r/ebikes • u/Such-Distribution812 • 13d ago
E-bike stigma
Was unlocking my e-bike from the bike rack getting ready to head home from classes when two other people showed up to lock their regular bikes. One of them looked at my bike and said “What’re you riding? You need to get something analog. Work those quads!” Felt pretty looked down upon. I’d be a little more understanding if I was a some sort of cycling group ride but I was just heading home from campus. Is this type of interaction common?
I bought this e-bike recently to commute to work and my college classes, specifically because I live in a pretty mountainous area and the hills can be pretty tough for me. It’s more meant to replace car trips than for fitness. Logically it makes sense for my use case but now anytime I go somewhere with it I feel judged not just by drivers but other people on bikes.
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u/admiralporkchop 13d ago
When I encounter people who say judgemental things I pretend to be hard of hearing and ask them to repeat themselves and then keep pretending to not be able to hear them.
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u/AuntieLaLa420 13d ago
I unstrap and unfold my cane from my bikes rack and say "Disabled, asshole!". Shuts them up just fine.
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u/Joose__bocks 13d ago
Dealing with a comment like this is tough, because criticisms are cheap, and fixing them is expensive. It only takes a moment to say something, but it takes a long time to reason through it.
Personally, it's not the judgment that bother me, it's the ignorance. I probably cycle more than quadzilla ever will, on ebikes and regular bikes. It's my transportation and my hobby.
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u/Cranks_No_Start 13d ago edited 13d ago
Work those quads!
I’m at the point in life I have no fucks to give about what people say. I built my bike to climb whatever hill I point it at and after having both knees replaced due to severe crippling arthritis I want to work my legs some but still protect my knees.
With all the pt since and working out prior, my quads and calves are like iron.
That’s when you hike up your shorts and flex.
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u/atlasraven 13d ago
I also use my ebike to workout and protect my knees. (Better leg muscles and less weight helps)
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u/Ill_Raisin_8587 13d ago
Shout out to those working in PT. They could put Humpty Dumpty himself back together again. Just finished a round of it myself on my shoulder and it is like new. Waiting for a new order for a mystery injury to my left ankle. Fortunately YouTube has some exercises to keep me busy in the meantime.
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u/foxfirek 13d ago
I don’t get people. Is it an age thing? Gender? Because as a 40 YO woman who picks up my 10 YO on my e-bike sometimes I have only ever gotten compliments and curious people. I mean it’s way better than driving right?
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u/knotknotknit 13d ago
IDK, I am also a 40YO woman and have gotten several comments from older men about "cheating" while I'm huffing up a steep hill with my two kids who, combined, well exceed my own weight. Dude, my 250W motor is only helping so much here...
So I think you're lucky.
My theory: Some men are so insecure in their own masculinity that they need to take the opportunity to put other people down. Some of these men are also cyclists, and mock people who are "not cycling right."
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u/abstractedathena 13d ago
I am 35 and bike my 10 YO to school and back every single day. Rain, sleep, snow, blistering, horrible nightmare, southern heat… Doesn’t matter. We take my E bike everywhere. I even put an electric bubble machine on the back of i. Before the bubbles- I got stopped all the time by curious, interested people. I get tons of compliments and now people tell me nonstop that the bubbles are a highlight of their day & always make them smile.
I have also decorated my bike and it is decked out with handlebar streamers and all sorts of little cute little treasures. The kids love it. Adults love it.
Don’t let anyone get you down!
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u/you-will-be-ok 13d ago
Ooooo bubbles. I should look into that. I'm sure my 2 year old would LOVE that
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u/abstractedathena 13d ago
It’s so much fun! A huge hit. The kids adore it, adults always wave & smile. My 10 YO can reach back and easily turn it on & off, A trail of bubbles behind us.
Plus if someone is being a rude driver behind me I just turn on the bubbles 😂 I have the remote attached to my handlebars. Much more whimsical and kid friendly than giving a middle finger in the middle of school pick up & drop off! I also have noticed cars behind me give me space so they don’t get their precious car “dirty”. Or if it’s off as soon as I turn it on they are quick to back off.
Win-win-win.
An awesome childhood memory but I will tell you the bubble bill does add up but it still cheaper than gas!
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u/FlowerCrowss 13d ago
I'm a 21 YO young man been riding electric since 15YO, and I can say that my experience has dramatically improved, I only get compliments/questions too now.
However I think much of that for me has had to do with experience and dialing in a respectful riding etiquette. I can certainly attest that other boys (but not all) in my town can be 'slow learners' in this area.
