Zamboro

There's a lot in the article to agree with, even if the author was a bit of an elitist about it. What I'd like to communicate to him is what people into ebikes get out of it, as this seems to be something he can't imagine the appeal of. First, we are not simply lazy. I'm 6'1" 190lbs, I lift, and when it's time to do cardio I hit the treadmill. Cycling for me is about pleasure. Ebikes are intensely pleasurable to ride because of the severe disparity between the size/weight of the vehicle and the propulsive force. Some of the high end kits can achieve top speeds of 55+mph, while even 'cheap' ones easily hit 35 on flat stretches, provided at least a 1kw motor and a lithium battery capable of providing the motor with the amperage it wants. This level of performance comes as a pretty wicked delight, from something you can easily pick up and carry, or even fold away into a briefcase. Especially since the silent, smooth, fumeless power that's moving you seems to come from nowhere and can later be fully replenished in a little over an hour for less than a dime. That's god damned wizardry. Riding a performance ebike feels like Zeus descended from the heavens, tenderly cupped your buttcheeks and then flung you over the horizon at warp 9 while you hold down the throttle and cackle like a demented goblin. It's not proper cycling, no argument here, but it's fantastic fun, and you should try it before you knock it. Nobody's going to take away your master cyclist card or judge you as harshly as you've judged ebike riders in this article.