I've riden an Ebike exclusively for 9 years. I sold my vehicle in 2011. 365 days a year in Canada. Studded winter tires in winter. Snow, ice and down to -20c at times. I have no idea what the cost of gas is. I average 4500km per year.
Me too! Kept biking down to -40 last winter in Edmonton with an 18km commute each way. It is easy to rent a car or use carshare apps if I do need to go on a road trip or pick up something really big, and I'm sure I still save big $ vs. car ownership.
Same here but I'm from Sweden. Never owned a car. You get to buy different clothing that you wouldn't have bought had you driven to work with a car every day.
I've been car free for 8 months now. Love it! Cycle to and from work and do recreational cycling at the weekend. I don't think I've ever been fitter in my life. Currently saving for my first ebike!
@NonCoinCollector Nope. Not sure about your area, but in Washington State the roads are primarily paid for with taxes placed on gasoline sales, not property or sales tax revenues
Been carless for seven years living in San Diego with an ebike and brompton folding bike. Travelled cross country using the rail system with the bike. Also, camping with the bikes.
Protip: don't neglect your car for months at a time, or the battery will die. That can be kind of annoying, but it's also one more reason to not bother with owning a car I guess.
We had to purchase a trickle charger for our Prius starter battery, as it will be dead in 3 weeks.... And doing that a dozen times will permanently destroy the starter battery
Or really keeping the engine running lubes all the engine parts. Hey man cars can go further. Some of us live really far away from the major city where transit or biking isn't viable
I sold my car in October 2018, and I rode my ebike every where, I slowly reduced the amount of times I put the motor on. I then changed over to my normal bike. Ebikes are fantastic , mine allowed me to raise my fitness to a level where I no longer need it.
I have been riding a FAST electric scooter (Apollo Ghost) to work and back for 6 months, it has been great. The only time I drive my car is to get groceries on the weekends. It has 100% improved my quality of life.
I've been car-free for over a year now, and, honestly, I don't miss it. Between bicycling and transit, even here in South Florida, I'm living car-free in the suburbs!
I’ve started doing (10 minute each way) school runs half the week on a bike. I’ve been surprised by how pleasant it is (even in rain). No major complaints from the 4yo passenger apart from if we get passed by another bike. He especially likes the excuse to put on more lights than a Porto Rican tow truck driver hauling a Christmas tree.
I haven't owned a car for over 5 years and been using an eBike as my primary form transportation ever since. I would say without a shadow of a doubt that if I take everything into consideration that an eBike is the best form of transport currently available. It wins when it comes to enjoyment, economics & effort (you get as much or as little exercise as you want). The downside is range & the amount you can transport but if you can come up with alternatives for those (like for example I can borrow a work vehicle) then using a eBike is a no brainier & I think anyone that successfully uses an eBike as an alternative to a car will never go back. It really is the enjoyment factor that is the main selling point of an eBike. I get almost zero enjoyment these days on the occasions I need to borrow a car with the exception of when it is raining or scorching hot but usually leaving earlier or later in the even resolves that issue. You lean to plan your travel around the weather on the few occasions when that is an issue. I live in a relatively colder climate & usually feel warmer during winter because I ride an eBike and even a bit cooler when it is hot because of the airflow (without the effort).
I was car free for 6 years. I would ride my non ebike mon-fri to the next town over to attend college. I got a car 2 years ago and it was honestly draining me. I recently got an ebike and I’m cycling every again. Feel getting to be out on the open road again.
My wife and I have had 1 vehicle for the last 3 years which is pretty much relegated to Costco runs and getting out to the mountains. Biking is the way to go. Way quicker, much more enjoyable! That said, you've got to be extremely defensive riding in LA and ideally time your rides to not be during rush hour. Be well and stay safe out there peeps!
Loved this video, especially the bits about how it made you slow down a little in life. I'm about to get my first ebike to replace (partially or fully) my car commute to work, and I can't wait!
The thing about biking is that I feel active when getting to work. Riding a car is a "passiv" way to move around. I need to mix upp what I do for execise though, I did a month of serious biking and got some severe cramps in my legs. My muscles in my legs really hated my constant movement in the same way. I tried just biking to work and in the woods for a month. It turned out I still needed to run and walk alot even if I spent 16 hours a week on a bike. Just for my muscles to have the variation. But I agree that commuting by bike is great! I also agree about the moment of fear when you exit work and go to pick up your bike, will it be there? Good video.
I ebike everyday in Tucson AZ, but I would not do it if I was forced to lock it up outside for more than a very short period of time due to theft. Ebiking allows me almost not use my car at all which also allowed me to change my car insurance to a “by the mile” policy making it more than justify the cost of the ebike. Also not to mention the increased exercise and stress reduction. Cons: Cars taking left turns in front of you on the ebike’s green light right of way. Pedestrians stepping out into the bike lane without looking etc. Even with puncture resistant liquid goop in the tires. I occasionally get a flat but I’ve become like a Racecar pit crew member and I can repair or swap out an innertube and pump it full of air in minutes. Thank you for taking the time to shoot and post the video.
Definitely! What I really like about eBiking is that even if you have to be next to people it's only for a second then I can speed off back into safe social distance.
Get off my bike! ;) I’ve put 600+ miles on my Load 60 commuting since I picked it up from you guys and I have to say it’s definitely improved my health and perspective. It’s been hard to do it every day (I couldn’t) but now that we are self quarantined it’s been such a blessing to be able to go out for my essentials on my bike. For one it keeps me strong and my immunity up and secondly, it really helps with keeping my anxiety in check. Stay safe and keep up the good work.
Ferdinand! Glad to hear the bike is treating you well. I just got another Load 60 transferred up here from SD and I've been eyeing it for myself. If I grab it let's start a front-loading cargo gang!