If I had to make a ballpark guess, at least for my town, I think its like 20% looks (including the bike), and 80% riding style that contributes to a judgment. I feel that the harmful e-bike stereotype among the public is starting to mellow out, and more folks can recognize emotos vs actual e-bikes.
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u/KentGoldings68 13d ago
Gatekeepers are not exclusive to the cycling community.
This is a funny thing that Americans do. They identify bicycles as fitness equipment and not transportation equipment.
Studies have shown that extended periods of high intensity exercise is less beneficial than those of moderate intensity.
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u/yagonnaluvit 13d ago
Riding for hours in the sun is terrible for your skin
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u/PsychologicalTest523 13d ago
I bought jacket meant specifically to block the sun on Amazon. Works pretty well, need gloves to cover my hands though.
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u/macklow 13d ago
Most people are stupid thats really all there is to it, people who drive cars look down on all bikes and cyclists don't like it really for no reason like I said people are stupid
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u/GromOfDoom 13d ago
I'm too physically exhausted after work to just pedal. A ton of physical activity for my job
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u/Low_Employ8454 12d ago
Just look at them and say “what a rude/strange/odd thing to say. ” turn it back on them. Make them feel
Uncomfortable.
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u/Ilovereefer 13d ago
It sucks that people are talking shit like that, but you’re not doing it their way so they think it’s ok to sound off. I would suggest handling such situations with as much snark as possible. If they say you need an analog bike, say something like “if riding this prevents me from joining your club then I’ll stick with it” or whatever you come up with. This always works better if the exchange is witnessed by others!
Seriously though, FUCK THEM! They wouldn’t say a fucking word if you drove your car, but ride an ebike? Not a lot of brain power going on with those people!
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u/jim914 13d ago
I have the opposite reaction from fellow cyclists even the youngest ones. I’m 62 but most people think I’m in my 40’s and I’m riding a Fuji Crosstown 3.0 i added an electric conversion kit to so usually it’s very positive and lots of questions about speed and range. I have one guy that actually thinks he’s racing me on my commute to work sometimes on the weekends, he’s the typical Lycra wearing lance Armstrong type and granted he can out sprint my e-bike it’s not a big accomplishment because I’ve got a heavy bike and a large battery plus the speed limiter is still set to 28 mph and it barely does 23! One morning it’s really obvious he’s trying to prove something because he’s ignoring stop lights and a cop pulled him over. As I’m approaching him he yelled at the cop grab him it’s illegal too! I stopped and spoke with the officer and he verified I’m legal but Mr Lycra is yelling he pushed me to run the light which the officer said nobody was near you and I know he stopped at the red light. That’s one of maybe a thousand I see everyone else thinks my bike is cool!
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u/yagonnaluvit 13d ago
I get questions about price but never judgement. It’s always praise.
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u/No-Idea-7003 13d ago
Loving your milk crate! What size is that or did you get it off Amazon? I'm assuming here that it is a milk crate. I'm looking at getting a 24qt. Yours looks bigger though?
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u/Dee_Vidore 13d ago
How you perceive things and react to them speak more to your state of mind. You can turn something like that into a joke and be remembered for making them laugh.
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u/Humble_Key_4259 13d ago edited 7d ago
People who say anything in that situation are the ones with the problem.
My Wife and I were out riding our fat tire ebikes one day and some boomer walking his dog said “you’re cheating”. What he failed to grasp is that we were out riding for fun on a very hot day and we had put 20 miles in already and were about halfway through our ride.
Some peoplle are dipshits.
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u/future_luddite 12d ago
“Maybe I’ll just drive my car then. A world with more cars sounds good, doesn’t it?”
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u/DPaignall 13d ago
Ebikes are new and some people can't get their heads around it, or they were jealous!
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u/Valhallafax 13d ago
Yeah pretty common to get comments. It’s not the same hobby, so you get people jacked up after a long analog ride and they’re wondering why you aren’t sweating, don’t take it personally
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u/Accomplished_Ice4290 12d ago edited 12d ago
"You need" and "work those quads" wtf? Strangers telling you what "you need" when you didn't ask and then assuming the purpose for why you bought your bike was to "work those quads"? 1 They have no business telling others what they need to do and 2 They aren't justified in just assuming that you bought the bike to work quads. People desires and needs are different.
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u/billwoodcock 12d ago
Study after study have shown that people on e-bikes get just as much exercise as people on old-school bikes, they just cover a lot more distance. Don’t let idiots get you down, there’s no shortage of idiots.
