E-Bikes and Older Cyclists: Why They Belong in the Cycling Community
Cycling is booming — on trails, on roads, in cities, everywhere. But with that growth has come a weird divide between traditional cyclists and e-bike riders. Honestly? It’s time to put that nonsense to bed.
🚲 The E-Bike Divide: Why It Exists — And Why It Needs to Stop
E-bikes exploded in popularity fast. And as with anything new, a small group of traditional cyclists pushed back. You’ve heard the comments:
- “E-bikes don’t count.”
- “They’re cheating.”
- “Real cyclists don’t need motors.”
That mindset isn’t just outdated — it’s harmful. It discourages people from riding and divides a community that already needs all the strength it can get.
🔋 E-Bikes Still Require Effort (More Than People Think)
Let’s clear something up:
E-bikes are not motorcycles. They are pedal-assist. The motor only helps when the rider is actually pedaling. You still work. You still sweat. You still burn calories.
Studies show that e-bike riders ride more often and cover longer distances than many traditional cyclists. In real life — where aging, mobility, and injuries matter — that’s a huge win.
I’ve passed plenty of e-bike riders on climbs. They’re still pedaling their hearts out.
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♿ E-Bikes Bring More People Into Cycling — Period
This is where e-bikes shine. They open doors:
- Older adults who can’t ride long distances anymore
- Riders recovering from injury
- People intimidated by hills or heat
- Those with chronic conditions or disabilities
If we care about cycling, we should care about bringing more people *in* — not pushing them out.
🌍 E-Bikes Are a Sustainability Win
Every car replaced by a bike — electric or not — is a good thing.
E-bikes replace short car trips, reduce emissions, cut traffic, and require almost zero infrastructure. You can park one with two fingers. You can charge it anywhere. That’s real-world sustainability.
🤝 All Riders Deserve Respect
At its core, cycling is about freedom, joy, connection, and movement — not about who climbed the hill the “hard way.”
If someone is riding a carbon road bike, a steel touring bike, or a step-through e-bike… they’re cycling. They belong.
🚴 A Real Moment from the Road
At this year’s Hotter’N Hell 100, I lined up next to a rider well into his eighties. He was on an e-bike. Without pedal assist, he probably couldn’t have been there — but thanks to that motor, he was ready to roll. Ten miles in, he was still pedaling steady. That’s the whole point of e-bikes: they keep people in the game.
🚴 Final Thoughts: Let’s Ride Together
E-bikes aren’t the enemy. Ego is. The more people we have on bikes — any bikes — the stronger our community becomes.
Next time you see an e-bike rider, give them a wave. They’re choosing health, movement, and a better world — same as you.
Disclaimer:
This post reflects personal opinion and experience. Always follow local e-bike regulations and safety guidelines.
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