draganm

This doesn't really annoy me all that much, at least not yet, but are you guys starting to see more E-bikes? In case you don't know, they're easy to spot cuz they'll pass you while your pedaling 18mph up-hill and the "cyclist", on what looks like a 35 pound beach cruiser, won't even appear to be trying very hard (hint, their legs are moving but they're not really pedaling)
right now they're not much of a nuisance, and if you drop the hammer you can still shake them off since their top speed is typically less than 25mph and the battery is dying quickly at that point ( not sustainable).

Can you see coming across hundreds of these though on your favorite ride? Especially the ones piloted by Seniors, teenagers, and mom-pop , with almost zero bike handling skills pulling up next to you in a 50 to 60 pound tank?

Slick Madone

I haven't come across any, but don't see what the issue is? If it helps seniors get out more, who am I to complain about that?

nycphotography

Yeah well. I don't mind them most of the time, even when they pass me.

But wrong way down the bike lane at 25 mph? Flying up onto the crowded sidewalk at 25 mph? See that every day. But it's really just the same crap we've had forever in NYC w/ the delivery bikes, except now they're on 45 lb bike, don't have to pedal, and pay even less attention to what's going on around them.

But the real issue is: They clog up all the KOM's and leader boards on their e-bikes. Strava will eventually have to limit KOM's and leader boards to ride files w/ power and HR data.

99Klein 

Don't see the issue here. People seem to need something to complain about.....reminds me of drivers.

WhyFi

Would you rather they were in cars?

Doctor Morbius

Yeah, those E-bikes really bug me too. You know what else bugs me? Having to dodge a bunch of old people riding those electric carts at the grocery store. That's really annoying. Just wish they would get out of the way. Maybe they need to be euthanized or something.

VinceB

I think they're great. I'll hop into their draft into the offshore wind, and I'll save a lot of time on my commute.

SethAZ 

I haven't run across any e-bikes yet. Not sure I'll care that much when I do. The people who are out cycling right now where I live are doing it because they want to. Not sure any of the cyclists I know will switch. The people most likely to get into e-bikes are those who currently use a bike strictly as a means of low to moderate-distance transportation, and aren't into cycling per se.

This reminds me of when I lived in Switzerland in the late 80s and used to blow past all these teenagers on their Mofas (mopeds). They were strictly regulated in terms of power output, and weren't hard at all to beat, even on the crappy beater I was riding. I can see it being the same way with these new e-bikes. What might be different are normal road-style bikes with this integrated hidden motors that only give a slight boost over what the cyclist is already doing.

JohnnyCyclist

Thank you for reminding me how slow I am. Give me a little wind to contend with, and I'm happy to go 18mph on flat roads.

mcours2006

I welcome the day when more ebikes are on the road. It means that there are more of 'us'. When drivers encounter more bikes, even if they're ebikes, they become more aware of us and thus safety improves for all.

Getting passed by an ebikes is the least of my worries when it comes to cycling. I don't know what the big deal is. It's not a race. If you want to race, sign up for one.

draganm

uh-oh, looks like i pissed off a bunch of old people I'm no spring chicken, so it's not I can't commiserate with being old, but when your on 50 pound bikes swerving back and forth across the MUP while chatting with the wife, it's a little pretentious. I guess it's just a little annoying to know that in addition to the huge danger of distracted drivers we now face, technology has thrown yet another hazard in our way
Like someone mentioned though, Still better than some hill-billy in a coal-roller trying to run you over. They need to hurry the hell up with those self-drving cars, then we can say we're at least breaking even on "the score" with cars.

well, it might have only been 16mph, and a slight incline instead of a true hill.
It's funny though, used ot blow by these people like they were standing still, just weird to get passed by someone with panniers and groceries on the back. at least this lady was riding politely, and said hello as she passed, (maybe a little smugly, but that might have just been my imagination).

oh and BTW, to those who think I'm just whining, this just in from a friend who rode with a friend who had an E-bike in CA.
so think about that while on you're high-speed weekend club ride and having to mix it up with a 50 pound E-bike that handles like a Wheel Barrel. Ha-Ha indeed

draganm

interesting issue, since I don't Strava I didn't consider it, but if it's a subtle assist like the Pro's were using/cheating with, an HRM or PM will not show it. Or at best very hard to spot or prove. I mean sure the power will go up but so will the HR , how can you prove that 10% of that was electric motor?

I predict this is going to change the sport significantly, but I agree with the sentiment, that overall, more bikes are better, regardless of how they're powered. Or at least I hope that is the case

Doge

Not ego annoying, but they are somewhat an issue here. I'd guess they are up 1,000% in the last couple years.

There is a MUP that we all use to get into the riding in San Diego. It is also the path to Trestles - the surf spot. These are very common surf bikes and zipping along at 20 mph with surf boards, they are somewhat a hazard.
Avoid Here: https://ridewithgps.com/routes/26474083

nycphotography

One bridge climb in NYC, I'm currently 61/16000 (~340w for 1:20).

But that PR was 8th overall last fall when I uploaded the ride.

That means 53 riders have beaten the 8th overall time in the last 12 months.

exmechanic89

I've seen them too, OP. And yeah, I can't stand them either. Yet another way for fat America to get out of doing any real exercise. They will be everywhere someday, imo. The limiting factor right now is their realtively high price, but if they were available at places like Walmart and Target for $200 they'd be all over the place, imo.

Doge

I don't have one. I dislike them.
But I don't see them being used to work less at all. I see them as transportation for surfers, and a very small market to get people out that might not otherwise.

RShantz

I first thought like you, but after talking to some other cyclist I have a different viewpoint. Around here it is mainly out of shape folks that use them. But 1) they are pedaling & getting some exercise. Some is better than none & 2) it could be a means to get them into non E-bike cycling.


So if really concerned about the individuals, I think the E-bikes do benefit the riders in most cases. I don't think you're going to get traditional cyclists to switch to E-bikes (this may be where my logic is flawed).

exmechanic89

Surfers cant ride non-motorized bikes? I get what you're saying, but I still believe once they're made cheaply enough, e-bikes will be everywhere, ridden by able bodied people.

WhyFi

Lol, there's a bit of irony in someone in the road cycling forum complaining that fake cyclists are clogging the MUP.

Doge

I suppose they could, but it would not be unusual for a race to take a car to a bike race. They are there to surf, and they surf hard, and don't want to work going home.

The surfers are an example because they share a path with us cyclists. But I'd expect soccer players to choose ride, over pedaling to a game or practice too.

Cyclcist11023131

Those things crap out at 20mph. They need to stay in the slow lane. I love whipping past them and then dropping the hammer. Great workout. Weak, ignorant, electric dependent people on bikes. You should have to earn your speed. On the other hand, I saw a fat tire, full suspension 38 pound E mountain bike. Might be fun.

kbarch

If they do become a well-established transportation option, there will be a sort of learning curve, but the dust will eventually settle, more or less, I think.

I do not think they will have much impact on cycling as an athletic endeavor. However, some may find them useful in coaching others - one can pace another rider, or ride along while remaining sufficiently relaxed to calmly observe and direct the trainee.

ColonelSanders

Conveniently, when I get passed by someone on an E-Bike, I tell myself it was due to them having an E-Bike, not because I am slow.

Bah Humbug

This is literally exactly what I was going to post. Cars or E-bikes? Yeah, I'd rather people were on E-bikes. Put enough people on them and I could drive less...

OmegaWolf

I've only seen one. It was being ridden by a ~90 year old lady at 20 MPH down the MUPs. She looked like she was having the time of her life.