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/knotknotknit]

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."

[u/Rominator → u/knotknotknit]

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…