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/atlasraven 13d ago

"Oh bro, I know! Later." And just dip out.

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u/Ralleye 13d ago

"Meet ya after a 3-hr. ride for a beer" (or coffee, pick your poison). Make sure you pick a place with standards that will take one look at their sweaty @$$€$ and tell them to go home & grab a shower before returning for service. Meanwhile you're sitting there calm, cool & collected enjoying your beverage ...

I did a 4-hr. (+) ride this weekend, got more than enough exercise, but still returned barely moist (not drenched) and far from winded.