Any e-bikers on DU? I have two, a Class 3 and a Class 2, and they have been game changers for me.

[artemisia1]

The Class 2 (smaller, less powerful) has been great for quick neighborhood commutes and the Class 3 is almost like a moped and is great for pleasure rides in the countryside.

For urban areas, especially, these can save a lot of fuel, wear and tear on the car, help the environment and be pleasant to ride. Freepers probably hate them.

Thoughts?

[Biophilic]

1. Depends on who's riding them.

I live in SW Florida. Obvious tourist and snowbird area. They are dangerous as hell down here. People ride them on the sidewalk making it unsafe for pedestrians. They don’t look when crossing streets. They expect everyone else to get out of their way whether on the street or sidewalk and they ride them way too fast, because they can. I understand the appeal but I still hate ‘em.

[artemisia1]

3. Sorry to hear that. There needs to be some serious enforcement and impounding of violator's vehicles. I am

lucky to live in a city that has some very good bike trails.

Riding on the sidewalk should only be allowed at 4-6 miles an hour and only when a bike lane is not available. Riders must dismount in a crowd.

[Biophilic]

4. Yeah, I agree with you, but never happen down here.

It used to be the golf carts (still is), but the bikes have become worse. "Freedom" ya know. Actually, the powers that be just have no clue what to do with either of them. It's honestly the mind set of the riders and drivers. It's all about them. I'd like to think the north is better, but only some. I lived in SE Michigan until 4 years ago. I'm glad you enjoy yours.

[Nittersing]

2. Almost got one a couple of years ago

when our city offered a pretty decent rebate.

But I started paying closer attention to them and saw way too many cars drivers being very careless around them. I thought it would be handy for quick trips to the grocery store or just to cruise the neighborhood, but now I'm scared to get out there.

At least my Smart Car isn't a gas guzzler.

[artemisia1]

5. I dismount at intersections and become a pedestrian. Also, when the bike lane ends I will walk my bike

on the sidewalk (if there are pedestrians, if not I will ride slowly and safely at about 5 mph). Yes, I lose some minutes for safety's sake but most hazards are in the intersections and not bike lanes. Depends upon your area, though.

[beaglelover]

6. I had one when I live in Los Angeles. I eventually gave it up as it was getting too dangerous with all the distracted

drivers on their cell phones. I miss it sometimes. Loved smelling like gasoline when I got back from a long ride in the hills.

[LogDog75]

7. I've ridden bicycles for years but...

e-bikes riders tend to forget they have to follow the same rules of traffic as motor vehicles do. For the record, I'm a dying breed of bicyclists in that I have a front and rear light flashing while ridding, ride on the right-side of the road, use hand signals, announce "Passing on your (Left/Right) when passing pedestrians/bicyclists on shared streets/paths, I come to a complete stop at stop signs and lights.

The thing I've noticed over the past 10 years is most bicyclists ignore the rules of the roads, especially those on expensive racing bikes who should know better.

[KS Toronado]

9. No, I get enough exercise walking around my exercise bike.

And welcome to DU!

[KS Toronado]

12. Guess I didn't mean to welcome you

[sakabatou]

11. No. All I have is my pedal bike

There aren't hills where I am, and I don't need to travel far.