From transforming daily commutes to bridging the gap for non-cyclists, e-bikes are the most significant evolution in cycling since the mountain bike—and that’s a win for all.
Can’t argue with the base premise. But here in Toronto it’s the ebike wild West. Where no law is enforced.
Folks are ripping by in the bike lanes on 100lb electric mopeds with throttles and fold away pedals. I’ve seen bikes where the chain is rusted off but the “bike” happily zips past a grandma on dutch bike at 35kph.
Recently the transit commission finally banned ebikes on the subway because they were lighting trains on fire.
All I ask is that ebikes are limited to pedal assist and have a weight limit. But I think the genie is out of the bottle.
Can’t argue with the base premise. But here in Toronto it’s the ebike wild West. Where no law is enforced.
Folks are ripping by in the bike lanes on 100lb electric mopeds with throttles and fold away pedals. I’ve seen bikes where the chain is rusted off but the “bike” happily zips past a grandma on dutch bike at 35kph.
Recently the transit commission finally banned ebikes on the subway because they were lighting trains on fire.
All I ask is that ebikes are limited to pedal assist and have a weight limit. But I think the genie is out of the bottle.
Anyway. I’ve got opinions.
I think no one disputes that we need a clear separation of electric bicycles and electric motorcycles and the presence of pedals ain’t enough.
Presumably once that’s sorted out, e-bikes can and should become the norm. They’re the “all ages and abilities” equalizer.
Not sure if that’s even possible here.
It feels like every Uber Eats delivery person is on one of these things.
They are everywhere.
I imagine we could grandfather in existing vehicles somehow, maybe by distributing stickers for existing owners. I dunno.
But it would kill the gig economy here, I feel like the electric motorcycle problem might be here to stay.