Will E-Bikes Be The New 'Commuter Cool'?

cnn.com:

Electric bikes are still somewhat of a novelty in the United States, but in China they're everywhere.

In fact, Chinese electric bikes number more than 100 million -- which is about four times the number of Chinese private cars, according to Electric Bikes Worldwide Reports. The bikes are popular in Europe as well.

Read the whole story: cnn.com

Comments

[jimrs6]

No, they will never be cool?

[SwingingFromCenter]

It's impossible to look cool while riding a bike. Fact. So no, they won't be the new "cool". You'll still look like a rej.ect, and you'll still just irritate everybody in cars that you're slowing down.

[totalliberal]

I personally look cool doing anything. You, however, will eventually have to get out of your car and look like the reject that you are.

[SwingingFromCenter]

Yeah, hopping out of a German sports car doesn't look good at all. Oh, wait....

[tinrobot]

It's impossible to get any exercise while driving a car, so I'm pretty sure cyclists look a lot cooler than you when wearing jeans.

The next time you're stuck behind a cyclist, sit back in your leather seat, turn up your surround sound stereo, take a sip of that drink in your cup holder and chill out until the cyclist gets to a place where you can pass safely.

[SwingingFromCenter]

Or I can "accidentally" sorta wing him as I pass.

[netzwerg]

Forgot to mention: Most "E-Bikes" here in China are not E-Bikes, but E-Scooters, like these: http://www.made-in-china.com/products-search/hot-china-products/Electric_Scooter.html

[netzwerg]

I live in China and use my E-bike every day.
They are cheap, fun and fast if tuned. No need to worry about parking lots either.

[SteveDenver]

These new Segways look great!

[SvrWx]

Yep...I'm willing to spend 7500.00 on a bike. Man...I guess I'm going to have to wait another 5-10 years for those prices to get down to my price range.

[netzwerg]

My ebike here in China cost me 3500rmb, about 500$. Thats a real expensive one, prices start at 1500rmb, about 250$, used ones even cheaper. All prices include batteries and charger of course.

[jsarets]

What I want is a single-seat, open-cockpit, open-wheel electric tadpole (reverse tricycle) made of glass-reinforced recycled PET thermoplastic and with styling cues from Formula One.

The driver sits low in a bucket seat between ducted battery sidepods. Two wheels in front set wide for steering and friction braking. One wheel in back driven by an electric induction motor for acceleration and regenerative braking. Enclosed locking cargo bay behind headrest and above rear wheel fits anything up to a standard carry-on suitcase. Locking cockpit lid.

Main advantage is super light weight for a car, but no need to be as light as a bike. Also very small aerodynamic cross-section. This increases miles per kWh and reduces battery size compared to larger electric cars. Target range 80+ miles. Top speed 70-80 mph, but gets there from a standing start in 10-12 seconds. Target market: white-collar commuters.

[paulbikes]

So, start working on it!

[The Meek]

I have one. It works for me. I have bad knees, and I'm a nerd.

[AmberGaze]

I don't know about the cool factor, but I have ridden an e-bike and it was an enjoyable ride. Especially when attending nearby functions, doctors appointments, lunch dates, or work. With the e-bike I never had to worry about sweating profusely - which sometimes happens on my gear bike- or riding across town in time for an appointment. I still love my normal bike though.