Hostility towards ebikes

[oldnick1964]

There was an ad on Facebook for a Cyrusher step through, a legal UK model, 250w 15,5mph, so I checked out the comments section. The majority of comments were negative, with some calling for ebikes to be banned. They cited articles published by various media outlets, high lighting battery fires, antisocial behaviour, lazy riders, slavery in the Congo, recycling etc. The UK government is promoting EVs as part of its net-zero policy, but it is deliberately ignoring scooters and ebikes. They also recently ignored the proposals, petitions to increase the limit to 500w 20mph. With so many 20 mph zones springing up around the UK, you'd have thought they'd have jumped at the chance of getting more people out of their cars and onto ebikes. I've been asked a few times about the power output of my bike, the top speed, how well it handles hills, the range and charge times and I find they lose interest fast when you mention the charge time, the range and the 15.5 mph PAS

 

[Hill.Striker]

It's a shame to see such negativity around e-bikes in those comments!
While valid concerns about safety and sustainability exist and need addressing responsibly, it feels like people are missing the bigger picture.
E-bikes offer a fantastic solution for getting more people active and out of their cars, especially with all these 20mph zones popping up.
The assisted pedaling makes hills disappear and longer distances achievable for a far wider range of people, not just seasoned cyclists.
It's about accessibility and convenience, opening up cycling to commuters, older riders, or anyone who wants a bit of a boost without arriving everywhere a sweaty mess.
The fact is, they're a significant part of a greener transport future.
If we only look at the bad parts, we'll miss how much good they can do for our daily trips and fun rides!

 

[oldnick1964]

I bought my first ebike in 2018 a Carrera subway e 250w and since then I've owned several other bikes, a twin hub fat bike, two Bafang mid-drives 750w & a 1000w. I'm 61 now and if it wasn't for my bikes I wouldn't still be riding. In the last seven yrs, I've never had a problem with a battery. I don't charge them overnight, I don't go out when they're charging, I don't overcharge them, use the wrong charger. I charge them at room temperature and I store them in a fireproof lithium-ion battery container and other winter if I'm not using the bikes I keep the charge at 80%. A lot of this hostility is due to idiots on illegal off-road electric bikes such as the Surron, the BBC released a one-sided story about ebikes earlier this year. Drivers don't like them, no number plate, no insurance, no MOT, no road tax whilst they get clobbered for ULEZ parking charges 20 mph zones and get doubly frustrated when a bicycle jumps a red light