I live in a city where public transportation is overcrowded, there’s constant vehicle traffic, and you can’t depend on any commute time for a given day or hour. The average temperature is very high, so walking is a sweaty affair.

The only way I’ve found to make this city more usable is with an ebike and scooter. It’s like the perfect vehicle for these conditions.

However, many people reject the technology and either choose their car or other forms of getting around.

Is it because it’s not well understood, or seems too expensive?

I’m curious what sold you on the technology or what is the reason you’re not making the leap.

  • tunetardis@lemmy.caEnglish
    1·
    8 days ago

    While I own a car and do drive it to work more this time of year when there is often snow on the roads where I am, I definitely prefer the ebike commute for a host of reasons.

    First off, I’m cheap. Driving costs in terms of fuel and maintenance tend to add up. Transit would, in theory, be less expensive if I didn’t already own a car. But if you exclude the sunken cost of purchase + other unavoidable expenses like insurance, the operational costs of driving work out lower per month than a transit pass according to my calculations.

    But now consider an ebike. It’s operational costs are pretty close to zero. The purchase cost may seem high compared to a regular bike, but if it’s replacing car or transit trips, it will pay for itself in short order. In time, you may find that you’re keeping your car longer before replacing it since you’re not racking up a lot of mileage from commutes. In that case, it’s a total windfall on your budget. You’re saving thousands!

    There are other considerations. I was not sure about the exercise aspect since it is a motor-assisted bike, but I’ve been losing weight since I got it. About a pound a month, so very slowly, but it adds up. I’ve had the bike for around 3 years now and I’m no longer in the type 2 diabetic range.

    In terms of the actual experience of commuting by ebike, it was a bit intimidating at first as I basically ran the same route I had been driving with people passing me all the time. But then I studied the map and realized I can cut through parks, trails, and residential streets and it’s quite pleasant. I actually enjoy my commute now which is something I never did in the car or on the bus. ebikes are particularly nice because you can follow hilly routes or ravine trails without breaking a sweat, and that can expand your options. A little more distance is not the end of the world either.

    Finally, I find commutes are consistent in the time they take. Cars can get stuck in traffic. Regular bikes can slow right down when you’re battling a head wind. I know my commute will always be about 25 min by ebike.