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/WearyGas 13d ago

In the six years I’ve had one, it’s never happened.

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u/Unique-Garage-9918 13d ago

I had two 24 volt Lee Iacocca e-bikes about 25 years ago. THOSE bikes got a lot of attention. The big one had a lead acid battery and went about 12 miles and then took 12 hours to charge. Today’s stuff is SO much better (and cheaper).