Nice! I commute about 40 Miles each day going from Corona to Fullerton. I have been doing this for about a year. I have over 3000 Miles on my Cube Reaction Hardtail. Some things I noted is the time it takes to get to work. This takes about 1 hour, knowing this you have to understand what the time allotments are and or the caveats like waking up earlier. I usually take off at 5:20 am and ride to gym then shower up and head to the office 1 mile away. Since the Covid however i have not been riding as everyone is working from home. Thanks for your post.
Oof. I might do a daily commute from Corona to Fullerton, but (e)bike to the train station from my house then from fullerton station to CSUF. I don't know if I'd do the full thing by bike though.
I'm a female person from Oakland, just sold my Prius and bought a Riese Muller load 60 electric cargo bike.I've used e-scooters and analog bicycles when I lived in LA as my only form of transportation, you're right about the lack of bike lanes! it was good you put your car in a garage, I had to sell mine so I wouldn't be tempted to jump into it to avoid being late😅 now that I only have a bike I plan ahead. Riding an will save me over $4,000 per year in gas, registration, maintenance and insurance. Also it's part of my commitment to the environment. When I need a car I'll rent or get a shareable car. ☮️
If it's raining what do u do?? I live in PA we have snow and no bike lanes what than Safety issue ,cars will never see bikes it's like females who think they can go where they want do what they want without a gun, knife or masse when we have 4,000 serial murderers in the States the FBI says and 88,000 missing person cases a year U have no protection around u like a car ,a bike is ok for a day off exercise in a park with friends not alone as not safe . What uve described makes absoultley no sense . Cars don't see you , it's super dangerous, definately can't be out past dark and ure a target . If we lived in a perfect safe world maybe we don't so I don't get ure comment and find it super delusional .Also I drive one hour to work so ure saying u live 5 minutes from ure job ok than .
As a female i can say ure comment just makes no sense 1. Not safe 2. Cars could hit u and That s a FACT when most people are drunk, on coke, spacing, sleepy from jobs, speeding so yeah ugh no 3 rain and snow 4 where do u lock ure purse ure gun ure weapons etc etc ????
@@janityy I don't think it's less safe than being in a car. I have an app which takes me mostly on residential streets, when I do need to be on main roads I'm on a bike lane. My bike has great brakes and a rear view mirror. Also, because it's an electric cargo bike there's tons of space for a baseball bat, tasers, and a guns😂 it can carry up to 440 lb of random furniture I find in the street or groceries.
@@janityy I'm sorry you don't have any bike lanes. I suggest putting pressure on your elected representatives. This is the direction we need to move for the environment. I don't live my life in fear, I feel fine, I'm an independent woman and I love my life on a bike 🌹
@@janityy I completely agree with you. My wife loves her ebike here in rainy dark gloomy Tacoma Washington but honestly when it's wet every day and daylight is gone at 4:30 riding a bike to even get some groceries is just not safe or practical. She's a survivor of a concussion and broken hip bike injury 1/2 a block from our home on a busy street. Car entered bike lane 😞
Kudos to you for biking in Los Angeles. They have improved transit but I would never bike there. I’ve read too many Biking in LA blog posts. It’s a shame that in 2020 the city hasn’t gotten its act together to support sustainable mobility in a meaningful way. Unlike Chicago, Los Angeles has great weather that can support year round bike riding. Of course what really gets people on bikes and keeps them biking is barrier protected bike lanes and secure bike parking.
Couldn't agree more! It's a pretty simple solution to get people to stop driving: make it make sense for us to cycle! Hopefully they'll start giving us more lanes.
We went down to one car ( actually a truck) when I bought a Honda Grom, the Grom was my main vehicle for the last year as my wife drove the truck, but 3 months ago I bought an e-bike and now hardly ever ride the Grom
I actually get bummed when I have to take my car. I reserve the car for inclement weather only. Mostly because I'm still new to cycling and 2 being it's roughly a 30 mile round trip to work and back.
I live in New England ( Connecticut ) . I'm 56 now . I've been riding a bike year round , for both transportation and recreation for three years now . Winters , I ride the older bike with studded front tire . To say it can be a challenge is an understatement .lol I've just ordered my first Ebike . Waiting on shipping and delivery now .
I've been ebike commuting for 5 years and it just seems normal now. As for 🌧, I drive my truck. If the weather pulls a double cross on me: sunny in the morning and 🐕s and 🐈s in the evening, I Uber. Your going to want a trailer for grocery runs on the way home from work though.
Cool, I've been building an ebike for a while now, I have already built a mountain bike and I've been riding it a bit, but I want to complete my Ebike that is an Enduro style Ebike, It's called a Stealth Bomber, I bought the frame and I'm buying it, pretty much a piece at a time. It's going to have a Mid drive motor and a Sturmey-Archer 8 speed internal geared hub on the rear wheel, so I'm pretty psyched about it, but I won't be able to ride just it for a month, since I am my wife's only mode of transportation and we are 64 years old and my wife is a type 1 diabetic and legally blind in both eyes. But I definitely am going to ride it as much as I can, as soon as I get it built. It's a fat tire ebike so I should be able to ride on just about any surface.
The perfect combo to give up your car are an Electric Unicycle and an Ebike. The EUC is great to go out to eat or shop because you can bring it in with you. No worries about it being stolen. Totally stress free.
It’s just the lack of protected infrastructure where I live. Great when the weather is fine but not so when it’s cold, windy and raining. Perfect combo would be ebike, EV and great, good value public transport. And walking.
Thanks most enjoyable, I have a Giant Toughroad Cycle, love to ride mostly on off road trails, also have an electric cycle which I acquired a few months ago, enjoying the best of two worlds you may say...Cheers, nice video...
The debate should not be cars vs bikes. It should be a car centralized society vs a transport/people society. A city should have an efficient system that offers several options, where the people pick what is best for their time, money and specific needs.
