Let’s get real—ebikes are a game-changer. They’ve opened up cycling to people who’d never touch a regular bike. But not everyone is cheering. Some cyclists? They can’t stand e-bikes. Why? Let’s dig in.
It’s About the “Purity” of Cycling
Some cyclists think riding a bike is about one thing: effort. You push the pedals, feel the burn, and earn every mile.
E-bikes? They’re like skipping leg day. The motor does some (or most) of the work, and for diehard cyclists, that feels like cheating.
Imagine training for a marathon, and someone zips past you on a Macfox. That’s how they see it.
The Speed Factor
E-bikes are fast. Too fast for some.
Traditional cyclists worry about safety. When someone new to biking jumps on an e-bike and goes flying at 20 mph, accidents can happen. And let’s be honest—there’s a bit of jealousy too.
Nobody likes getting passed by a guy who’s barely pedaling while they’re sweating buckets.
In fact, according to a report from UCSF, injuries involving e-bikes surged from 751 in 2017 to over 23,000 by 2022. (ucsf.edu)
The “Community Divide”
Cycling is more than a sport. It’s a culture.
Group rides, weekend races, shared suffering—it’s all part of the package. Some cyclists feel e-bikes create a divide. They see e-bike riders as outsiders who don’t “earn” their spot in the community.
It’s not just bikes clashing—it’s philosophies.
Environmental Concerns (Ironically)
Here’s a twist: cyclists, who love bikes for being eco-friendly, sometimes see e-bikes as a step backward.
Why? Batteries.
E-bike batteries are made from materials like lithium and cobalt, which require significant energy and resources to mine and manufacture. Their disposal is another issue; recycling these batteries isn’t always straightforward.
But here’s the flip side: E-bikes, when used to replace car trips, can dramatically cut emissions. Replacing just one car trip with an e-bike ride saves an average of 249 grams of CO₂ per kilometer. (eponline.com)
Read more: Which Bike is Right for You? Discover Your Cycling Type
Fear of Losing Trail Access
This one’s big.
Some trails have strict rules: no motors allowed. With e-bikes blurring the line between “bike” and “motorized vehicle,” traditional cyclists worry land managers might ban all bikes to keep things simple.
Imagine losing access to your favorite trail because of something you don’t even use. You’d be annoyed, right?
The Cost Argument
Let’s talk dollars.
A decent e-bike can set you back $2,000 to $5,000. That’s not pocket change.
Traditional cyclists argue you can get a great road or mountain bike for half that. To them, e-bikes seem like overpriced toys.
Why It’s Not All Hate
Not every cyclist dislikes e-bikes. In fact, many love them.
- Commutes are easier. No more showing up to work drenched in sweat.
- They bring new people into cycling. Your buddy who never rode a bike? Now they’re joining weekend rides.
- Accessibility. E-bikes make cycling possible for people with injuries, health issues, or just a lack of fitness.
Haters aside, e-bikes are here to stay.
FAQs
Are e-bikes cheating?
Depends who you ask. If your goal is fitness, maybe. But if it’s getting from A to B faster, who cares?
Do e-bikes ruin trails?
Not if ridden responsibly. But some riders don’t follow the rules, and that’s where problems start.
Are e-bikes worth it?
If you want easier rides, absolutely. Just know they come with a price tag.
Do e-bikes harm the environment more than traditional bikes?
Not exactly. While e-bikes have a bigger environmental footprint due to battery production and disposal, they’re still far greener than cars, especially for short trips.
Final Thoughts
Some cyclists dislike e-bikes because they challenge the norms of cycling. Others worry about safety, cost, or environmental impact. But the truth? Most of the tension comes from change.
Cycling is evolving, and e-bikes are part of that. Love them or hate them, they’re not going anywhere.
So, instead of arguing about it, why not take one for a spin? You might just see what all the hype is about.