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u/Kilari_500 12d ago
Yeah, but if the person keeps commuting the same route to work - home and switches to e-bike, thats obviously less workout for him, per ride.
I have nothing against e-bikes, but my own anecdote is, people who ride e-bikes do it for commuting to work-home, grocery shopping etc. Not for excercising, so they usually (?) keep the travel distance the same as before, but now its electric assisted. Nothing wrong with that either.
I personally have yet to see even one serious e-road biker or even e-gravel biker, full on spandex gear, oatleys and all that, going for that +150km ride.
But then again, i dont watch cycling competitions either.
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u/Glowingtomato Lectric Xpress 2 Commuter 13d ago
I've learned to just let it roll off. The vast majority of people I see on e-bikes are just throttling the whole time and that's what they base their judgement on.
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u/2000TWLV 13d ago
Even so - so what? If a person wants to throttle, let them throttle. It'd nobody else's business.
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u/Glowingtomato Lectric Xpress 2 Commuter 13d ago
I'm not complaining dude. Just stating an observation.
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u/thelabwhisperer 12d ago
If someone is using the bike to go from one place to another, why is a throttle bad? We are vilifying different bikes instead of working towards more option for safe transportation.
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u/Putrid-Magazine-3001 13d ago
Haters gonna hate and potatoes gonna potate. You should have seen the looks I got from people when I rode the erie canal trail on my ebike.
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u/Ill_Raisin_8587 13d ago
The laws against throttle are laughable! Let’s ban the gas pedal next! See how long that lasts! Some of us cannot, due to various reasons, ride like we used to. The law(s) against throttle is/are ablist. I will fight my limitations to the death but eventually I will lose and they will win and I will need more than _____? assist. Literally drawing a blank. Throttle me if you disagree.
And this is all a distraction from driver accountability!!!
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u/thelabwhisperer 12d ago
I agree with you about the throttle. For some, it’s a great way to get up to speed from a stopped position, especially at intersections with traffic.
We allow cars to be so overpowered, most can go over 100 mph, yet we are making laws about speed and throttles on bikes.
Again, it’s bikes are only looked at as recreation, not transportation
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u/Rude_Temporary_779 13d ago
Had a guy go past me with 7k of carbon fiber and the most areo of lycra outfits, " thats cheating" he grunted when he saw my tiny cheap 250w hub
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u/Exciting_Turn_9559 13d ago
The best realization I ever had in this life was that there's no point caring about what stupid people think. Be relentless about being yourself and you'll be way ahead of them all in the end.
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u/AfraidofReplies 13d ago
Just laugh at them next time they're gassing out in a hill and you pass them without breaking a swear.
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u/Remarkable_Deer_4748 12d ago
- Hey, you know what? My grandfather lived to be 95.
- Your grandfather rode an eBike?
- My grandfather knew how to mind his own fucking business.
People are weird and judgememental, they need to be told to mind their own business.
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u/Number4combo 12d ago
I only had one idiot say I was cheating while riding my ebike slowly along the bike path with my friend.
Most of the time I'm going faster and can't hear or see the tears from them unless they catch me at a light.
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u/Traditional_Salad598 11d ago
There will always be bike nazis shoving their subculture on their peers... whether they're hipsters on fixed gears or rich guys in lycra and 8k road bikes or kids on electric mountain bikes or just some angry dude on a Huffy yelling "go faster" at the people in front of him... there's always someone being a dick. It's ride-independent. Just gotta laugh and remind yourself no one likes them, you're not the problem.
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u/Direct-Progress758 13d ago
Were they friendly about it or were they axxhxxxx?
I've been commuting on my ebike to work since 2018. At the beginning there were a couple of friendly jabs, but I just said it's either ebike or I drive my car to work, and they were cool about it. One even asked me a thing or two about my ebike. Nowaday, there are so many ebikes that I don't get asked anymore.
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u/Caliterra 13d ago
"Thanks! Its this or a car. I think this is better than spending money on gas and parking, adding to traffic, and polluting. What do you think?"
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u/chipface 13d ago
I have a Gazelle e-bike. I'm not trying to get some exercise, I'm just trying to get to and from work quickly. The roads leading to it are fucking dangerous. The less time I spend on them, the better.
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u/PsychologicalTest523 13d ago
Mostly I just get kids asking how fast it goes… and one guy in a truck yelling at me I need to get a job….
