One of the nice things about having a blog is the ability to share your opinions and start conversations about topics that are of interest to you. It’s also nice to hear back from readers and get their comments and opinions on posts.
Yesterday, I published a post about my concerns about e-bikes. It didn’t take long for me to hear back from e-bike riders, some of whom seem to be very vigilant about defending e-bikes from uninformed criticism.
Many of the comments on my post pointed out that I had very few facts and only anecdotes to support my complaints about e-bikes. I can only plead guilty to offering an opinion, based on my observations. I am clearly not equipped with the knowledge and expertise to make technical, fact-based safety comparisons between bicycles and e-bikes.
I got many vigorous comments in defense of e-bikes. I won’t repeat them – they can all be found here. I encourage you to read them.
But I want to put up a video that several of the commenters suggested I view.
My views have softened from reading the comments, but I still think that many e-bikes are closer to motorized scooters than bicycles. On the other hand, I can also say that e-bikes offer a level of mobility to some people that is beneficial to them and to the environment.
Whether you accept my opinion or not, here are a few things I hope we can agree on:
- Any clean alternative to cars is a good alternative, whether they are e-bikes, bicycles, pedal scooters, unicycles, roller blades or skateboards – as long as they are operated in a safe and legal manner.
- It’s critical that we teach people how to drive safely, take proper precautions, wear helmets and be aware of those with whom they share the road or bike path. I think it’s safe to say that governments, schools and other institutions could be doing more to ensure that anyone who wants to drive on our roads is as prepared as possible to do so in the safest possible way. And if you want to prioritize, start with drivers education – cars are still the biggest and most dangerous things on the road.
Unsolicited Advice 
Truth is, some cyclists don’t seem to realize there’s a WAR on, against to 20th-century automobile? Truth is, the power-assisted bicycle (in most European countries, where they have already “taken off”, they are EPACs… Short for Electric Power Assisted Cycles…), is the best “weapon” AGAINST the car? Please come on over from the “dark side”? Come into the “light”? We could use your help?
Cheers
Lock Hughes
The Toronto Electric Riders Association
Thank you for keeping an open mind, that’s all ask.
Jim Thompson
Director at Large
Toronto Electric Riders Association.