I only drive about once a week. My ride is a micro foldable bike modified to be a single speed. It is awesome to be able to torque out at stoplights to beat cars up to speed then take my space in the lane until the platoon passes. Living below the 38th parallel it works all year round without sweat!!! And in a suit!! If it rains I have a cheap drugstore rain suit I pull out of my pack.
Of its feasible in ur and areas, why not? It saves on fuel & $$ per month. And when you need to travel by car to take on some from off places to take on the sceneries you can always bring your bike and have a better time with it.
Bike theft would be my biggest concern. Especially with such a valuable bike. Commuting to work is fine, because there is a garage, but if I want to go out downtown... different story.
Definitely have to carry some heavy duty locks. I use a Kryptonite New York Lock, ABUS Bordo, and the Pinhead system. I've found if you just make your bike more difficult to grab than others around it, you're usually okay.
Right, that's the problem with expensive commuter bicycles. A $4000 + bike usually attracts a higher level of thief. Its great if you have a garage but parking at a crappy walmart bike rack or on a city street is always super risky even with a good u lock or two.
Nice video. I'm retired and don't do any commuting anymore, however, in the summer my vehicle pretty much sits in the driveway, I use my bike for just about all my errands, (no, its not electric). I'm beginning to think an electric is my next bike, I bike about 60 miles a week.
I'm thinking about getting an E-Bike and using it to commute. I live in the OKC area. We have a good amount of bike trails which will make it fairly easy for me. I will definitely be holding onto my car though. 😂
I live in FL I think I’ll do this you are encouraging me. I work 15 miles away from home so it will be 30 miles per day. I have an eBike a cheap one from Walmart $500 I ride it on the weekends. With gasoline prices skyrocketing daily I may save money. Of course on rainy days which in FL is the norm, I might use the car. Plus the health benefit. I’m diabetic and overweight so it will help me.
I have been meaning to do the math on this for awhile! I have a few friends that do it and seem to think it ends up saving them money, especially if they were previously making car payments. My car is paid off at the moment, so I'm not sure it would save me money.
@@FlyRidesUSA it's not just the car payments. The cost of running a car is often over-looked. Here in the UK the running costs include depreciation, insurance, vehicle emissions tax, maintenance, repairs, servicing, mot, fuel etc. When I got rid of my car I realised it was costing me £2000-2500 minimum per year just to run excluding if there were any payments. I atch now just have an ebike to commute around town and rent a car when needed.
Do you recommend your gazelle bike? It is no longer on the Gazelle website, perhaps it is a discontinued model? I saw one that is on sale for $2699.00. I am not able to get the original price. Do you know what the original price was since I am getting different prices since this bike is discontinued? Do you think the sale price is because it is a used model even though they don’t state it as used? I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP on this. I think your bike looks more sleek than the current Gazelle bikes right now.
Great stuff, thanks. Hey, what is your bike locking strategy? I noticed the cable, which is easy to get through, but perhaps the u lock and cable together create enough challenge to make the thief move on? Thanks!
Hey there, we did a video on this exact topic that I'll link to. Usually, I'll do a cable through the wheels and a u-lock through the frame. Generally. I've found people won't cut a cable just for a wheel. Here's the vid: ua-cam.com/video/ancrSCzRRyM/v-deo.html
Is the speed limit 30mph for ebikes in CA? Seems like you'd struggle to average above that in a car in most major cities. In the UK it's 16mph which is too slow imo, acoustic bikes can go faster than that.
eBikes here go up to 28mph (Class 3 they're called) so, yes, keeping up with traffic in a major city is generally pretty easy. You're totally right, that's what's so great about them!
It was nice to see behind the scenes in LA - looks to be a beautiful city, one always sees the same scenes in movies and doesn't think that there's more to it than that. Good luck with the ebiking, you touched on one of the things I enjoy the most - in the car, I find myself almost to be on almost autopilot and just concentrating on getting to wherever I'm going. You don't really think to just go for an explore, or travel down a road you normally wouldn't. On my ebike, I re-discovered the joy of exploring random new streets and neighborhoods, just for the fun of it. I also entertained the idea of completely giving up my car as I have a very short commute and most conveniences are close enough, but came to the same conclusion in terms of going for road trips or little holidays. Might definitely downsize the car to a used, smaller model, though.
What lock do you use? I've been researching locks and a lot people in the ebike community act like you should never leave your locked up bike unattended for longer than a minute or two. Which sounds like great security advice but I don't see how ebikes can replace cars if you don't feel safe locking your bike up for at least an hour or two.
Get a great lock from kryptonite forgetaboutit. Preferable two different type of locks so the thief needs different tools. And if you can afford, have an insurance for your bike if its expensive. Most important dont let your bike over night outside
As a dutch person i would say counter respect we have lots of rain but best bike paths in the world i can't see myself among traffic like that. Now a dutch type/brand electric bike are great made to relax and many features.
@@FlyRidesUSA Yeah and its hard even if you can build the bike lanes and change the way traffic works it will take decades for people to adapt. The 'magic' is not only the lanes but the fact that 99% if car owners also own a bike and are using them and probably have done so since they where 3 or 4 years old...
I'm going to give commuting a try when I go back to work. It will be a 7 mile , one way . Shopping for an e bike presently.. Trying to keep it under $ 3 k . Any suggestions?
Hahaha I didn't know how crazy a Trader Joe's could get until. I moved out to Cali. Back in Virginia it's just like any other grocery store. Here it's like Coachella.
It has been more than 30 years since I have owned a car so yes I mostly get around by bike. I will admit I don't own a ebike yet. But recently I have thought about getting one to add to my bike rotation.
I am from the Netherlands, where children are born with a bike. What ever I can do with my bike I will. I am retired now, but commuted all of my life, as a kid to school, afterwards to my job (at the most about 4 miles one way and not el;ectric). And rain: sure it rains sometimes. When going to work, I would take the car. Coming back from work: why bother, with good rain gear, maybe your head and your shoes get wet, dry yourself and take your shoes off. Your home! And when I think about how many times I got wet: may be 10times a year in a country where we have a lot of rain. Obviously it is not very important, because I do not rember it very clearly. And than: go cycling on your vacations. My wife and I do it now for about 7 years. It is great.