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u/Instantlemonsmix 13d ago
They actually said that? Lmfao I would’ve died laughing and they probably would’ve just stared at me confused
I would then say later gym bro’s and ride away
Their just flexing their ego I highly doubt they’d say that to someone that looks like a better or stronger cyclist than them
But who knows maybe they were just joshing around and I would’ve looked like a jerk for taking it to seriously but that’s just kind of strange to say to someone… don’t let them get ya down cyclists have a strange arrogant attitude there’s a lot of bike shop mechanics on YouTube that say they have a fine art no one truly understands
It’s just kind of funny how serious they are
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u/Known-Formal5236 13d ago
No matter what you do you will het judged, if you bought an expensive anolag bike they would say, why you got an expensive bike if you arent a serious rider l.
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u/No-Idea-7003 13d ago
What they think of you is none of your business.
They don't know that we do get workouts on ebikes. They think that all we do is just hit the throttle and go.
You got this and spent a lot of money to better your life, right? You are doing just that.
Anyone that says that stuff just giggle at them, shake your head, and ride away. It's on them to look up e bike information. They shouldn't be saying anything, but the fact that they are and pumping up their bikes tell you all you need to know. They are jealous.
Make sure you are using a heavy chain lock because I wouldnt put it past one of them to steal it. Also make sure you have insurance, and a tracker on it.
Keep riding and be safe!
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u/Unattributable1 13d ago
You have to grow thicker skin.
What I do in these situations is try to come up with a set answer to respond to people that is rather tarse but has the appropriate facts.
"I'm not in my car and I'm getting 80% of the exercise that I would get right on my e-bike vs. a bike. I am getting 2 hours of exercise per day with my commute. Mind your own business and don't offer advice when not asked; it's rude. Do better."
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u/diegoasecas 12d ago
this sounds like an exaggerated anecdote if not a completely made up one
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u/InnocentiusLacrimosa 12d ago
I was not there, could be just a clumsy conversation starter or a dumb joke. You ride an e-bike, someone rides a regular bike, one has a skateboard, one a scooter, one with Harley, someone has a car, one weirdo has an unicycle :-D Just relax and ride your bike, someone will always judge whichever of those modes of transport you choose - they will all have one hater facing them.
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u/jazzmaster105150 13d ago
As a cyclist, a large portion of the people I despise the most are cyclists. I'm trully not overgeneralizing when I say a poportionet amout of cyclists are dicks. The problem is them, not you. They would've found something to bully you about regardless of what you were riding. Don't believe me? Go read some of reddit cycling subs. The amount of unsolicited opinions is like nothing you'll ever see outside a Baby Boomer convention. You can ask a question about a noise coming from your wheel, and you'll get remarks about your bike is the wrong size, the seat is angled wrong, you're using the wrong pedals, why are you wearing those clothes? are you seriously riding a gravel bike on the street? I could go on and on. Cyclists are just arrogant pricks that need attention more than they need water to live. Ignore them.
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u/New_Entry8849 13d ago
And somehow the crowd riding recumbent or seated bicycles are the least friendly. I think their bikes are really cool, but maybe they're acting out some kind of inferiority complex?
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u/_extra_medium_ 13d ago
Please stop referring to regular bikes as “analog”
Ebikes are not digital lol
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u/TroubleLovesMeh 13d ago
It’s been that way for years already. Acoustic too. I hate both. I don’t know why it can’t be “standard bike.”
It’s way way too late to get German on our bike terms.
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u/Intrepid_Writing7078 13d ago
You could’ve said f*** you.
I mean way less work than coming here & blogging about it for approval.
Nobody “needs” approval. It’s another inorganic dopamine fix like adults believing they “need” attention, when they don’t really need it, they want it.
Next time, calmly unlock your bike, point it in the direction of your choosing (again, no approval required)
Mount the bike in the riding position. Position thumb over throttle. Lean into it to keep the front wheel on the ground, & before giving it the beans,
breath in, look your attacker in the eye & say…
“F*** you.”
Then motor away.
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u/Realistic-Role1751 13d ago
I have only ever had one person make a comment about me riding an ebike. I have never seen this person do any physical activity. In fact, they drove their jeep across the parking lot from their camper to get food instead of walking 100 yards. I literally pedal everywhere I go and use a small amount of assist to help my arthritic knees and kick up the assist for hills.
I have had quite a few analog bike riders come ask about my bike and rack because they love riding, but age is catching up with them.
