Clive ThompsonJun 27, 2023

Denver last year offered subsidies for buying electric bikes

Their first 600 were snapped up in 10 minutes. Demand was *huge*

Denver ended up issuing over 4,700 (about 2,300 of which went to low-income residents)

Research shows it reduced car-miles driven in the city by 100K a week

My takeaway?

We should have ebike subsidies *everywhere*, and *now*. Cheaper than electric car subsidies, and arguably even more catalytic

My essay: https://clivethompson.medium.com/its-time-to-subsidize-e-bikes-900a862b8e76

"Friend" link https://clivethompson.medium.com/its-time-to-subsidize-e-bikes-900a862b8e76?sk=dea9f07c0dab4be831ee50a197360f95

Show threadPusher Of Pixels (old account)Jun 27, 2023
@clive I've read that insurance on ebikes is astronomical due to how easy the batteries are to steal. They're small and portable and obvs aren't protected by much of an enclosure.
Show threadlegumancer Davy
@pixelpusher220 @clive there are some designs where the rider can easily pop the battery off and stick it in a purse or backpack when locking up, which helps some.
Jun 27, 2023 at 8:42amWeb
Show threadvoltaicJun 27, 2023
@legumancer @pixelpusher220 @clive my bike battery locks into the frame with a key! it goes right ➡️ for lock then another turn ➡️ for "on". Unlocked it slides right out and can put in backpack. Lots of good designs out there