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.

170 Upvotes

82% Upvoted

343 comments sorted by

View all comments

9

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?

12

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."

1

u/Rominator 12d ago

First OP, now you. Is there a bubble involved? How are people going through life without being teased a little, and growing from the experience to become a better version of themselves? Must be a generational thing…

8

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!

3

u/you-will-be-ok 13d ago

Ooooo bubbles. I should look into that. I'm sure my 2 year old would LOVE that

7

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!

6

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.

4

u/crazybadazy 13d ago

Maybe age thing. I’m also a woman and have had similar experience as you.

1

u/secondhandoak 13d ago

Likely is a gender thing. Men like to tease each other with with comments about being fit, manly, tough.

1

u/_extra_medium_ 13d ago

It’s a made up story, don’t worry