Hot take: if you can choose between an #ebike and a car, of course take the bike.
However if your choice is between a regular bike and an e-bike the former is much more environmentally friendly.
In short, biking become less and less environmentally friendly the more regular bikes get replaced with e-bikes and e-scooters.
@prestontumber compared to normal bikes? Yes they are worse. I don't think anyone can argue that the combination of mining, electricity for charging (that might come from coal or oil plants, at that) isn't worse than a theoretical half a burger or whatever. That said unless your dietary needs are way off you actually don't eat more, you just lose some weight.
Also this video is made by an e-bike manufacturer.
I wonder if you actually watched the video, because - unless I'm mistaking this for a different analysis of ebikes I've watched - they mention the issues with mining and manufacturing. That said, these amounts are absolutely *miniscule*, especially the charging.
@prestontumber Idon't see a single comment supporting that assertion. I see a lot of comments pointing out that if you haven't got the option for regular bikes for some reason, e-bikes are a great alternative.
We can put this to rest, but the biggest problem not addresses is the longlivety: bikes last around 15 years, often longer with minimal care. That would require several battery replacements on an e-bike.
@WhyNotZoidberg Again, not consistent with my experience - I have had a lot more reliability from my cargo ebike than with my older commuter bicycle.
Multiple people have cited theses and studies in this thread. You've argued back, and I will concede it is possible my initial position of walking > transit > ebikes > bikes >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> cars and trucks is possibly wrong. It still seems far likelier to be walking > transit > bikes >> ebikes >>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>> cars and trucks.
@prestontumber and I don't buy that with the data I have , but maybe you just bought a crap bike? While with the price a cargo e pedac costs you better get a quality product...
To that point I might add my suspicion that one reason bike sales are down is not scooters etc but that bikes are bloody expensive these days even accounting for inflation. There is a reason the university town I work in is full of bikes 30+ year old: back then you got good quality cheap. They're still rolling.
@WhyNotZoidberg It was a mid-range new commuter bike, ~800 USD. The cargo ebike is more expensive, sure, but it's from a bargain-basement brand within the electric bike space.
I think you need to really examine your priors here. Not everyone is a slim, single person living in flat area with good cycling infrastructure. For that matter, even a class-two isn't a scooter, no matter how much you might feel otherwise.
@prestontumber You are again adding things to the argument I've never brought up, in fact I have wholeheartedly agreed with everyone saying they're perfect for people who for some reason can't handle an "analog" bike.
Also I am far from skinny or fit but thanks for assuming so I guess?
(Also 9000 SEK for a bike? Yikes. That definitely strengthen my hunch that the main reason for a declining market for new bikes is the overpricing).
Why Not Zoidberg? 🦑
Preston Is Not My Real Name