3 ms·

I subscribe to the ebikes subreddit, so I find it interesting and appealing. But for mass-consumption, we already have motor-cycles and scooters that are like

I subscribe to the ebikes subreddit, so I find it interesting and appealing. But for mass-consumption, we already have motor-cycles and scooters that are like 2-4x more efficient than cars, but get relatively little use. What will make ebikes different?

growlist 8y ago
Most people already know how to ride a bike, for a start. E-bikes are also cheaper, cleaner, quieter, lighter, slower, (subject to power restrictions mentioned above) can be ridden on cycle paths, (here in the UK at least) require you to actually pedal to some degree and so have a fitness component, and come without the need for a license, insurance, MOT, road tax, and mandatory heavy protective gear, and require considerably less servicing, and can be easily wheeled into the house to prevent them being stolen. I like motorbikes etc. also and have been looking at them again after considering an e-bike because really if I'm considering dropping £3k on an e-bike why not just spend a little more for a motorbike and get rid of the range anxiety etc.? But I'd say the vast majority of people in the UK at least are never going to go to the hassle of getting a scooter/motorbike license whereas they would certainly contemplate buying what is effectively still a bike, but with an inoffensive strapped on power booster.