Totally agree with the premise that e-bikes are the most appealing option for urban mobility. I don't need a full workout when commuting and 250W of torque-sensing assist makes me, the average cyclist feel like superman. Just wanted to point out some downsides:
- $3300 + $1000 for upgrades/maintenance to cover 4k km works out to $1/km which is fairly expensive. Longer use will obviously amortize the cost further and the resale value of that bike is at least $2k, but still, I could buy a motorcycle/scooter and gear for similar money.
- Any US city I've lived in, riding such a bike to anywhere where I'd be leaving it out of sight for >5min is a non-starter because of rampant theft.
- Riding a sustained 20mph with a bicycle helmet without first developing the requisite skill to go that fast on a regular basis exposes you to much higher risk. Similar to if your first car had 400hp and no active safety features.
- $3300 + $1000 for upgrades/maintenance to cover 4k km works out to $1/km which is fairly expensive. Longer use will obviously amortize the cost further and the resale value of that bike is at least $2k, but still, I could buy a motorcycle/scooter and gear for similar money.
- Any US city I've lived in, riding such a bike to anywhere where I'd be leaving it out of sight for >5min is a non-starter because of rampant theft.
- Riding a sustained 20mph with a bicycle helmet without first developing the requisite skill to go that fast on a regular basis exposes you to much higher risk. Similar to if your first car had 400hp and no active safety features.