Somewhat unrelated to the article, but I live in a mid-size EU city and dumped my car for an e-bike a few months ago.
Surprisingly, it hasn't been that hard (my GF kept her car, and I have a car-sharing subscription):
Pros:
- Immediately stopped having insomnia. Better feel overall;
- about €300/month in additional disposable income. That's basically a free lunch everyday!
- significantly faster if parking is taken into account for most trips. The bike is faster for any < 10 km / 7 mi trip;
- do not have to worry about car maintenance, parking tickets or theft;
- you will not kill someone if you ride after a night drinking;
- amazing when the weather is great;
- (almost) no emission.
Cons:
- might be impossible depending on work or children;
- weather might make the ride unpleasant;
- somewhat dangerous when the infrastructure is lacking.
I'm pretty sure I'll never own a car, unless absolutely required by work. Improving the infra and the car-sharing network would be awesome.
Surprisingly, it hasn't been that hard (my GF kept her car, and I have a car-sharing subscription):
Pros:
- Immediately stopped having insomnia. Better feel overall;
- about €300/month in additional disposable income. That's basically a free lunch everyday!
- significantly faster if parking is taken into account for most trips. The bike is faster for any < 10 km / 7 mi trip;
- do not have to worry about car maintenance, parking tickets or theft;
- you will not kill someone if you ride after a night drinking;
- amazing when the weather is great;
- (almost) no emission.
Cons:
- might be impossible depending on work or children;
- weather might make the ride unpleasant;
- somewhat dangerous when the infrastructure is lacking.
I'm pretty sure I'll never own a car, unless absolutely required by work. Improving the infra and the car-sharing network would be awesome.