A look at the e-bike community
Understanding the reasons cyclists ride an e-bike
Let's start with the facts
These infographics tell the e-bike story in dollars and numbers. The number of e-bikes is increasing with increasing momentum. This e-tidal wave of electrically assisted bicycles feeds conflicts in the cycling community and on trails. At times, it rears an ugly face on social media. You either like ‘em or not.
This is my first post in a series delving into this e-phenomenon. Understanding why a person finds themselves on an e-bike is a good place to start. Here are my observations of e-cyclist sub-cultures in the USA as I see them.
E-cyclist communities
E-commuters
These Americans embrace the European view of a bike as the means to commute to work or school, shop for groceries, and replace everyday trips by car with the bike. The e-bike makes these activities more enjoyable and comfortable, especially those involving more miles and greater elevation changes.
E-greenies
These cyclists embrace e-bikes as a way to reduce their CO2 footprint and dependence on gasoline-powered vehicles. They differ from e-commuters in that their life’s focus is living green to assure a green future for the planet. Living green far outweighs finances, commute time, and convenience.
E-healthies
Cycling as a means of being more physically fit is one of the top motivators for getting on a bike. People on this journey will not be Tour de France contenders but will be rewarded with better health. A variety of health and physical limitations leads a person to seek the assistance of an e-bike to aid in their health journey.
E-keeping friends with bikes
It is common for people to build friendships through a mutual love of cycling. Bike clubs exist for people of all cycling types and skill levels. Aging and life circumstances may result in a cyclist being unable to maintain their physical ability. An e-bike gives a cyclist the boost to maintain the pace of their circle of friends.
E-tourists
Bikes open the door to exploring the world on two wheels. The bicycle tourist chooses how far or close to home, and how short or long their exploration will be. E-touring allows cyclists to go farther, venture to heights they never imagined, and expand their touring and cycling abilities.
E-fun timers
Sometimes you just gotta be a kid. E-bikes are fun. Pedaling is easier. Less effort means more fun. Life is fun at the speed of a bike. These are just a few reasons people get on an e-bike. I remember this from my youth freewheeling carefree through the neighborhood.
E-golden-agers
Getting old is unavoidable. Seniors are remarkably different from seniors 50 years ago. It’s common for people over sixty to lead an active life. Cycling is one of the best ways to nurture one’s mental state while pursuing an active outdoor life. E-bikes enable and make this behavior accessible to all ages.
E-mountaineers
This unexpected segment of the mountain biking community fascinates me. E-bikes are confidence builders for cyclists who find joy in cycling single-track dirt and gravel trails meandering through challenging terrain. They encourage cyclists to take on climbs and descents they never thought possible. Watch this!
Summary
Cycling is an inclusive sport. E-bikes are relative newcomers to the cycling world. They are one of the many and varied types of bicycles in this world. Cyclists come in many shapes and sizes with varying abilities and reasons for cycling. E-bikes and e-cyclists are changing the cycling world and will continue to in the years to come.
The e-cycling world has many benefits; some are mentioned in the above e-cyclist sub-communities. An evolving world comes with challenges and growing pains. I will continue exploring e-bikes and their influence and impact on cycling, cyclists, trails, and communities in my writings.
Bonus: I never saw it coming.
A year ago, I was at that age when an e-bike would become a reality sooner rather than later in my life. I am a cyclist who loves social cycling. Touring by bike is one of the joys in my life, more joyous in my retirement years. I want my bikes and touring to remain essential parts of my life in the coming years.
Harley Davidson ventured into the bike world with a new brand, Serial 1. This was a wise strategic move for the leading icon of the motorcycle world. I was intrigued by the innovative technology and classic design of Serial 1 e-bikes. I saw them as contenders in my future. 2-3 years out. A Black Friday sale led me to a dealer’s shop. I purchased a Serial 1 Rush City Speed. Look for more of this story on Tom on the Trails.
Continue your e-bike exploration
Happy trails!
Tom on the Trails