Not really fans of those! The further we get from the actual look and feel of a bike, the harder it is going to be to get trail access, city cycling infrastructure, and other things like that.
Replacing car by e-bike is changing from exotic to more popular status. GoGoGo! In the Netherland and Danmark they're showing rest of Europe how to do that even they have often wet weather and uncomfortable winter seasons. Communities have to change traffic rules to give space and rights back to non car drivers.
I would love to be able to afford a mountain e-bike. But as with any bike, there will be times riding it just isn't going to make sense. Grocery shopping, during bad weather, location just to name a few.
as an L.A. native, one knows better than to ever walk away from your bike- especially a bike that cost $4-10 K (unless it was given to you by a bike shop). Also, those locks may be the best thing going, but they really are a joke to many bike thieves; based on experience, I'd never walk away from a bike I took out to ride. I'm glad you're still enthused about L.A. It wears off quick, though. Good luck pursuing all your Hollywood dreams.
Hello, so I ride my e-bike everywhere and if I have to carry more I have a cargo trailer I can pull behind it everything's completely lit up lights bright colors flag on the cargo trailer and of course writing responsibly. The main thing is you have to use common sense and remember that these two thousand plus lb metal machines that people are driving in will win every time if there's a collision. I also ride year-round rain or shine the only thing that would stop things with the snow and ice in the Pacific Northwest where I live.
Acoustic bike! ♥ What was the difference between the bikes? Been getting around by ebike since 2001 (lead acid batteries, build your own BMS back then), when I switched up from acoustic. Before that I had 7 motor bikes. Wish jurisdictions outside US allowed us to ride ebikes that don't make us 3rd class citizens.
if you want to know if you can do it or not why not try to go on a cross country trip i'm home free and i travel all over the country on my e-bike with my nomad bike camper no mad love it use solar panels for back up to charge all my phones battery's ect. no bills anymore. lol lol
I've been riding around 800 miles a month for a couple years now and don't have the advantages of dry weather. Not the same ride back and forth a few times a day but I do ride the same routes weekly or monthly. If you need any suggestions let me know. At least you have mid-drive bikes... production but I'm sure they will be fine for day rides. photos.app.goo.gl/ADgC6oyPM2gyrCq27 10 May 20 - 100 miles. www.relive.cc/view/vMv85EGzYNO photos.app.goo.gl/9ZbuKQNWsHtRH3Ft7 prnt.sc/sw0igi
Chris B ...lol I live in Australia mate, I wouldn’t down grade myself to move to Britain when our sunshine is fantastic, very hot at times but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I think that gloomy weather over there the Brits can have it .
I've riden an Ebike exclusively for 9 years. I sold my vehicle in 2011. 365 days a year in Canada. Studded winter tires in winter. Snow, ice and down to -20c at times. I have no idea what the cost of gas is. I average 4500km per year.
Bad ass!
Me too! Kept biking down to -40 last winter in Edmonton with an 18km commute each way. It is easy to rent a car or use carshare apps if I do need to go on a road trip or pick up something really big, and I'm sure I still save big $ vs. car ownership.
Same here but I'm from Sweden. Never owned a car. You get to buy different clothing that you wouldn't have bought had you driven to work with a car every day.
Warrior!^^
@@mattcool97 that's awesome, what ebike do you have? Has it been reliable running in those Edmonton winters?!
I've been car free for 8 months now. Love it! Cycle to and from work and do recreational cycling at the weekend. I don't think I've ever been fitter in my life. Currently saving for my first ebike!
Instablaster...
We all need to pay tax for the streets........
Do you think it would be possible to ride an e-bike in rain? Or does that impact the battery
@@MyLifeInTheDesert I ride my ebike (Cube) in the rain and have had no problems at all. Sometimes the rain is unavoidable as it starts during my ride.
@NonCoinCollector Nope. Not sure about your area, but in Washington State the roads are primarily paid for with taxes placed on gasoline sales, not property or sales tax revenues
Been carless for seven years living in San Diego with an ebike and brompton folding bike. Travelled cross country using the rail system with the bike. Also, camping with the bikes.
nice man! encouraging, im about to move do pb and thought an ebike would be perfect!
i love cycling in the rain, i'm from malaysia. rainforest rain is epic.
Live in the UK u wouldn't be saying that
Protip: don't neglect your car for months at a time, or the battery will die.
That can be kind of annoying, but it's also one more reason to not bother with owning a car I guess.
We had to purchase a trickle charger for our Prius starter battery, as it will be dead in 3 weeks.... And doing that a dozen times will permanently destroy the starter battery
Or really keeping the engine running lubes all the engine parts.
Hey man cars can go further. Some of us live really far away from the major city where transit or biking isn't viable
I sold my car in October 2018, and I rode my ebike every where, I slowly reduced the amount of times I put the motor on. I then changed over to my normal bike. Ebikes are fantastic , mine allowed me to raise my fitness to a level where I no longer need it.
I have been riding a FAST electric scooter (Apollo Ghost) to work and back for 6 months, it has been great. The only time I drive my car is to get groceries on the weekends. It has 100% improved my quality of life.
I've been car-free for over a year now, and, honestly, I don't miss it. Between bicycling and transit, even here in South Florida, I'm living car-free in the suburbs!
That's impressive! Especially in the summer!
I’ve started doing (10 minute each way) school runs half the week on a bike. I’ve been surprised by how pleasant it is (even in rain). No major complaints from the 4yo passenger apart from if we get passed by another bike. He especially likes the excuse to put on more lights than a Porto Rican tow truck driver hauling a Christmas tree.
I’m getting my ebike today and so excited for my work commute. I live in San Clemente CA and don’t drive. Hope that my commute will work out fine..
just got mine 2 days ago, and I love it so far! I already feel better mood wise from just 2 days of biking!
