on the sidewalks.

PS: If you were just being sarcastic, your forgot the </sarcasm> tag.

I left out the sarcasm tag, sorry for the confusion.

I've lost 10 lbs in a few weeks on my ebike 'cause I switch it from throttle to manual mode on level ground to save battery power. Try peddling a 75 lb plus ebike on manual mode for several miles and see who's lazy! Those who travel far on an ebike and conserve their battery energy by switching between manual and electric assist pedaling are not exactly cruisin' on a scooter.

Before I installed my e-bike conversion kit this summer, I had stopped riding my bike. I retired to the far NW US Rockies and the hills here were killing my knees. I've put 450 miles on my bike since adding the kit in July (far more miles that I've driven the car). The power assist on the hills is a blessing. I ride every day and don't want to park the bike for winter. I'm ordering fenders and a Nokia studded snow tire for the front wheel so I don't have to park it. (I'm just deciding what gear I need to get myself to keep warm during winter riding.) Time will change your attitude (as well as your body).

I left out the sarcasm tag, sorry for the confusion.

It was clear to me (come on, bike = toy?) but then, I have a vague idea about what you really think about bicycles based on other posts I've read.

for what its worth:

Back when I had no kids, I used to ride an un-powered bike 11km (1-way) to work everyday. It took on average about 35 minutes (longer in the winter) and then I had to shower (luckily I have 1 at my work) which, after changing/drying etc added about 15 minutes so total door to door time was about 50 mins.

Then I had a kid and now I have to rush to get her to/from daycare before/after work. I got an ebike because:
1) it reliably takes me about only about 25 mins to get to work (maybe 30 mins in the winter)
2) I don't have to shower
3) I can still get good exercise on the way home ie I can pedal hard b/c I can shower at home with no time constraints

So its principally a time thing. But there is also the reliability factor. On my un-powered bike, occaisonally, in the winter, my derailleur would freeze up and I would get stuck in whatever gear I happened to be in at the time for the rest of the ride. This did not help me timewise. More speed and reliability counts when the daycare provider charges $$ for every minute you're late.

The beauty of an ebike for commuting (although not the scooter-style with no pedals) is that you can still pedal and get exercise but you'll get there faster, less sweaty (if at all), more reliably, and IMO, more often (taking into account those days where you're tired and would not have biked if you had to do it un-powered)

I don't think it's cheating, considering how short of a distance you typically get with the limited space for batteries. Plus if you peddle assist, your still putting in energy, and at the same time your actually working harder because a motor+batteries aren't light.

Are ebikes for lazy people? Seems like what most people think when they see one or hear about one.
They can be used to make hill climbing easier, offering an unfair advantage against other cyclists who have to pedal using their own muscles unaided. Are ebikes unfair and for lazy people?

Before you attack...

<---------ebike owner, enthusiast, and rider
Motorized bicycles are for people who like to have different fun than on a non-motorized bike.
----
Many people only see their opinion as reasonable, however.
Even within the ranks here there is the "gasoline vs. electric" debate, as well as the "assist vs. plain-motor-drive" debate.
~

Are ebikes unfair and for lazy people?

Mine is custom built by me for me. I maintain it daily, I got grease on my hands (a macho thing :p sometimes i just go to work without cleaning my hands from the grease and women just want to be with me and other men wanna be me :roflmao2:)

Also what I find very rewarding is knowing I can get to work in less the time than using transit system and this with little physical effort and without joining the fleet of cars congesting Toronto roads and for those engine not well tuned, contributing to carbon levels. I don't know the net carbon thing of an ebike vs a car, since a battery needs to be manufactured etc etc and electricity has it origins in some form of i don't know what.. but my gut feeling is it's cleaner.

However, there is another level of danger that comes with operating such a powerful bike (mine goes up to 50 kmh, it's wicked I tells ya !! hope no cops are reading this :innocent:). you must wear a helmet, have proper lighting on front and back, obey road laws and keep within speed limit. breaks on a bike going that fast and that heavy, need i say more. let's stay safe.

I read this thread and felt: you must want me to reply.. because you know I will !!! :D

Cheating in what competition?

Many people on this forum are only capable of perceiving bike riding as a sport.