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I have high hopes for e-bikes displacing a lot of car trips. They solve almost all bike usability issues for all types of riders: Aero isn't a concern so you ca

by Zigurd 3y ago

I have high hopes for e-bikes displacing a lot of car trips. They solve almost all bike usability issues for all types of riders: Aero isn't a concern so you can have have an upright riding position. 10-15 kilos of groceries is easily accommodated. Hills are no problem. Alloy frames are cheap to make. Wheels can be very sturdy. Tires can have run-flat inserts. Losing momentum at stoplights isn't a problem. Outside of places where winter is long and snowy, e-bikes can be ideal.

lazide 3y ago
The issue in India is that bicycles (and to a lesser extent motorcycles) are a death wish. Plenty used, because also cheap. But I’ve personally seen several seriously nasty accidents that would not have hurt anyone even with the minimal protection that an auto rickshaw provides. Also, women tend to get groped more on bicycles/bikes, and weather is a big problem. The shade on an auto rickshaw in Hyderabad, or when it rains in Bangalore are pretty handy.
- Zigurd 3y ago
  I agree there are going to be lots of market specific paths. Bikes are a death wish in many places in the US.
gambiting 3y ago
Speaking from my UK perspective - an ebike would entirely replace my car for nearly all of my travelling needs, except that it's impossible to leave it safely in any public space - bicycle theft is absolutely rampant and prosecution is nearly zero, an expensive bike will be stolen, it's just a question of when not if. It's just a very solid obstacle to this becoming a major way of travelling unless something is done about bike theft.
- mixmastamyk 3y ago
  Is the theft problem common there with the heavier ones? i.e. the ones that need a pair of fit people to lift it into a truck and take it away?
  - gambiting 3y ago
    Given that motorcycle theft is also rampant and thieves have no issue moving a 200kg motorbike onto a van or a trailer, I'd assume it's not going to be a problem. But admittedly I don't know if cargo bikes and similar are also commonly stolen.
- aziaziazi 3y ago
  Have you any option of insurance ?

by Zigurd 3y ago

lazide 3y ago

The issue in India is that bicycles (and to a lesser extent motorcycles) are a death wish. Plenty used, because also cheap. But I’ve personally seen several seriously nasty accidents that would not have hurt anyone even with the minimal protection that an auto rickshaw provides. Also, women tend to get groped more on bicycles/bikes, and weather is a big problem. The shade on an auto rickshaw in Hyderabad, or when it rains in Bangalore are pretty handy.

Zigurd 3y ago
I agree there are going to be lots of market specific paths. Bikes are a death wish in many places in the US.

gambiting 3y ago

Speaking from my UK perspective - an ebike would entirely replace my car for nearly all of my travelling needs, except that it's impossible to leave it safely in any public space - bicycle theft is absolutely rampant and prosecution is nearly zero, an expensive bike will be stolen, it's just a question of when not if. It's just a very solid obstacle to this becoming a major way of travelling unless something is done about bike theft.

mixmastamyk 3y ago
Is the theft problem common there with the heavier ones? i.e. the ones that need a pair of fit people to lift it into a truck and take it away?
- gambiting 3y ago
  Given that motorcycle theft is also rampant and thieves have no issue moving a 200kg motorbike onto a van or a trailer, I'd assume it's not going to be a problem. But admittedly I don't know if cargo bikes and similar are also commonly stolen.
aziaziazi 3y ago
Have you any option of insurance ?