• grue@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    which compared to regular bikes is another step back.

    I initially assumed that too, but it turns out that e-bikes are even more efficient than regular bikes. In other words, holding the total amount of (food calories + electricity kWh) constant, an ebike rider can go farther than a regular bike rider on the same amount of energy.

    I also recognize that it’s easy to fall into a gatekeeping attitude of considering e-bikes as “cheating” compared to regular bikes, but us cyclists have really got to work hard to get over it because it’s not helpful.

    • eumesmo@lemmings.world
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      1 year ago

      I think they called it a “step back” in terms of being worse for the environment, because of batteries, etc, while a common bike can be used for years and years without creating additional pollution.

      • pinkdrunkenelephants@sopuli.xyz
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        1 year ago

        They literally could just support asteroid mining so we could have all of this green tech they want without the surface mining baggage.

    • AngryCommieKender@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      I’m pretty sure the cyclists out on the bike path appreciate when I pass them and take point for a few minutes. They have my 6’3"/192cm frame sitting tall and creating a nice wind break for them for a few, then I resume my full speed.