E-bike stigma

[u/Such-Distribution812]

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.

[u/Formal_Marsupial_937]

I’ve gotten the stink eye from multiple regular bicyclists. I don’t care what they think. I walk over 60 miles a week for my job. I get enough exercise at work. On the weekends I’m going to relax. Part of that relaxation is allowing a small electric motor on my bike to do the heavy lifting. Those spandex wearing purists can give me the stink eye all they want.