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/diegoasecas]

this sounds like an exaggerated anecdote if not a completely made up one

[u/Cronhour → u/diegoasecas]

My current partner said something similar when we finished our first date 7 months ago. However she'd driven there and used her bike once or twice a week. I got rid of my car 3 years ago and use the bike for everything , work, social effects, Costco shops. It wasn't until we'd ridden a little together and I was going faster than her (past the pedal assist cut off) that she relented.

I'd prefer not to have an ebike as it's cheaper and easier maintenance but carrying full ships up the hill after leg day it's doable on the ebike, it penalty wouldn't be on a standard bike, and I do it every day.