Definitely one side of the issue.

This thread should have been titled "E-bike controversy thread, Round whatever"

Some cyclists irrationally hate e-bikes, as if someone on an electric moped somehow tarnishes their glorious achievements of puffing up a hill in the granny gear while dreaming of wearing yellow, or whatever.

Some see e-bikes as an affront to riders who "do the work," as if their sweating and panting while out playing is somehow ennobling.

Little kids run around and play because it is natural. Adults who run around and play think they are superior beings. Go figure.

Some think e-bikes are for lazy people who don't want to exercise, despite the fact that they are "E-ASSIST" bikes which still need to be pedaled, and despite the many stories about people who would not or could not ride if they didn't have the e-assist---like the elderly couple who circles my neighborhood in the evening---I can barely restrain myself from rushing out and knocking them over, shouting "Now push those things home, and if you die in the attempt, the world would be better off!"

Because I am clearly superior, burning exactly the same amount of energy riding my unassisted bike.

It all comes down to the Us vs. Them dynamic, and the basic insecurity of most people—“If you aren’t just like me, Ii don’t feel reinforced and supported. I might be doing something Wrong if everyone else isn’t doing it ... so I will attack everyone who isn’t like me.”

Funny how cyclists complain about not getting any respect from drivers or pedestrians, and can’t be bothered to respect other cyclists if they don’t ride the right type of bike,.

And yeah, there might be an E-Bike forum, for in-depeth discussion on that topic. So?

There is a pro racing for fans forum, but no body here freaks if I mention that I went out riding after watching a professional bike race on TV.

There is a dedicated road bike forum, but most people here discuss road bikes, and no one freaks out.

Basically what we have here are weak, small-minded, insecure, and ungenerous people using any available excuse to kick someone they perceive as being weak, while flexing their muscles and bragging how strong they are.

Wow ... suddenly we don’t sound so superior .....