I haven't owned a car for over 5 years and been using an eBike as my primary form transportation ever since. I would say without a shadow of a doubt that if I take everything into consideration that an eBike is the best form of transport currently available. It wins when it comes to enjoyment, economics & effort (you get as much or as little exercise as you want). The downside is range & the amount you can transport but if you can come up with alternatives for those (like for example I can borrow a work vehicle) then using a eBike is a no brainier & I think anyone that successfully uses an eBike as an alternative to a car will never go back. It really is the enjoyment factor that is the main selling point of an eBike. I get almost zero enjoyment these days on the occasions I need to borrow a car with the exception of when it is raining or scorching hot but usually leaving earlier or later in the even resolves that issue. You lean to plan your travel around the weather on the few occasions when that is an issue. I live in a relatively colder climate & usually feel warmer during winter because I ride an eBike and even a bit cooler when it is hot because of the airflow (without the effort).
I was car free for 6 years. I would ride my non ebike mon-fri to the next town over to attend college. I got a car 2 years ago and it was honestly draining me. I recently got an ebike and I’m cycling every again. Feel getting to be out on the open road again.
When I was much younger I did ride all the time except for some of the very long commutes, and even in my 50s I prefer to ride.
You don't look in your 50's, clearly it's paid off.
Nothing beats an eBike commute, especially if your work or destination is under 10mi away!
No doubt! No excuse if you don't have far to go.
A motorcycle
Well said. My E-Scooter has allowed to save sooo much money.
My wife and I have had 1 vehicle for the last 3 years which is pretty much relegated to Costco runs and getting out to the mountains. Biking is the way to go. Way quicker, much more enjoyable! That said, you've got to be extremely defensive riding in LA and ideally time your rides to not be during rush hour. Be well and stay safe out there peeps!
Very true! I've found being loud and doing everything to make yourself seen is the way to go. But still gotta be defensive and look out for yourself.
Loved this video, especially the bits about how it made you slow down a little in life. I'm about to get my first ebike to replace (partially or fully) my car commute to work, and I can't wait!
The thing about biking is that I feel active when getting to work. Riding a car is a "passiv" way to move around. I need to mix upp what I do for execise though, I did a month of serious biking and got some severe cramps in my legs. My muscles in my legs really hated my constant movement in the same way. I tried just biking to work and in the woods for a month. It turned out I still needed to run and walk alot even if I spent 16 hours a week on a bike. Just for my muscles to have the variation. But I agree that commuting by bike is great! I also agree about the moment of fear when you exit work and go to pick up your bike, will it be there? Good video.
Thanks Stefan! Yes, variety is key.
I ebike everyday in Tucson AZ, but I would not do it if I was forced to lock it up outside for more than a very short period of time due to theft. Ebiking allows me almost not use my car at all which also allowed me to change my car insurance to a “by the mile” policy making it more than justify the cost of the ebike. Also not to mention the increased exercise and stress reduction. Cons: Cars taking left turns in front of you on the ebike’s green light right of way. Pedestrians stepping out into the bike lane without looking etc. Even with puncture resistant liquid goop in the tires. I occasionally get a flat but I’ve become like a Racecar pit crew member and I can repair or swap out an innertube and pump it full of air in minutes. Thank you for taking the time to shoot and post the video.
All great stuff! Yes, I'd definitely love to see more secure locking options in more cities across the US. Hopefully we'll get there.
I have been riding a lot while we're locked down. I am enjoying it immensely. Have you been using your bike more since TP2k?
Definitely! What I really like about eBiking is that even if you have to be next to people it's only for a second then I can speed off back into safe social distance.
Seth Trey , I’ve hated the lock down but the last two months of riding on mostly empty streets have been pure joy. Especially during Spring.
We went from 2 cars to 1 family car. And we ebike to work and back now. So much better! America needs more ebike roads/paths.
Get off my bike! ;) I’ve put 600+ miles on my Load 60 commuting since I picked it up from you guys and I have to say it’s definitely improved my health and perspective. It’s been hard to do it every day (I couldn’t) but now that we are self quarantined it’s been such a blessing to be able to go out for my essentials on my bike. For one it keeps me strong and my immunity up and secondly, it really helps with keeping my anxiety in check. Stay safe and keep up the good work.
Love hearing this man!
Ferdinand! Glad to hear the bike is treating you well. I just got another Load 60 transferred up here from SD and I've been eyeing it for myself. If I grab it let's start a front-loading cargo gang!
Nice! I commute about 40 Miles each day going from Corona to Fullerton. I have been doing this for about a year. I have over 3000 Miles on my Cube Reaction Hardtail. Some things I noted is the time it takes to get to work. This takes about 1 hour, knowing this you have to understand what the time allotments are and or the caveats like waking up earlier. I usually take off at 5:20 am and ride to gym then shower up and head to the office 1 mile away. Since the Covid however i have not been riding as everyone is working from home. Thanks for your post.
Try doing that in Seattle. THEN I'll say yeah .. you're hard core. EVERYTHING seems easier when the sun is shining.
Oof. I might do a daily commute from Corona to Fullerton, but (e)bike to the train station from my house then from fullerton station to CSUF. I don't know if I'd do the full thing by bike though.
I'm a female person from Oakland, just sold my Prius and bought a Riese Muller load 60 electric cargo bike.I've used e-scooters and analog bicycles when I lived in LA as my only form of transportation, you're right about the lack of bike lanes! it was good you put your car in a garage, I had to sell mine so I wouldn't be tempted to jump into it to avoid being late😅 now that I only have a bike I plan ahead. Riding an will save me over $4,000 per year in gas, registration, maintenance and insurance. Also it's part of my commitment to the environment. When I need a car I'll rent or get a shareable car. ☮️
If it's raining what do u do??
