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I'm surprised nobody has mentioned e-bikes. As far as I can tell, that is the answer to the bay area traffic. Since I bought one roughly 5 months ago, I've co

I'm surprised nobody has mentioned e-bikes. As far as I can tell, that is the answer to the bay area traffic. Since I bought one roughly 5 months ago, I've commuted almost 3000 miles. My commute is the same every day, and it is a lot faster than a bad day of traffic. The bonus is that I don't have to change into bike clothes or shower. Details: 12 mile commute 40 minutes by ebike, every day 25 minutes by car, best day 50 minutes by car, average day 1 hour 40 minutes by car, average day

schoen 10y ago
(Daily cycling commuter here) Two things that discourage people from commuting by bike that would still apply to ebikes: You get really wet in the rain. You get injured in a typical collision with a car. Two specific issues with ebikes: They're rather expensive compared to a bike, and even compared to some used cars. I see a risk that they could someday become regulated and licensed as mopeds.
Mekkanox 10y ago
That's definitely a viable option for biking around a city that doesn't have favorable spring or summer weather. Can you store your bike inside instead of locking it up on the street? I imagine an e-bike would be at greater risk of theft than a regular bike. That might be an issue for folks who commute by bike but have to lock it up outside.
- rckclmbr 10y ago
  Yea, I lock my bike inside the office (where I charge it as well). I also keep it in the garage. Additionally, I have a GPS on it, so if it does get stolen, it's a lot easier to locate
closeparen 10y ago
What's the draw of an ebike vs. a low-end motorcycle? Also, one very simple answer is that the Bay Bridge isn't passable on anything short of a 250cc motorcycle and won't be until 2018.
- rckclmbr 10y ago
  > What's the draw of an ebike vs. a low-end motorcycle Main draw is that e-bikes are usable on bike paths and through parks. You feel like a kid again by taking "shortcuts".

schoen 10y ago

(Daily cycling commuter here) Two things that discourage people from commuting by bike that would still apply to ebikes: You get really wet in the rain. You get injured in a typical collision with a car. Two specific issues with ebikes: They're rather expensive compared to a bike, and even compared to some used cars. I see a risk that they could someday become regulated and licensed as mopeds.

Mekkanox 10y ago

That's definitely a viable option for biking around a city that doesn't have favorable spring or summer weather. Can you store your bike inside instead of locking it up on the street? I imagine an e-bike would be at greater risk of theft than a regular bike. That might be an issue for folks who commute by bike but have to lock it up outside.

rckclmbr 10y ago
Yea, I lock my bike inside the office (where I charge it as well). I also keep it in the garage. Additionally, I have a GPS on it, so if it does get stolen, it's a lot easier to locate

closeparen 10y ago

What's the draw of an ebike vs. a low-end motorcycle? Also, one very simple answer is that the Bay Bridge isn't passable on anything short of a 250cc motorcycle and won't be until 2018.

rckclmbr 10y ago
> What's the draw of an ebike vs. a low-end motorcycle Main draw is that e-bikes are usable on bike paths and through parks. You feel like a kid again by taking "shortcuts".