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 threadEvan

@pixelpusher220 @clive Many renter’s and homeowner’s insurance policies cover theft of property such as bicycles even outside the home. The only issue is that the deductible on those policies may be high, so I’d just check on that before relying on home insurance for bicycle coverage

https://www.forbes.com/advisor/renters-insurance/does-renters-insurance-cover-theft/

Does Renters Insurance Cover Theft?

Having something stolen from you is a pretty crummy feeling. Paying to replace the stolen item can feel even worse. The average value of property taken during larceny-theft is $1,162, according to the FBI’s Uniform Crime Reporting Program. You’re most likely to have your personal property stolen from your car. About 27% of larceny-theft is […]

Forbes
Jun 27, 2023 at 1:16pmWeb
Show threadPusher Of Pixels (old account)Jun 27, 2023

@odd @clive what if read was that the combination of ebikes being fairly new and the ease of battery removal makes a higher likelihood of theft and therefore higher rates.

Sure ppl can remove and take with them, but 5-8 lbs gets heavy pretty quick. Could easily see ppl not being diligent about it over time