Originally Posted by
freeranger
@Chinghis I'm 75 and still relying on leg power. Almost all I used to ride with are now on e-bikes. Nothing against e-bikes, I may eventually get one, but still enjoying using pedal power only. Still able to climb most hills (rode only mtb until 53). As your orig post shows, it not e-bikes that we disdain, it's the riders who don't know, or care, what they are for, and how to ride one. Wide open, 25-30mph on a MUP is an example of how NOT to ride one. You are obviously one who will enjoy your e-bike, get the most out of it, with respect to other riders. Glad e-bikes are around, for those who wish to continue riding but might not if not for them.
E-bikes are brilliant. But I only know the European type, which is pedelec only and no assist after 25km/h (about 15mph).
I ride both types, and I get no less of a workout on the e-bike (a R&M Multicharger) than one of the normal ones. That's because the amount of effort is in your control. Effort can't be eliminated below a certain level.
The big advantage of an e-bike is the ability to carry heavy loads, including up hills, which means you don't need a car. Total car replacement with an e-bike will CHANGE YOUR LIFE.
Not just carrying heavy loads, but riding much longer distances, which means you use the bike for trips you used to consider other forms of transport to be required for.
Lastly, you can ride an e-bike in business clothing and ride in a way which prevents sweating (in reasonably cool weather). That is yet another expanded use case where you can be using the bike where previously you would drive a car.
I get much more exercise now, after acquiring an e-bike, than I did before -- because I was able to eliminate any car usage and almost all car-sharing and taxis, and use the bike far more than was reasonable to use a regular bike. My mileage has increased probably 5x.