this post was submitted on 25 Jul 2025
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Fahrrad
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Alles rund ums Fahrrad.
Technik, Verkehrswesen, Touren, was auch immer.
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@D_a_X I don't believe a single word. People are lying through their teeth to justify their behavior. E-bikes have replaced real bikes in bike stores. People are switching from bicycles to e-bikes. The marketing narrative is no longer aimed at old and disabled people, but middle-aged people and even children. I seriously doubt that children have switched from driving cars. The e-bike is the gateway drug to motorized transport from an early age.
When I ride my ebike to the grocery store or to work its pretty much always replacing a trip I would have taken in a car. I'd say it replaces about 20% of my trips. There is close to zero chance I would have used a non-ebike to have done the same.
@whosepoopisonmybutt
For what reason? Ebikes essentially are motorcycles. So why don't you just use a real motorcycle? E-bikes combine the disadvantages of bicycles, namely comparatively low speed, with the disadvantages of motor vehicles, namely loss of fitness.
I do have a motorcycle as well, since you asked.
Why an ebike?
Some sources claim it is actually the most environmentally friendly method of transportation, even when taking manufacturing into account. Over its lifetime, it creates less pollution than bike riding or walking, if you assume the person isn't a vegetarian.
Cost per day to commute 8 miles each way on the ebike is roughly $0.50 and roughly $5.00 for my 25 year old Toyota Tacoma, considering all costs.
I also enjoy riding my ebike and it has some health benefits. I don't just sit on it like a lazy bum who is riding a slow motorcycle. I pedal with moderate effort and can get to and from work feeling like I got some exercise without arriving all sweaty and gross. Riding this distance on an unpowered bike before and after work would fucking suck.
Is the lower speed a disadvantage? Yes but only slightly. I could get to work in about 15 minutes driving vs consistently about 22 minutes on the bike. Although the top speed is only about 28 mph, im nearly always going top speed. There are a few places where I have to stop for lights but at these intersections, I generally catch up with the cars that passed me earlier. Unless you're getting on the freeway, the bike is only barely slower.
@whosepoopisonmybutt
I think we can stop right here. I don't doubt that using a low-powered electric motorcycle may be a more environmentally friendly method of transportation than using a high-powered ICE motorcycle, if it is suitable for the purpose. But that doesn't make it a muscle-powered bicycle, and it doesn't make it equivalent to and as environmentally friendly as a muscle-powered bicycle.
O RLY? I commuted 8 miles each way for decades. It was pretty tough at first. But the great thing about muscle-powered bikes is that the engine gets stronger over time with heavy use.