Imagine my surprise when a number of the initial customers for Pietzo hybrid electric bikes were avid cyclists.  I’d been told that passionate cyclists, who already had the latest in conventional bike technology and gear, would consider riding electric as “cheating” or a sub par experience on their passionate pursuit of the road.  I stand corrected.  Here are a few reasons why bike commuters added an electric bike to their “fleet” – their words, not mine.
  1. Riding electric takes 50% less exertion than riding a conventional bike so less exertion at the beginning and end of my day is a huge plus.
  2. Owning a second car is something my wife and I choose not to do because of the expense but more importantly, the environmental implications.
  3. Riding a conventional bike throughout the winter was out of the question on my regular bike.  With the electric bike, I have the confidence to ride through nasty weather, uneven pavement, wet leaves and even over ice.  (No one said living in Boston is a walk in the park!).
  4. Taking the bus doesn’t get me to work with a smile on my face – the electric bike does.
  5. There are days when taking a shower or changing clothes upon arriving at work is too much trouble.  Early meetings always point me toward an electric commute.
Of course, avid cyclists also appreciate the additional benefits that all electric riders relish – reduced time and stress for commuting, no parking hassles and costs, and more opportunities for exercise.
The bottom line for riders, who are already in the habit of bicycle commuting, is that the electric bike helps them pursue that environmentally friendly commute more days of the year.  It’s clear that for passionate cyclists, the more days you can ride the better.
Footnote:  I’ve made a conscious choice not to get into the ongoing debate about the term ”avid cyclists”. Call me blonde but I can’t see any harm in an adjective that means “eager for, dedicated to, or enthusiastic about”.