Ebikes Are Not Replacing Bicycles
There is a common misconception that e-bikes replace traditional bicycles. Nothing could be further from the truth. For the most part, e-bikes replace time or miles that otherwise would have been spent behind the wheel of a car. Even just pleasure rides are being taken mostly by folks that before were out driving a car.
Oh, there is a very small group that has had to give up traditional bikes. Most of those would otherwise be done (do any of us really want that?). For the most part, cyclists are adding an e-bike to their stable. They make more sense for short trips (no clips, kit or sweat).
Most e-bikes replace trips that would otherwise be taken in a car. The average distance is 7 miles.* The mean is just over 4! These are not 3,4 or 10k mile per year cycle trainers or tourists**. They aren’t leaving traditional cycling behind. They’re driving less and that’s good for all of us (even motoring enthusiasts).
People want to use Lanes, Trails and MUP’s to avoid traffic. Motorcyclists want to experience the freedom of the road without constantly being in fear for their lives! Whatever the reason, it even reduces traffic congestion (I can’t stand to drive anymore).
In The Quad Cities, I can get to and from every form of major outdoor entertainment faster on my e-bike than in a car. This includes the weekly music at Schweibert, Runners Park and Bass Street Landing. If you want to get in and out of fireworks displays, without waiting for traffic to clear or leaving early, ride an e-bike. During last week’s worsening weather, here in The Quad Citieis, I have seen at least one other e-bike every day. I can’t say that about traditional bikes. I was the same before e-bikes. There are just days it is easier to drive or bus. We leave our traditional bikes behind.
Many of us tried, but car replacement trips just did not happen before the advent of e-bikes. We have spouses or friends we want to do things with, but they don’t have our cycling skills or interest. An e-bike or trike helps bridge that gap. You can go out to dinner at the very best spots right on our local MUP’s. You can vsit all twelve breweries and our awesome ballpark within a few blocks of a paved MUP (I would not recommend trying to do so in one or even two days). This is to say nothing of all our major city and one state park.
E-bikes aren’t just helping us justify segregated cycle ways. They are replacing car trips, relieving congestion and pollution for us all. Add one to your stable.
* yes, I know you are out there. You represent less than 1% of e-bikers.
**Portland State University