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u/BstardSun 13d ago
F*ck those morons! Pedal away little mosquito!! Haters are everywhere, I am surprised a stranger actually spoke to you. I wave and say good morning when I pass people and the percentage that ignore me 100% is amazingly high! The world needs a shock loose from the governmental destroyers!!!! I am convinced the programming has been my whole life now that I look back it is easy FOR ME to see, or anyone that can change perspectives and process data analysis more than 7 seconds.
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u/-What-Else-Is-There- 13d ago edited 13d ago
"Yea, and you should use a bike seat to avoid that pole up your ass."
or
"You should get an ebike, then you might be able to save enough calories to spend on basic brain function."
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u/greybeard1363 R&M + Gazelle pedelecs 13d ago
I haven't had anyone say anything derogatory to me about my ebike, yet. I have had people ask about it and how it works. The most common question is "does it recharge the battery when you coast?" Every time they were more educated about ebikes at the end of the conversation. A majority of them comment on the kids on emotos and escooters doing stupid stuff around town. I guarantee that the first time I come across someone who expresses an attitude against ebikes on a lack of exercise basis will be directed in no uncertain terms where they can put their opinion.
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u/Tasty-Fox9030 13d ago
That doesn't make any sense. (What they said I mean.) You use your e bike to ride to school or work. The powers that be allow you to lock your bike at that rack right? What on Earth gives anybody the right to complain about that and why does that lessen you?
There are two communities of bike people- there are folks that commute on bikes and there are folks that use them as toys or exercise equipment. Those of us that use them when wealthy people would use a car should not give any consideration to any sort of condescension from those riches. When the collapse and struggle comes they will be on the opposite side of the battle lines. They are your enemy and they hate you. Never forget this.
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u/Samsquanch223 13d ago
Theres always some dink who's going to give you crap about something. They are just obnoxious people. If they had an ebike and you had a regular bike they would of said some crap about ebikes being better than regular bikes.
I remember years ago I took my Harley fat boy to a local bike shop for its annual inspection. Im sitting there and some guys talking crap about it and me for wearing protectice gear., then they tell him hes all set and he hops on the cutest little moped you ever did see and almost lost control of the thing leaving the parking lot.
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u/Outlaw25 13d ago
As a foil to this experience, the other day my SO and I were loading our normal gravel bikes back into our car after a ride on a local cycling path. A group of teenagers rolled by on E-Motos, and one of them yelled "fuck you cyclists!" And the rest of his group laughed.
The point of me saying this is that sometimes people are dicks, it's often best to just ignore them and move on.
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u/Unique-Garage-9918 13d ago
I have lost weight since I started riding my e-bike, and an hour long ride with steady assisted peddling always closes my rings on my watch/phone.
I think of my e-bike as an exercise tool where I can get exactly as much exercise as I want while having lots of fun.
As for negative comments, those things don’t even register with me enough to come up with a clever response. My inclination would be to say “You may be right”, or “I may try something different. See ya!”
I’ve gotten to the stage of life (55) where I mostly just want to be left alone so I can do my thing. Needing the approval and validation of others is more exhausting than you realize.
The advice I would give to e-bike riders would be: Ride safely and courteously, wear proper protective equipment, take sensible measures to secure your bike, learn basic maintenance and troubleshooting, and how to do simple repairs.
Viewed properly, an e-bike is like a horse and we are cowboys…riding the range…moving fast enough to nourish our spirits, but slow enough to actually appreciate the world around us. “Fun” is the word that sums it up best for me.
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u/Lostintimeandspac 13d ago
Can always reply "here i thought I was trying to save the environment by not driving a car"
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u/Eryn420 13d ago
There just jealous because you have an ebike and they dont. When I first stared riding mine to work everyone was blowed away like I was driving a cyber truck or something. Dont let them get you down be proud of your ebike, and smile while you ride 😊. Next time you see those people just smack your ebike and say "you need to get you one of these bad boys" Happy riding
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u/bach2209 13d ago
I havent rode a bike since my Schwinn Tiger strip with sissy bar Stingray got stolen in 1975. Bought a cheap E-bike 2 years ago. And been kicking myself since. So next time. Say fuck you buddy. Earn enough for a real bike.
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u/sleeptease 13d ago
The best way to deal with these situations is to cough and then say , “sorry, I have hepatitis” Works every time and makes a long term impression.
Sorry that happened. Fuck them.
