I agree,
@SPINMAN is an inspiration regardless of age..:-)
I haven’t ridden e-bikes, but here in Northeast India, there are a lot of e-rickshaws. I love to pace with them. On days when I’m struggling to reach my next destination, I use them as my pacers and compete against their speed. Many times, they’re full of locals, students, and others, so it’s fun to pass them, have them pass me, and so on.
Whenever I have such pacers, I hit my maximum speed or mileage and have longest riding days. I’m riding like an elephant...
(02-10-2025, 10:43 AM)meamoantonio Wrote: (02-09-2025, 10:00 AM)SPINMAN Wrote: (02-04-2025, 02:59 AM)Victor Blake Wrote: E-bikes are changing the cycling game in a big way, making it easier to get around, whether you’re commuting to work, cruising around town, or tackling trails. These bikes give you that extra boost when you need it, helping you go farther, faster, and with less effort. If you’ve ever been curious about what makes e-bikes so special or wondered if one could fit into your life, this thread is for you! We’ll cover how they work, the different types out there, and why they’re becoming such a popular choice. Drop your thoughts, questions, or e-bike stories below, let’s chat!
As of right now, I enjoy an e-bike when he/she is in on my paceline/group! Entering my senior years my average pace on a solo ride is about 18 - 19 mph over a 35-45 mile ride. When we have an e-pacer, I love keeping that 23-25 mph intensity at 85% of max HR 78-82RPM for 30 minute efforts.
As of right now, I enjoy an e-bike when he/she is in on my paceline/group! Entering my senior years my average pace on a solo ride is about 18 - 19 mph over a 35-45 mile ride. When we have an e-pacer, I love keeping that 23-25 mph intensity at 85% of max HR 78-82RPM for 30 minute efforts.
Let's see in about 4,5 years what the technology and prices look like then I'll be the pacemaker!
I hope I can still ride 23-25mph even in a pace line when I am also in my senior years, you're an inspiration to everyone here @SPINMAN 🙌
@enkei and @Jake1, I’ve experienced both the positives and negatives of e-bikes. While commuting to work in Boston, I’ve seen e-bikers zoom past on the left or right, regardless of traffic, and with little regard for the safety of others. These bikes are built like machines—heavy compared to regular bicycles—and they can go fast with just a twist of the throttle. I’ve always been wary of them, and you can hear them approaching because of the sound of their motor.
I think the issue escalates on trails shared by pedestrians, parents with strollers, and cyclists. There are some such "rail trails" in MA/NH that are mix-use. Mountain trails and e-bikes present another set of challenges.
That said, I also see how e-bikes have enabled many people to get back on two wheels. Without them, many wouldn’t be cycling at all. My close friend can ride after his hip replacement only because he's found an e-bike
At least 25% of the people I’ve met during my bikepacking journey have asked why I don’t switch to an e-bike, since it’s less strain on the body and allows me to cover more distance. But that’s exactly my point: I cycle to burn calories, stop every hour or so to rest, catch my breath, and meet locals. With an e-bike, I’d be zipping by until I had a mechanical issue—and then I’d be stuck, unable to push the heavy elephant that an e-bike is.
So, I’ve struggled with the idea of e-bikes myself.
(02-10-2025, 02:24 AM)Jake1 Wrote: (02-09-2025, 07:13 PM)enkei Wrote: (02-09-2025, 10:43 AM)Jake1 Wrote: Ebikes are a big game changer for non-cyclists; actual cyclists (disregarding its use for motorcyclists) do not use ebikes.
Time to separate the term cyclist from e-bikes. I have met very few owners of ebikes that really do any cycling. Instead they are merely using another form of powered transportation. Ebikers for the most part would rather have foot pegs than pedals. Most cannot pedal their ebike without any power for even very short distances. Does not sound like any cyclists I know.
Ebikes are fine, but it is not truely cycling any more than being on a motorcycle (2 wheels and motor; sound familiar?) is. Remove the pedals and the ebike is classified completely differently than an actual self-powered bike. In my State if you go over a certain speed the ebike suddenly transforms into a motorcycle which must be registered and requires a drivers license (the vast majority of ebikers in my break this law every time out!). Most bikers follow road signs worse than other vehicle drivers; rolling "stops", running lights, etc. Also, if riding above the State ebike speed limit since the ebike is now a motorcycle you cannot ride your ebike on sidewalks or bikelanes; but ebikers do it since they consider themselves, and apparently a good portion of the cycling world too, to be on e and are cyclists.
Nothing against ebikes, but something against calling an ebiker a cyclist. If an ebiker is considered a cyclist than what do we now call those still getting around on two wheels (or more) under their own power? "Super Cyclists"? "Boomer Bikers"? "Ultimate Cyclists"?
Easier just to call ebikers what they are: ebikers! But not cyclists, since I still know of zero cyclists that use any source of power but their body (excepting those pro cyclists who felt the need for an illegal boost hidden in their frame).
Nothing against ebikes or ebikers in general, but I am a cyclist and prefer not to be grouped in motorized vehicle drivers which is what an ebike is.
To those ebikers riding on trails where motorized vehicles are prohibited (at any speed!); please go find a city road or some other place to where you belong.
I hate to say it, but cycling is starting to suck.
If it has a pedals, it's a bicycle. As long as an e-bike conforms to e-bike laws wherever it is, it's an e-bike.
I don't understand why you're so hung up on calling people cyclists if they ride an ebike. I'm not into ebikes. I doubt I'll ever own one. But it doesn't bother me in the least if ebikers are called cyclists. I couldn't care less what other people are doing if they're not causing me a problem.
Do not get hung up on my wanting to differentiate myself from those just cruising around on an electric scooter. If you want to be grouped in with ebikers that is your choice; sounds like it might be your hang up. Where I am from ebikes are mostly a loophole for college kids to have a motorized vehicle without a license, and then they drive them ilegally in a mannner which legally requires a license. They are NOT cycling. A child on a balance bike is doing more cycling. Also, pedals do not make something a bicycle if you are familiar with the many forms of bicycles (they do not all have pedals).
I am not an ebiker, but an ebiker is a cyclist? Get real! I am a cyclist, and an ebiker is not a cyclist (until they propel that bike using their own power uphill).
Sorry, but where I live the law changes the categorization if the ebike goes over a certain speed; it is categorized as not being an ebike anymore. At that point it is no longer referred to in the same manner. Does not matter what you call you call the device anyways when we know that regardless of the name is it for the most part just a motorized vehicle and those riding them are, for the most part, not cycliing unless call driving uphill cycling. Again, I am a cyclist. Ebikers are just that ebikers (who happen to be sitting on a bicycle looking vehicle. I am not part the your all encompassing "cyclist" lanel since I have pride in being able to will myself to achieve something on my own power than just raking a cushy ride to the cafe. Proud to be a cyclist. Ebikers can be proud to be ebikers.
![[-]](https://forums.bikeride.com/images/flatty/collapse.png "[-]")