I live in PA we have snow and no bike lanes what than
Safety issue ,cars will never see bikes it's like females who think they can go where they want do what they want without a gun, knife or masse when we have 4,000 serial murderers in the States the FBI says and 88,000 missing person cases a year
U have no protection around u like a car ,a bike is ok for a day off exercise in a park with friends not alone as not safe . What uve described makes absoultley no sense . Cars don't see you , it's super dangerous, definately can't be out past dark and ure a target . If we lived in a perfect safe world maybe we don't so I don't get ure comment and find it super delusional .Also I drive one hour to work so ure saying u live 5 minutes from ure job ok than .
As a female i can say ure comment just makes no sense
1. Not safe
2. Cars could hit u and That s a FACT when most people are drunk, on coke, spacing, sleepy from jobs, speeding so yeah ugh no
3 rain and snow
4 where do u lock ure purse ure gun ure weapons etc etc ????
@@janityy I don't think it's less safe than being in a car. I have an app which takes me mostly on residential streets, when I do need to be on main roads I'm on a bike lane. My bike has great brakes and a rear view mirror. Also, because it's an electric cargo bike there's tons of space for a baseball bat, tasers, and a guns😂 it can carry up to 440 lb of random furniture I find in the street or groceries.
@@janityy I'm sorry you don't have any bike lanes. I suggest putting pressure on your elected representatives. This is the direction we need to move for the environment. I don't live my life in fear, I feel fine, I'm an independent woman and I love my life on a bike 🌹
@@janityy I completely agree with you. My wife loves her ebike here in rainy dark gloomy Tacoma Washington but honestly when it's wet every day and daylight is gone at 4:30 riding a bike to even get some groceries is just not safe or practical. She's a survivor of a concussion and broken hip bike injury 1/2 a block from our home on a busy street. Car entered bike lane 😞
Awesome vid man. Thanks for sharing a little bit of your life with us.
Kudos to you for biking in Los Angeles. They have improved transit but I would never bike there. I’ve read too many Biking in LA blog posts. It’s a shame that in 2020 the city hasn’t gotten its act together to support sustainable mobility in a meaningful way. Unlike Chicago, Los Angeles has great weather that can support year round bike riding. Of course what really gets people on bikes and keeps them biking is barrier protected bike lanes and secure bike parking.
Couldn't agree more! It's a pretty simple solution to get people to stop driving: make it make sense for us to cycle! Hopefully they'll start giving us more lanes.
Sold my truck 4 years ago and love it.
Love to hear it!
come to the Nederland, its a fiets-paradise!
We went down to one car ( actually a truck) when I bought a Honda Grom, the Grom was my main vehicle for the last year as my wife drove the truck, but 3 months ago I bought an e-bike and now hardly ever ride the Grom
I actually get bummed when I have to take my car. I reserve the car for inclement weather only. Mostly because I'm still new to cycling and 2 being it's roughly a 30 mile round trip to work and back.
I live in New England ( Connecticut ) . I'm 56 now . I've been riding a bike year round , for both transportation and recreation for three years now . Winters , I ride the older bike with studded front tire . To say it can be a challenge is an understatement .lol I've just ordered my first Ebike . Waiting on shipping and delivery now .
yoo how's it been?
Good vid..... But
You took a train because it rained? 😂 Try England for a few months! Thats dedication
Haha LA has got me soft I'll admit! But I did my penance during my JOGLE bike tour. Got rained on non stop during that!
In Tacoma Washington the daily rains effectively begin November 1 and don't stop until April or May, which is sucky when the happy place is on a bike
I've been ebike commuting for 5 years and it just seems normal now. As for 🌧, I drive my truck. If the weather pulls a double cross on me: sunny in the morning and 🐕s and 🐈s in the evening, I Uber. Your going to want a trailer for grocery runs on the way home from work though.
Cool, I've been building an ebike for a while now, I have already built a mountain bike and I've been riding it a bit, but I want to complete my Ebike that is an Enduro style Ebike, It's called a Stealth Bomber, I bought the frame and I'm buying it, pretty much a piece at a time. It's going to have a Mid drive motor and a Sturmey-Archer 8 speed internal geared hub on the rear wheel, so I'm pretty psyched about it, but I won't be able to ride just it for a month, since I am my wife's only mode of transportation and we are 64 years old and my wife is a type 1 diabetic and legally blind in both eyes. But I definitely am going to ride it as much as I can, as soon as I get it built. It's a fat tire ebike so I should be able to ride on just about any surface.
Curious to know if ebikes can do rain?
yes they are ul rated
I've never lived closer then 25 miles from work...I can't imagine living 6 miles from work. That's crazy to me
The perfect combo to give up your car are an Electric Unicycle and an Ebike. The EUC is great to go out to eat or shop because you can bring it in with you. No worries about it being stolen. Totally stress free.
It’s just the lack of protected infrastructure where I live. Great when the weather is fine but not so when it’s cold, windy and raining.
Perfect combo would be ebike, EV and great, good value public transport. And walking.
Thanks most enjoyable, I have a Giant Toughroad Cycle, love to ride mostly on off road trails, also have an electric cycle which I acquired a few months ago, enjoying the best of two worlds you may say...Cheers, nice video...
The debate should not be cars vs bikes. It should be a car centralized society vs a transport/people society. A city should have an efficient system that offers several options, where the people pick what is best for their time, money and specific needs.
If you live in a city or military installation and dont often need to haul large objects, yes its possible.
I only drive about once a week. My ride is a micro foldable bike modified to be a single speed. It is awesome to be able to torque out at stoplights to beat cars up to speed then take my space in the lane until the platoon passes. Living below the 38th parallel it works all year round without sweat!!! And in a suit!! If it rains I have a cheap drugstore rain suit I pull out of my pack.
Of its feasible in ur and areas, why not? It saves on fuel & $$ per month. And when you need to travel by car to take on some from off places to take on the sceneries you can always bring your bike and have a better time with it.