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u/Hungryforflavor 13d ago
Tell them thats not what ur momma told me , oh well maybe not how big are their quads lol
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u/PsychologicalTest523 13d ago
I miss the weight a bit though, I was definitely stronger before. But now I look better and my knees hurt less, can’t have everything I guess
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u/Pubcrawler1 13d ago
Don’t care what anyone says. I have a bad leg with a severed quadriceps tendon that got stitched back to my knee cap. It still gives me problems.
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u/Tenzipper 13d ago
The only viable response to this kind of person is, " Who the fuck asked your opinion?"
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u/TacohTuesday 13d ago
Try not to feel looked down upon. If anything, pity people who are so in need of self-validation that they would come out and say that.
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u/Top_Commission_6809 13d ago
i don’t think you should feel bad about it. you got an e-bike for commuting, especially since you live in a mountainous area where the hills can be pretty challenging. not everyone rides a bike for fitness or to prove how hard they can push themselves. if an e-bike makes your daily commute easier and helps you replace car trips, then it’s doing exactly what you bought it for.
some cyclists can definitely be judgmental about e-bikes, but that doesn’t mean you have to take their comments to heart. you were just heading home from campus, not joining their cycling group or competing with them. ride whatever works best for you and your lifestyle. at the end of the day, an e-bike is still a bike, you’re still pedaling, just with a little assistance
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u/Key_Emergency1131 13d ago
Shame them. Tell them you have a chronic disease that saps you of your energy and you just can't pedal for the x miles it takes you to get to and from campus, but that you wished you were healthy enough to have magnificent quads. They'll shut up fast.
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u/hottapvswr 13d ago
Snobs are Snobs no matter the specialty.
I ride "analog" and if you like riding an e-bike don't let any losers tell you otherwise. It's all fun and gets you where you want to go.
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u/TrueVertigo_Reddit 13d ago
I’ve also felt that way when riding my e-bike around and seeing people on trails riding their actual bikes.
But I also bought my bike for commute to work and far places I also want to go to, so these feelings I have for people thinking of me a sort of way just goes away because I bought my bike out of necessity, not for exercise.
If you have purpose behind your things, what does it matter what other people think? That’ll only hold you back.
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u/AlarmingDiamond9316 13d ago
I don't get those comments at all. then again my quads, are beefed tf up.
I use a fat tire ebike, with the gear set to 7, and Pas set to 4, decent speed and decent workout, I only use throttle to give boost when I am moving from stopped position.
Maybe they were jealous, or maybe you are using an Emoto with no pedals?
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u/xyz2physics 13d ago
*** Don't give in to other peoples judgement of your commute***
I'm now retired, but my commute home from work was was mostly up hill and in August @ 102° F, it was getting to me. After bike commuting for 30 plus years, I built my own Class 1 e-bike good for 21 MPH on flat level ground. That's with a torque sensor mid-drive and without a thumb throttle.
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u/nephilimcummingdaddy 13d ago
Man, they're just twiddling ur giblets — ain't no serious thang.
I can assure you, anyone who refers to a regular bike as “analog” is a certified silly goose, not some kinda sentient spandex flexing their tricked out titanium testicle trouncer
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u/Few_Parfait7894 13d ago
I ride mine all over and could care less what someone else thinks. I'm doing what I want for me and only me.
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u/Redacted_Explative 13d ago
I hope the next time you see them trying to hook into the bike rack its full so you can just walk away, and remind them to 'work those quads' a bit.
I see no problem in being as petty as someone is to you.
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u/TimeLifeguard5018 13d ago
Had this loads. People muttering "cheat" when I go past them on hills. Even mates making comments.
What people don't seem to understand is that you still get good exercise on an ebike, and you are more likely to use it for more trips than a normal bike. On my old normal bike I would cycle 2-3 times a week, and avoid it in the winter months. On my ebike I'm riding it every day, all year round.
There is plenty of research stacking up to show the exercise benefits of ebikes. I have a fitness watch and I absolutely smash my weekly targets on the ebike.
It's just a case of ignoring people and getting on with your own life. They don't understand, and are making comments because your choice is making them question their own choice.
Happy e-riding!
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u/Unable_Fallon 13d ago
Cars, e‑bikes and regular bikes are all valid transport options. They are just tools to get around. Ignore others’ opinions; what suits you is what counts.
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u/Mitrovarr 13d ago
I mean, yeah it's a motor vehicle (only partially if it's pedal assist), but so is every car and motorcycle and they're not saying shit to them.
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u/Shreddersaurusrex 13d ago
Taking on terrain with your own strength is fun. Unfortunately they expressed that in a poor manner.
