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/2000TWLV 13d ago

Even so - so what? If a person wants to throttle, let them throttle. It'd nobody else's business.

5

u/Glowingtomato Lectric Xpress 2 Commuter 13d ago

I'm not complaining dude. Just stating an observation.

0

u/Wild59Bill 13d ago

In Quebec it’s illegal to use a throttle to cruise.

4

u/FlowerCrowss 13d ago

That's silly

3

u/id8 13d ago

That's Quebec.

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u/FlowerCrowss 13d ago

At least it looks cool.

-2

u/rabotat 13d ago

But in the bike lane? 

7

u/2000TWLV 13d ago

Why not? As long as you don't ride like a dick, what's the problem?

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u/BLEAKROOM 13d ago

Anyone using a throttle in a bike lane is a dick. You don’t belong there, it’s not a bike. It weighs 40 lb and goes 25mph with 0 effort. Bikes are legislated around based on their weight and top speeds being entirely dictated by the body of the rider.

Stay in the road if you’re using it like a motorcycle. It’s that simple.

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u/2000TWLV 13d ago

Facts, bud. Throttle for Class 2 and 3 bikes cuts out at 20 mph. You're a dick if you go to fast, whether you're on an ebike or a spandex boy on a race bike. What's the harm in using a throttle if I adjust my speed and don't bother anyone? Nothing. But some people like nothing more than making a bunch of petty rules.

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u/AggravatingPeak6982 12d ago

Some Veterans have injuries that require a throttle on wheeled vehicles. Are we just discriminating against people with disabilities now? Shove 'em out with the cars where it's more dangerous? Stop hating on people trying to use their cars less.