Dear eBike Skeptics: It’s Time We Talk
Hey there, cycling purists. Gym bros. Trail gatekeepers. Even you, Uncle Gary, with your classic road bike and unsolicited fitness advice.
We get it. When you see someone breeze by on a sleek electric bike—smiling, upright, barely breaking a sweat—it’s tempting to roll your eyes and mutter: “Cheating.”
But before you write us off, saddle up and let us explain why eBiking isn’t cheating—it’s changing the game. And it just might be the best thing to happen to cycling in decades.
“But it’s not real exercise…”
This is the big one. The classic dig. The gym-class version of “you’re not even trying.”
But let’s break that down.
eBiking allows for pedal-assist, not pedal-avoidance. You still have to move. You still power the ride. The motor simply amplifies your effort—especially on hills or during long distances—making it sustainable for a wider range of people.
eBiking is:
- Low-impact cardio (great for joints and recovery)
- A gateway to consistent exercise (especially for beginners, older adults, or those recovering from injury)
- A real workout—on many rides, riders still burn 300–600 calories per hour depending on terrain and assist level
- A motivator to ride longer and more often, which adds up fast
Need receipts? A study in the Clinical Journal of Sports Medicine found that eBike riders spent nearly as much energy as traditional cyclists over time—because they rode farther and more frequently .
Translation: You still get the health benefits. You just don’t have to suffer to get there.
“It’s not real cycling.”
Let’s talk about what makes cycling “real.”
Is it a carbon frame? Skinny tires? Spandex?
Or is it:
- Feeling the breeze as you round a corner
- Building your route in your head as you pedal
- Getting outside, moving your body, and soaking in your surroundings
- Sharing the ride with others
By that definition, eBiking isn’t just real cycling—it’s cycling made more accessible. eBikes open the door to those who wouldn’t otherwise ride: folks with disabilities, aging joints, long commutes, steep neighborhoods, limited time, or low fitness confidence.
That’s not fake. That’s freedom.
“You’re just being lazy.”
The irony here? eBiking often leads people to ride more, not less.
You don’t skip rides because the wind picked up. You don’t flake because of one gnarly hill. You don’t talk yourself out of it because you’re “too tired” after work. With pedal assist, you go anyway. And that consistency is anything but lazy.
Plus, consider what we often see from eBike riders:
- Long-distance weekend rides
- Commuting 10+ miles each way without a car
- Pulling cargo, kids, or groceries
- Exploring new trails, parks, or even states
Lazy? No. That’s more “active” than half the people paying for gym memberships they never use.
“It’s ruining the trails and bike culture.”
Let’s clear something up: Yes, trail etiquette matters. And yes, there are rules about where eBikes can legally ride (especially in national parks or protected lands). Responsible eBikers respect those boundaries.
But the idea that eBikes are “ruining” anything? That’s not the case.
In truth, eBikes have:
- Introduced more people to nature and the joy of cycling
- Provided eco-friendly alternatives to driving
- Strengthened local economies by encouraging exploration and bike tourism
- Fostered new communities of riders who might never have laced up a bike shoe otherwise
And the culture? It’s evolving—like it always has. From fixed gears to mountain bikes to fat tires and now eBikes, the cycling world keeps expanding. Isn’t that worth celebrating?
“It’s just a toy.”
Let’s get this straight: eBikes are fun. We won’t deny it. That first ride where you hit the throttle and feel the wind in your face? Yeah, that’s pure joy.
But don’t confuse fun with frivolous.
eBikes are used for:
- Daily commuting
- Grocery runs
- School drop-offs
- Mobility for aging or disabled riders
- Exploring rural terrain or national parks
- Saving on gas and reducing carbon footprints
So yeah—it’s a toy and a tool. Just like a pickup truck. Just like a kayak. Just like any gear that helps you move, explore, and live better.
Here’s What We All Agree On
Let’s find common ground.
We all love:
- The open road
- That post-ride glow
- A good hill conquered
- A long weekend ride with friends
- The sound of nothing but gears and gravel
eBike riders love that too.
We’re not trying to replace cycling—we’re expanding it. Making it more inclusive. More fun. And more feasible for more people.
So maybe, just maybe, it’s time to stop drawing a line between “us” and “them.” It’s all riding. And if more people are doing it—smiling, moving, living healthier—what’s the harm in that?
Final Thoughts: Cheating? No. Leading the Charge? Absolutely.
Next time someone zooms past on a Lectric, don’t scoff—smile. They might be on their first ride in years. They might be recovering from surgery. They might be a parent showing their kids that movement can be fun. Or they might just be out there, living fully.
Either way, they’re not cheating.
They’re charging forward—just like you.
