You’re out riding a standard, non-assisted bike. Maybe going to work or doing errands, maybe just riding for fun. Someone on an e-bike passes you. What do you do? See poll.

This question is not intended to be all that serious... a bit of shenanigans is encouraged.

I had one come up behind me on a steep hill, at about the time I needed to stand on the pedals. I was surprised (since I am not at all fast) that I went much further ahead. When we got to the flat part, the ebike sped past me. If someone is commuting to work (or similar) on an ebike instead of a car, I think it is a good thing (but not as good as a real bike).

What, no wave option? How can we have a poll like this without a wave option?

Keep calm and carry on?

Shrug. I pinned a number on 20+ times last summer and will do so again this year. I don't need to race people on the way to work.

None shall pass! Or keep on keeping on?

IDK. Depends on my mood. Last year I drafted an elderly woman at 20 mph for a few miles on a slight uphill rail trail. Asked her questions about her bike so she would think I was interested in the bike, and not a stalker, when really all I wanted was a free pull. Went a little faster than the usual 18 mph with less effort. Had to keep an eye on accelerations, because those things go from a stop like a bat out of hell, and it's easy to get dropped if you aren't attentive. Bet she would have struggled to ride at 12 mph on a bike, given her age and appearance.

With an E-bike, you have all the disadvantages of a bicycle and none of the advantages.

It happens to me often enough that I don't pay much attention to be honest. But then again I don't pay much attention to cyclist on regular bikes who pass me when I'm just going about my business.

I've never seen anybody out riding one. I hardly ever see any other cyclists though.

Just like i Do this silly Poll format,,, Ignore it. I have no investment in winning anything going fast on my bike by now.

I have only been passed by an ebike once. I later caught up to the rider. We talked. He asked if I wanted to try it. I said sure. It was a blast. Couldn't stop thinking about it.

I eventually went out and bought an ebike based mostly on that experience. Most of my commutes are on my ebike now... unless it is pristine weather, then it's my carbon road bike. I wish the same type of experience on those of you that have no, or little experience with ebikes.

Carry on...

My opinion, as long as the electric biker is out having fun who cares if they pass me. Better than them noisy polluting petrol guzzling automobiles trying to run me off the road. Not everyone can ride 20~30km so if they want to use an electric bike great. xD

I'm faster than 90% of cyclists, which isn't to say I'm amazing. I'm saying I notice it when a cyclist passes me, and I rarely take it as a cue to pick up the pace.

There is a grocery delivery service here that uses Yuba Mundo (cargo) bikes. I notice the drivers are young and very strong because they tend to pass me. It took me months to notice they have pedal assist!

I'm pretty sure most of the people that pass me have those little tiny hidden motors in their frames. It doesn't bother me that they have to cheat.

Yep direct drive gearless ebike hubs are completely silent. Usually you have to get a close look to recognize that they are an ebike. And in the case of a cargo bike you are probably more enamored with the bike than looking for a battery or motor in the split second you have to look at the bike as it passes you.

I've ridden my ebike side by side with other bikers for miles down the MUP, many never notice the motor or battery until I point it out to them.

Same as when pretty much every other bike passes me, except with more smugness.

I had one of those E-bikes pass me once. I yelled out, "That's how Lance got his start". The person keeped on going. LOL

I chose other... it depends on if they say anything on what my reaction to being passed by someone on an e-bike would be.

What I generally do in a situation like this is start hammering, trying to keep up with the e-bike but fail miserably at the first sign of a hill and then gasp for air as I watch them ride off. That's pretty much what I do when I'm passed by someone on a standard bike too. Once in a while I manage to keep up.

Nothing, just like if a motorcycle passed me.

O K, I can say, without exception... What people do, do... when I catch up to them on my E-Assist bicycle... THEY, SPEED, UP...! It's just the way it is, they want to be first... People want to be in front, people want to be better than others...

When I pass them, they are pissed, 100% so far... and try to keep up, even the one guy who "realised", I was on an E-Assist bike, He says," nice motor", I say's "thanks" you are not actually going to try and keep up to me are you? He puts his head down and starts to mash the pedals...

I would not get any more upset by being passed by an "e" bike than a motorcycle or in earlier times, a moped. After all, I am not sure they are not mopeds, they have pedals and a motor. Why would I get upset about being passed by a moped?

I almost said nothing, not even notice, but that's not true.

I get passed once for about every 5-10 people I pass on the bike, so it is something I notice. That doesn't mean I care, but if it were by someone with an e-bike I'd care even less.

Cheater! Freeloader!

Awww, I hope you're not this serious at parties. Maybe try a spin on an e-bike?

Note to self: DON'T try a spin on an e-bike!



Honesty is the best policy!