As much as I want ebikes, I think the money is better spent on infrastructure like bike lanes. People can’t do anything on infrastructure, only government can. This also works for normal bikes too.
Ebikes also really save people money over a car, so I don’t think it’s something we need to finance. There can be the first initial purchase hurdle for some, but let’s find something different than subsidizing everyone like low/no interest loans for low income.
The city of Austin set up proper bike lanes, not just markings on the road. They are great. Unfortunately that bike theft problem got out of hand and pretty much killed the e-bike commuter idea before it could grab hold. COVID-19 and the shift to WFH was pretty much the nail in the coffin.
As much as I want ebikes, I think the money is better spent on infrastructure like bike lanes. People can’t do anything on infrastructure, only government can. This also works for normal bikes too.
Ebikes also really save people money over a car, so I don’t think it’s something we need to finance. There can be the first initial purchase hurdle for some, but let’s find something different than subsidizing everyone like low/no interest loans for low income.
The city of Austin set up proper bike lanes, not just markings on the road. They are great. Unfortunately that bike theft problem got out of hand and pretty much killed the e-bike commuter idea before it could grab hold. COVID-19 and the shift to WFH was pretty much the nail in the coffin.