Question for "Real" Cyclists (Seattle: high school, living in, horse)

[GuitarArt1980]

I commute to and from work downtown via an electric-assisted bike. I live in West Seattle.

It seems like everyday I get a snarky comment from a serious cyclist about my bike having a motor etc. At first I couldn't tell whether they were just admiring/commenting on my setup, but I'm gathering that I'm getting made fun of for riding an ebike.

Thing is, I don't ride to work because of the workout. It's much quicker and easier than busing. Also, my work doesn't have showers and I would arrive drenched in sweat if I rode a traditional bike.

Can any serious cyclists on here explain what your beef is with ebikes?

[leastprime]

Newer E or a 3+ older E? Brand?

[GuitarArt1980]

Originally Posted by leastprime

Newer E or a 3+ older E? Brand?

Newer Blix Stockholm. Does it matter?

[flyingsaucermom]

I'm the same. I work as a pet sitter/dog walker and I near exclusively use an ebike. From everyone else I get intrigue and interest, but from the cyclists I sometimes get some snub. Because they aren't mind readers they can't understand my motivation (fossil fuel aversion) and it's not my job or duty to inform them of the multitude of benefits in ebike ownership and usage.

I think it's pretty cool that this thread would come up though... for me that indicates that ebikes are a real "thing"... at least in Seattle!

[Thom52]

They are jealous.

E-bikes are a great commuter alternative, especially in a hilly town like Seattle.

Roadies can be real snobs.

[Blondebaerde]

Originally Posted by flyingsaucermom

I'm the same. I work as a pet sitter/dog walker and I near exclusively use an ebike. From everyone else I get intrigue and interest, but from the cyclists I sometimes get some snub. Because they aren't mind readers they can't understand my motivation (fossil fuel aversion) and it's not my job or duty to inform them of the multitude of benefits in ebike ownership and usage.

I think it's pretty cool that this thread would come up though... for me that indicates that ebikes are a real "thing"... at least in Seattle!

I ride a bike, too: made by Ducati, 1200cc twin, with rather robust and sonorous bellow I might add. Runs on dino juice, so not super eco-friendly (though does get great mileage)!

However, I ride bicycles as well past few decades. Observations:

- When I rode a Scott road bike, was snubbed by the trail/off-road guys.
- When I rode a Scott Sub 20 (urban/trail hybrid), was snubbed by road guys and trail alike. I still have this one, it's super-useful.
- When I rode a Trek trail bike, was viewed as a hooligan and pariah to all but trail freaks. I've never been glared-at by a horse before or since: if Equines could talk...they have a way of making their displeasure known to Homo Sapiens, though.
- Best friend with a hand-built, spec'd-in-detail road bike snubs everyone who doesn't have full-custom and $5K to blow on a bicycle.

Humans are cliquish. My response in less-polite moods is "___ you, too, chump!" Rest of the time, I just do my own thing and...to quote R. Crumb..."Keep on Truckin'!"

Let OP ride his or her electric bike in peace, I say. Sounds interesting to me, and if I had a specific use-case to do so, I'd ride it with pride and wear earplugs and headphones to avoid the smart alecks.

[treuphax]

Seattle snobs are the worst thing about this place. So adolescent how they look down on you... Reminds me of how I get shame for not drinking cool microbrews or in high school when I didn't like the cool bands.
Long live Disco!

Power on bro! Even if it's electric + pedal power!

At least you're still riding and getting some good exercise. If that motor helps you overcome some of the challenges and the hills, it's a good thing.

I bike to work most the time.
But I'm no militant about it.
I love to bike. I love to drive.
Unfortunately doing either in this town is pretty nerve wracking and stressful.

Every week I have several very close calls. Many of my colleagues here in Seattle have had serious accidents with motorists and were out of work for long periods.

When I was living in Europe I knew nobody who was ever in that kind of accident or much less wore a helmet.

It's exasperating how narrow the roads are and how inadequate the infrastructure for both motorists and cyclists is. I really sympathize with both. But it's certainly too late to get it right for my lifetime.

[treuphax]

Maybe put a bumper sticker on that bike
"My other car is a HUMMER"
and they'll have some sense of humor.

Never mind that sense of humor.
Too often I forget I'm in Seattle.

[Stonepa]

Ignore them. You ride what you need to ride and stay out of a car.

[509]

We have had e-bikes for quite awhile.

Our bikes are rather well disguised, so we look like old people that can pedal like hell!!!

Seattle people have no sense of humor, nor do they get to experience the world outside their bubble. Just tell them that they are technaphobic. They need to embrace change.

Best thing to do...is swap bikes with them for a short distance. If they don't get it after that......