Why an E-bike?

There is a joke in the bicycle industry about “How do you know someone owns an e-bike?  They’ll tell you.”

This witticism rings true to me.  But my enthusiasm for e-bikes extended over several months as I discerned my use case scenario, thoroughly researched the subject, and followed my gut waiting for the right moment for me to buy an e-bike.

I live in the center of DC. The  downtown of our Nation’s Capital is pedestrian friendly and relatively compact.  There is good public transit.  Parking is precious.  Rush hours are a horror.  So that begs the question: “Why an e-bike”?

Well, while Metro is good for commuting from the suburbs to work, it isn’t as efficient for some cross city trips.  There are parts of the system not well covered by Metro rail and the bus system can be erratic For some lines, both rail and bus, one might have to walk 3/4ths of a mile to avoid a transfer. I can walk at a rapid rate, but that generates some perspiration.  I am not anxious to arrive at events needing a shower.

The District has tried to embrace micro-mobility since 2018, with  Rent a Bike and Rent a Scooter options.  CapitalBikeshare requires users to begin and end their rental at a rack.  My observations conclude  some racks are rather empty and other ones (particularly in the downtown cluster) are often full up, requiring a rider to play rack roulette to end their rental ride. And in some areas of the DC, there are no racks nearby. Scooters are scattered on sideways and litter the streets.   

The big challenge with these micro-mobility options seems to be the limitation on what one can carry.   When commuting to work, I need to have a bag which carries my laptop (occasionally two of them), paperwork, a lunch and some exercise close.  I foresee back pain constantly carrying 20 plus pounds commuting on the streets.  Some rental bikes have a front rack, which a briefcase might be secured.  However, none that I’ve seen allow for rear rack carriage, so if one is stocking up at the supermarket, that’s all on your back.

Over the years, I have acquired several bicycles which I’ll admit are rotting in my backyard.  The ancient 30 year old folding bike, the found street bike and the big box mountain bike need significant work which I am not capable of performing.  Assessing repair charges in a cost benefit analysis, it would be wiser to buy new conventional bikes.  A friend gave me a restored 40 year old Fuji racing bike.  Because of the rams horn center bar and the strap in clip peddles, it wasn’t good for short rides or errands which required carrying things.

For me, owning an e-bike would increase the range which I could commute without a car.  As I have been using more public transportation, I am aware that I can take a bike on Metro which means some suburban stops that are not right on the Metro line become accessible with an e-bike.   A pedal assisted e-bike would allow me to arrive to places without being sweaty.  An  e-bike would make traversing up hills much easier than on a standard bike.  By accessorizing with a front and rear rack, I could carry groceries. 

For some, this could act as a car replacement.  In my situation, it would be a supplement in a one car household