5.22.2025

The first Bixi bike I rode was an e-bike. I've never ridden an e-bike before. I balk at the concept. In Traverse City on the regional trail system I felt attacked when I saw them. Abominations. They don't belong. If you're going to ride a bike, ride a bike. If you're going to ride a motorcycle or a moped or an ATV or a scooter or anything that tops 30 mph keep it on the road. I have opinions about this, see.

I didn't realize it at first. I was confused, thought maybe I was going downhill without realizing it. The lack of effort it took to accelerate took me by surprise. When I realized what was happening I felt guilty of some sort of betrayal. Then I fully enjoyed myself, gliding down side streets and passing cars backed up at lights.

The problem is these bikes aren't maneuverable enough to justify this kind of power in a crowded area. Just the fact that they're dangerous makes me surprised Americans haven't fully embraced them yet.

I know now that the e-bikes have lightning bolts above the QC code you use to unlock them and I promise to myself that I will avoid them from now on. Then I walk back up the hill from downtown and consider what that's like on a regular bicycle, and I've seen the commuters puffing up Parc by the mountain and how they're peddling so hard but it looks like they're standing still and this guy's face looks like it's going to pop off and I can admit that having an assist in these situations might be of some value.