4:00 driving in the rain isn't fun either.
It also wouldn't be that expensive to create bicycle covering on bike highways.
1 day of rain...HAHAHA ... live in Cornwall England... it rains most days on average 21 days a month! ha ha
What you need over there is infrastructure, then you would love to ride every day of the year, even with a bike without the "e"
Gazelle with or without belt drive? If cost wasn’t a factor?
Bike theft would be my biggest concern. Especially with such a valuable bike. Commuting to work is fine, because there is a garage, but if I want to go out downtown... different story.
Definitely have to carry some heavy duty locks. I use a Kryptonite New York Lock, ABUS Bordo, and the Pinhead system. I've found if you just make your bike more difficult to grab than others around it, you're usually okay.
Right, that's the problem with expensive commuter bicycles. A $4000 + bike usually attracts a higher level of thief. Its great if you have a garage but parking at a crappy walmart bike rack or on a city street is always super risky even with a good u lock or two.
Watch the lockpicking lawyer and panic
So your bike has never been stolen ? This subject is definitely holding back alot of wanna-be (no disrespect intended) e-bikers from committing.
Nice video.
I'm retired and don't do any commuting anymore, however, in the summer my vehicle pretty much sits in the driveway, I use my bike for just about all my errands, (no, its not electric). I'm beginning to think an electric is my next bike, I bike about 60 miles a week.
I think you'll like the shift! I still love my non-electric bikes too, but for commuting and day-to-day life eBikes are the way to go
Tbh honest using a bike as your only transport is a drag. Riding exactly on one's own terms is what makes it worthwhile.
@Frank Castle winter biking sucks though
I'm thinking about getting an E-Bike and using it to commute. I live in the OKC area. We have a good amount of bike trails which will make it fairly easy for me. I will definitely be holding onto my car though. 😂
I live in Tulsa and I use an e-bike everyday. It’s worth it.
That is my only transportation is my electric bicycle been riding on mine for 5 months everyday
Damn nice video, I'm definitely gonna do this experiment too!
How accurate are the Google estimates for bike ride times? Do you feel like ebikes are usually way faster than what google estimates?
Great challenge!👍🏼
I have been solely commuting using an ebike for nearly the last two years and don't own a car anymore and I couldn't be happier.
I live in FL I think I’ll do this you are encouraging me. I work 15 miles away from home so it will be 30 miles per day. I have an eBike a cheap one from Walmart $500 I ride it on the weekends. With gasoline prices skyrocketing daily I may save money. Of course on rainy days which in FL is the norm, I might use the car. Plus the health benefit. I’m diabetic and overweight so it will help me.
Also what if you didn't own your car and chose to rent one when needed? Would it be cheaper?
I have been meaning to do the math on this for awhile! I have a few friends that do it and seem to think it ends up saving them money, especially if they were previously making car payments. My car is paid off at the moment, so I'm not sure it would save me money.
@@FlyRidesUSA it's not just the car payments. The cost of running a car is often over-looked. Here in the UK the running costs include depreciation, insurance, vehicle emissions tax, maintenance, repairs, servicing, mot, fuel etc. When I got rid of my car I realised it was costing me £2000-2500 minimum per year just to run excluding if there were any payments. I atch now just have an ebike to commute around town and rent a car when needed.
Do you recommend your gazelle bike? It is no longer on the Gazelle website, perhaps it is a discontinued model? I saw one that is on sale for $2699.00. I am not able to get the original price. Do you know what the original price was since I am getting different prices since this bike is discontinued? Do you think the sale price is because it is a used model even though they don’t state it as used? I WOULD GREATLY APPRECIATE YOUR HELP on this. I think your bike looks more sleek than the current Gazelle bikes right now.
Great stuff, thanks. Hey, what is your bike locking strategy? I noticed the cable, which is easy to get through, but perhaps the u lock and cable together create enough challenge to make the thief move on? Thanks!
Hey there, we did a video on this exact topic that I'll link to. Usually, I'll do a cable through the wheels and a u-lock through the frame. Generally. I've found people won't cut a cable just for a wheel. Here's the vid:
ua-cam.com/video/ancrSCzRRyM/v-deo.html
Is the speed limit 30mph for ebikes in CA? Seems like you'd struggle to average above that in a car in most major cities. In the UK it's 16mph which is too slow imo, acoustic bikes can go faster than that.
eBikes here go up to 28mph (Class 3 they're called) so, yes, keeping up with traffic in a major city is generally pretty easy. You're totally right, that's what's so great about them!
It was nice to see behind the scenes in LA - looks to be a beautiful city, one always sees the same scenes in movies and doesn't think that there's more to it than that. Good luck with the ebiking, you touched on one of the things I enjoy the most - in the car, I find myself almost to be on almost autopilot and just concentrating on getting to wherever I'm going. You don't really think to just go for an explore, or travel down a road you normally wouldn't. On my ebike, I re-discovered the joy of exploring random new streets and neighborhoods, just for the fun of it. I also entertained the idea of completely giving up my car as I have a very short commute and most conveniences are close enough, but came to the same conclusion in terms of going for road trips or little holidays. Might definitely downsize the car to a used, smaller model, though.
Scott do you do tri or something. I love my ebike as a tool to train for my non electric bikes.
I like the helmet you wore in this video. Which one is it?
This is the Kali Danu. Best helmet I've ever owned! Reflective stickers were added after purchase.
What lock do you use? I've been researching locks and a lot people in the ebike community act like you should never leave your locked up bike unattended for longer than a minute or two. Which sounds like great security advice but I don't see how ebikes can replace cars if you don't feel safe locking your bike up for at least an hour or two.
Get a great lock from kryptonite forgetaboutit. Preferable two different type of locks so the thief needs different tools. And if you can afford, have an insurance for your bike if its expensive. Most important dont let your bike over night outside
would buy one in a heartbeat if the assisted speed cut off wasn't so low in Europe
It's only an issue if you get caught. Just don't go up hills at 25kmph or faster without pedalling.