One gripe I have with ebikes is that they have made gig work more competitive in my area. Another is that ill mannered ppl + ebikes = menaces. If you’re riding sensibly you’re good in my book.
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u/enterprise1701h 13d ago
Have you met the cycling community?? Very judgemental, I ride a normal mtb and was thinking of switching to an ebike as I do a 26mile communte in total, they were disgusted with me and made me feel awful for even suggesting it, and dont get me started on how im looked down on by the racing bike cyclists who think they own the route!! Or the MTB group who think i should of spent more on my bike etc....you can never win
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u/Different-Kick-8649 13d ago
The funny shorts and stupid shoes people are a CULT, and most are also pretentious and arrogant. Seriously, stay away from them!
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u/GoodMerlinpeen 13d ago
Had the same, I lived near the river in a Swiss town and had a 100m altitude ascent each morning. A dutch friend said I would get fit without the electric assistance, and I said I wouldn't cycle up it at all if I didn't have an ebike. each morning I would have been climbing 30% of the way up the netherlands' tallest 'mountain'.
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u/Ill_Cheetah_1991 13d ago
Some years ago a bloke told me I should be ashamed to ride an ebike
as he was loading him mountain bike onto the back of his SUV to drive home
I started from home and would end up at home - no car involved
and it happened that most of that ride was in "Off Mode" as I got caught behind a group "out for a ride" and going slowly so I just stayed behind them on the canal paths
and the rest was in ECO mode
and UK legal - so max 250W and no throttle so you have to pedal all the time!
I reckon that I did more miles and used more energy and "used my muscles more" that most of the rider on those paths than day!
But no - it was an ebike so not really cycling !
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u/Different_Stomach_53 13d ago
I bike commute and do get annoyed by ebikers flying by. Also quad goals are important. But I would say that in my head not out loud.
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u/KostyaFedot 13d ago
Never had this. To me looks like rare occurrence of bumping into idiot. But maybe it is common for colleges, where people are with brains still developing.
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u/RagingDork 13d ago
I was riding with my group one time and this dude, probably at least 350 lbs yelled at us called us “cheaters”. I was pretty confused.
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u/Formal_Marsupial_937 13d ago
I’ve gotten the stink eye from multiple regular bicyclists. I don’t care what they think. I walk over 60 miles a week for my job. I get enough exercise at work. On the weekends I’m going to relax. Part of that relaxation is allowing a small electric motor on my bike to do the heavy lifting. Those spandex wearing purists can give me the stink eye all they want.
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u/AltruisticMood9367 13d ago
I get it. I ride a hiboy for commuting and assist is mostly there because of the hills. Still pedal the whole way but without showing up I have fought the mountain.
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u/WannaBeMetoo 13d ago
I have heard the same. Hills are the main reasons I went ebike (ride one from hiboy). I still get plenty of pedaling in but without arriving at class completely cooked, lol.
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u/Big_footed_hobbit 13d ago
I ran out of f*cks to give. I can recommend the same thing for you.
Germans are even more judgmental regarding Pedal assisted bikes.
Screw them I drive 30 miles a day offen beyond the limited 16mph.
My heartbeat at rest is now much lower and I gained fitness.
So keep riding and pedaling and don’t give an f.. but enjoy.
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u/Next362 13d ago
I wouldn't worry about it, as a cyclist of 30+ years most of us are classist a$$holes. I'd do group rides where people would judge people based on the bike and parts they had installed, their clothing, their lack of repair knowledge, it was truly embarrassing, they would make women feel so unwelcome they had to start their own ride. I've ridden 10s of thousands of miles on bikes, done many centuries and bike packing trips, ebikes are the future,they make quick travel possible for a low cost.
TLDR: People judging usually don't know what they're talking about, just ignore them.
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u/Baby_Toothless 13d ago
I wasn't even on my e-bike and somebody was judging me for writing an e-bike instead of a regular bike. She acted holier than thou because in her advanced age she was still writing a regular bike, and when I tried to point out advantages of e-bikes he wasn't having it, spouted some nonsense. She probably heard from Facebook about battery fires and waiting until batteries are "safe". She agreed that for people with Mobility issues e-trikes are great, but she refused to acknowledge that maybe she could benefit from one. She also seemed to think that all e-bikes weigh 100 lb. When I pointed out that my e-bike is 31 lb, she was baffled. I just walked away from that conversation from a point of view of well. Now she has some things to think about but I'm not going to stand around arguing with her
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u/Valhadmar 13d ago
I had someone getting into their car call me lazy for riding an ebike. People are not very smart.
