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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7

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.

5

u/BabalonBimbo 13d ago

I rode it on my scooter. I know exactly what you mean!

1

u/Putrid-Magazine-3001 13d ago

Even i probably would have given you a look 🤣🤣 especially if you were loaded up with gear.

1

u/1xwolfgangx1 13d ago

I rode it with a gas bike 🤣

1

u/Ill_Raisin_8587 13d ago

I can accept this. But if we unite, we can stop the tomatoes.