cross-posted from: https://fedia.io/m/micromobility@lemmy.world/t/2946252
California’s ambitious statewide electric bicycle incentive program is officially dead – and it didn’t even get a funeral. After years…
cross-posted from: https://fedia.io/m/micromobility@lemmy.world/t/2946252
California’s ambitious statewide electric bicycle incentive program is officially dead – and it didn’t even get a funeral. After years…
I’m assuming you don’t live in a hilly area. As someone who rides for recreation around areas with steeper inclines, my ebike has been a gateway to outdoor activity I would have otherwise avoided. Now I’m not zooming on trails inconsiderately, and that is a problem, but from a technology standpoint they’re kind of the best of both worlds when used responsibly.
I ride a recumbent so stopping and chatting with other recumbent riders happens. One chap I chatted with had electrified his bike and was saying it was the only way he could still get out there and ride, the hills were too much for him otherwise. We’re limited to 200W on a trigger operated e-bike here, so on most bikes that’s just assist, so it’s different to the American experience
You’re basically saying that because you say you behave right e-bikes are fine. I’m sure there are responsible car owners that have exactly the same excuse.
It sounds like we’ve had drastically different experiences.
I’m saying they are better than fine, and a great technology for mobility as an alternative to cars for single riders, and if paired with other methods of transport (busses, light rail) they’re a fantastic last mile solution.
I’ve personally nearly been run over by bike riders going way too fast on the streets of Amsterdam, I doubt the extra 20lbs of a battery would have made a difference in the danger there. Lack of education, personal responsibility, and enforcement doesn’t equate to a wonderful technology being discouraged for those who would most be positively impacted, and I personally think they’re a fantastic way to encourage a decline in the number of cars in the road in urban environments.
Your points aren’t invalid, and I agree a self centered asshole zooming around at 25mph is an issue in a crowded sidewalk, but I think that speaks more of our current post-covid society of selfishness than the technology itself.
Responsibility is the issue. How many asshats ride around where they shouldn’t be sullieing the use of them for everyone
I don’t disagree with you, but that’s the same for almost anything if consideration for others is thrown out the window.