Originally Posted by
Het Volk
One counter: A steel frame is the optimal frame for a commuter bike, given its ability to stand-up to wear and tear of urban cycling. So when you say "less than an aluminum frame" I would argue ALU is a worse material. And with the e-assist, weight is less of a concern. But I get your point.
A steel frame rusts. Especially if you use it when the roads are salted (as you would if you commute year-round). What makes you think an aluminium framed bike can't "stand-up to wear and tear of urban cycling"?
However - I worry that the benefits of commuting by bike (exercise) is being lost by people basically just riding motorized scooters, which use coal powered electricity to recharge.
Why do you worry about their health? Maybe if they weren't using electric bikes, they'd take their car instead? I don't have an electric bike, but if I get old enough, I will probably have one in addition to a non-electric. I don't use my bike for "exercise". I just happen to get exercise as I use the bike if that makes sense.
As for coal-powered, it depends where you get your power from. Anyway, it's still cleaner than if each individual rode 2-stroke scooters/mopeds, a car for each person, or motorcycles.