I just wrote a post the other day, How Writing Has Helped My Bicycling, but the month and day numbers match again, so it’s already time for another post. As for a topic, I had a hard time choosing one. I was going to go with biking while sick, since I’ve been struggling with something for a few weeks now. A normal person would stop biking until they got better. But I’m in the capitol of Texas where one of our slogans is “Keep Austin Weird,” so in my case, I just have kept riding somehow. I do slower and thus fewer miles, which makes me sad not to meet my goal. There’s not much more to say on that subject, which is boring. I haven’t done an Austin Cycling News Roundup in a while, but I’ve not been very plugged into the bike scene lately, and that takes a little time to research. I considered reviewing the Reddit bicycle discussion, r/BikingATX, but also not much there. So, I landed on my hatred of electric bicycles aka e-bikes, otherwise known as motorcycles. Yeah, I said it.

But first, we’ve had prematurely warm weather and eerily early bluebonnets (the state flower) in Central Texas. I’m sure it’s due in no small part to climate change. With nicer temperatures, I should be writing more about some awesome rides, right? By now, I am supposed to have done enough ride on Soqi (so’ chee), my new Cannondale Quick 4 who I introduced in this recent blog, to taker her back to Sun & Ski Sports for a free tune-up. But the truth is I haven’t ridden her much due to having to work and the whole being sick thing. As for the topic, which I think my tens of readers can get behind? Here’s my take on e-bikes.

Cons

1. They go too fast. If you’re a new bike rider on an e-bike, you’re probably doing it wrong. You can really hurt yourself, or others. In fact, my friend Rhodney, who’s appeared in these pages, recently pushed the turbo button or something before he was ready. He banged himself up a little, and it could have been worse. People also fly by normal bicycles in the bike lane and can startle them. Also, the superior attitude that not a few e-bike riders have is super annoying.
2. They are expensive. Sure, the price has come down from $5,000 or more to as low maybe $1,500, but the good ones, you’ll still pay a pretty petty. Plus, you can get rebates from government agencies. And sure, there are high-end normal bikes that cost more. Overall, the averageperson just needing to get around probably doesn’t have that much to spend. Throw in costly repairs and eventually a replacement battery, fuggehdaboudit!
3. The batteries are dangerous. There have been numerous e-bikes that have caught on fire, due to cheap unregulated batteries, overcharging them, and so on. Read this terrifying article from Consumer Reports.
4. A lithium shortage is forecast. Here’s a CNBC article from 2023 about the shortage due in 2025.
5. They’re too easy. Biking should be fun, and most you have to still pedal. But there should some effort to get the reward. Riding an e-bike seems like cheating, and you’re not getting much of a workout. It may be sooner than I’d like, but I’m holding out as long as I can. I’m still a fathlete, after all.

Pros

1. They aren’t cars. If someone ditches their car, or uses it less by replacing trips with an e-bike, that’s good for the environment because they pollute less. They also take up less space and are less likely to kill normal cyclists. So, I’ll allow it.
2. A bike is still a bike. Like I said, you still have to do some pedaling. The elderly, disabled, and people with long, hilly commutes get a pass.
3. Speed is okay if you can control it. The fastest I’ve ever been on a bicycle was 51 miles per hour.I was going downhill at the Formula 1 race track bike night on dearly departed, still beloved Sophie, the Fairdale Weekender Archer. I imagine going fast like on a motorcycle (which they are, because they have motors and they’re cycles) is enjoyable. Plus, you’re saving time commuting (and not arriving as sweaty, either).
4. There are tax rebates. You might get credits from your employer if you bike to work, you save on a parking spot, and so on. Some state and local gummints or energy may reward you for your purchase with rebates, and the feds will spot you some loot.
5. Ride with a friend. For those with a seat for it, having your buddy or pal or guy or gal ride with you would be fun and increase the economicality.

Alright, upon thinking this through, reading, and writing about them, I’ve determined that electric bikes still suck, but not totally. What do you think? Share your comments below. Be nice.

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