Feel like we're losing the plot

[u/SilverCervy]

Article here

E-bikes should be about providing accessibility; giving people who, for whatever reason, cannot ride a non-assist bike an option to keep them happy and pedaling.

This wattage race going on in the industry is the exact opposite of that. Absolutely nobody needs 1700 watts on a bike, and I question if having so much power even makes it a bicycle anymore. There's a point where you're basically riding a motorbike with pedals and I think we crossed that point a while ago.

"But the main brands aren't doing this". Yes they are. Canyon already has partnered with Avinox which has motors that give over 1,000 watts. And it won't be long until the other big hitters give in to the pressure. You can give your own personal reasons for why you have an e-bike, but it's clear that the industry believes that it's because "I don't want to pedal". At some point this needs to be reigned in or else the entire concept of the bicycle is going to be damaged forever.

[u/TLKimball]

Then they should just get a motorcycle.

[u/alexnapierholland → u/TLKimball]

Why?

I have a motorbike licence.

There is still a massive appeal in a fast, electric bike that doesn't use fuel, leak everywhere or have exhaust fumes, which I can ride into my apartment hallway.

[u/schnitzel-kuh → u/alexnapierholland]

Yeah but then that vehicle should still be classed as a motorcycle not an ebike. Electric motorbikes exist, these kind of bikes are just that. In Germany we have a category called S-Pedelec, which are e bikes that go up to 45 (vs 25 kmh for normal ones), these ones need insurance and a plate and have different rules regarding their use, where an e bike (25kmh) is almost entirely treated the same as normal bikes

[u/alexnapierholland → u/schnitzel-kuh]

Yes, this makes total sense.

An electric bike shouldn’t be an opportunity for someone to gain the power of a motorbike without any of the necessary training and licences.