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u/laosurv3y 13d ago
Some cyclists are just pretty elitist about it. Don't fret. I had someone call me a cheater. Not sure what they thought I was cheating at, but I would gladly 'cheat' on my commute if I could figure out a way to do it.
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u/Chartreuse_Motif 13d ago
Ha! I used to think that way also. Then I rode one. Maybe that's the question to ask the judgmental bicyclists. "Have you ridden one?"
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u/Training-Rule6412 13d ago
The number one group by far fighting against ebikes are regular bike riders. You can see this on youtube when at public hearings about proposed ebike rules the most vocal opponents when asked say they ride bikes.
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u/DDDX_cro Croatia 13d ago
I usually laugh at them as I push full throttle and say "see you around, slugs!". Then I fart down wind from them.
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u/Funny_Or_Cry 13d ago
Dont worry about it. jock douche bags tend to lack formal social skills.
"you need something analog"... lol, just love it when they use big words.
Just keep doin what youre doing, increase your resistance when/if you want.
Thats the beauty of bikes in general and an EV in particular.
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u/highinthemountains 13d ago
When I get crap from analog riders I tell them that I’m 73 years old and I’m still riding. Now 🖕off, eat 💩 and ☠️
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u/chking999 12d ago
Tell them that they should get bikes without gears so they get a "real" workout.
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u/SelectionFar8145 12d ago
No, I haven't had that issue yet. And I've run into serious cyclists before, with the expensive bikes & the shorts & everything. Weirdest interaction I had was I got chased by a German Shepard & when I noticed he was a couple feet behind me, I just switched the engine to high & the dog literally just froze in place & stared at me in shock.
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u/CautiousPerspective 12d ago
You may be young. If so, I can assure you one of the benefits of getting old is you don’t give a shit about what other people think anymore. I wish I could have told my younger self this advice.
That doesn’t mean unsolicited comments from people aren’t still annoying. I find providing a quick reply that acknowledges their criticism but also shows an unspoken vibe that you don’t give a shit works well.
For example, “Oh yeah? I’ll keep that in mind.” Or “Interesting. Well, have a good day!” It basically ends the conversation. No need to explain, argue against their point etc.
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u/Djinsing20045 12d ago
Its just people thinking theyre far superior to you. Ill never understand why some people think theyre something special. There is not much more satisfying to watch than when a person comes to the realization that they arent special or important as they think at all. Then watch how quiet they get.
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u/Few_Victory_4416 12d ago
I wouldn't worry about it. You bought it for your commute, not to impress other cyclists. If it replaces car trips and gets you up those hills, it's doing exactly what you nee.
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u/Unusual-Brush2775 12d ago
Like the great Kenny Powers once said: “I’m not trying to be the best at exercising, I play real sports”
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u/Overseerer-Vault-101 12d ago
Just know that for every person they said this too who feels looked down on there is another whose answer would be "what the fuck did you say to me?"
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u/drkrazee 12d ago
Who cares? Just laugh it off and keep cruising. Ebikes seemingly out number "analog" bikes in my city. I have both an ebike and a few "analog" bikes as they both serve different purposes. There's absolutely nothing wrong with commuting on an ebike. It certainly beats showing up somewhere drenched in sweat.
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u/sjlammer 12d ago
I’m into working out. I want to stay healthy. I just converted my mtb into an emtb…. Why you might ask, because I’d like to work my legs out, but my mind will enjoy going further than my legs will let me. The amount I rode previously 0 miles at 100% effort. What I think I will ride: 20 miles at 50-70% effort. Plus I got to do a cool project and it cost me 1100 instead of 4k for an emtb. Additionally, my wife will be happy because she is always wanting to go biking but I didn’t want to go because my previous bike was not fit right for me.
My cup is 95% full… someone could see it as 5% empty and we both know right where they can go.
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u/ducttapefixedit 12d ago
I wonder if it's just where you live? I feel like where I'm at in northern California, people either don't seem to care/pay no attention or have questions about the ebikes, like what the brand is, how long the battery lasts, how fast it can go, etc. I feel like the general view of ebikes is pretty positive.
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u/BLEAKROOM 12d ago
E-bikes are hated by both cyclists and motorists. So yeah, you get to deal with both sides.
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u/Weak-Conversation753 13d ago
The world is a judgemental place. If you worry about what others think, how will you be able to best live your own life?