@7:52 what street is that bench on?
As a dutch person i would say counter respect we have lots of rain but best bike paths in the world i can't see myself among traffic like that. Now a dutch type/brand electric bike are great made to relax and many features.
The traffic definitely isn't fun, but it's what we got for now. Hopefully that's changing!
@@FlyRidesUSA Yeah and its hard even if you can build the bike lanes and change the way traffic works it will take decades for people to adapt. The 'magic' is not only the lanes but the fact that 99% if car owners also own a bike and are using them and probably have done so since they where 3 or 4 years old...
I'm going to give commuting a try when I go back to work. It will be a 7 mile , one way . Shopping for an e bike presently.. Trying to keep it under $ 3 k . Any suggestions?
David Doorley what did you end up getting ¿
@@MinhNguyen-bn6us I got a Aventon Pace 500 . Put about 400 miles on it so far. It's a pretty good bike overall. Happy with it. Thanks for asking.
Nice views, nice deep, thoughtful moments...but the comment about not having to find parking at Trader Joe’s just might have sold me!!
Hahaha I didn't know how crazy a Trader Joe's could get until. I moved out to Cali. Back in Virginia it's just like any other grocery store. Here it's like Coachella.
It has been more than 30 years since I have owned a car so yes I mostly get around by bike. I will admit I don't own a ebike yet. But recently I have thought about getting one to add to my bike rotation.
You picked the right ebike(s)!
I am from the Netherlands, where children are born with a bike. What ever I can do with my bike I will. I am retired now, but commuted all of my life, as a kid to school, afterwards to my job (at the most about 4 miles one way and not el;ectric). And rain: sure it rains sometimes. When going to work, I would take the car. Coming back from work: why bother, with good rain gear, maybe your head and your shoes get wet, dry yourself and take your shoes off. Your home! And when I think about how many times I got wet: may be 10times a year in a country where we have a lot of rain. Obviously it is not very important, because I do not rember it very clearly.
And than: go cycling on your vacations. My wife and I do it now for about 7 years. It is great.
“Pouring” rain.........😂😂😂. Come visit the Cascades.
No thank! Haha I'll take my once a year California rain.
Hey Just Wondering what do You Think of The Motorcycle style Ebike?
Not really fans of those! The further we get from the actual look and feel of a bike, the harder it is going to be to get trail access, city cycling infrastructure, and other things like that.
Replacing car by e-bike is changing from exotic to more popular status. GoGoGo!
In the Netherland and Danmark they're showing rest of Europe how to do that even they have often wet weather and uncomfortable winter seasons. Communities have to change traffic rules to give space and rights back to non car drivers.
Suggest you to purchase left rare mirror as I did. Regards from Croatia.
@ 6:56 what trail is that ?
What would you do in rain, snow, tornado?
they are ul rated water resistant most of them , snow fat tires and what would a car do in a tornado?
I’m from Texas lol it can be done. Be safe love the video.
I would love to be able to afford a mountain e-bike. But as with any bike, there will be times riding it just isn't going to make sense. Grocery shopping, during bad weather, location just to name a few.
I shop by bike all the time. Take the pannier in the supermarket, fill it up and clip it back on the bike carrier. My pannier has a shoulder strap.
as an L.A. native, one knows better than to ever walk away from your bike- especially a bike that cost $4-10 K (unless it was given to you by a bike shop). Also, those locks may be the best thing going, but they really are a joke to many bike thieves; based on experience, I'd never walk away from a bike I took out to ride. I'm glad you're still enthused about L.A. It wears off quick, though. Good luck pursuing all your Hollywood dreams.
Thanks!
Yes!!! Awesome video!!!
Thanks!
try doing it in the summer when it's 30+˚C
Doing it now!
With an ebike you are always fast enough to have wind in your face.
Perfect for the summer.
Love my ebike ❤️done 350miles
Hello, so I ride my e-bike everywhere and if I have to carry more I have a cargo trailer I can pull behind it everything's completely lit up lights bright colors flag on the cargo trailer and of course writing responsibly. The main thing is you have to use common sense and remember that these two thousand plus lb metal machines that people are driving in will win every time if there's a collision. I also ride year-round rain or shine the only thing that would stop things with the snow and ice in the Pacific Northwest where I live.
Perhaps more practical there than here in MN.
I just went to crispy pork gang on my bike last night too haha
I ride mine all year around
Well done mate
Thanks Charles!
How about using a speedbox on your e-bike?
We generally don't recommend it as it will void your motor warranty. But if you're willing to take the risk, then it will make you ride pretty quick.
Lol Re: "It rained here once, so I know how it is in the PNW." 🤣😂🤣😂🤪 As someone from the Pacific North "Wet", I find your humor very funny.👍🤣👍
Thanks Mark! I try (honestly too hard) 😬
@@FlyRidesUSA I'm enjoying your video. 👍😁👍
2:43 What is that dangling below your chin? Is it supposed to be loose like that?
Acoustic bike! ♥ What was the difference between the bikes? Been getting around by ebike since 2001 (lead acid batteries, build your own BMS back then), when I switched up from acoustic. Before that I had 7 motor bikes. Wish jurisdictions outside US allowed us to ride ebikes that don't make us 3rd class citizens.
You do stand up, that explains everything. lol
What's the really annoying ticking in the background?
if you want to know if you can do it or not why not try to go on a cross country trip i'm home free and i travel all over the country on my e-bike with my nomad bike camper no mad love it use solar panels for back up to charge all my phones battery's ect. no bills anymore. lol lol
I've been riding around 800 miles a month for a couple years now and don't have the advantages of dry weather. Not the same ride back and forth a few times a day but I do ride the same routes weekly or monthly. If you need any suggestions let me know. At least you have mid-drive bikes... production but I'm sure they will be fine for day rides.
photos.app.goo.gl/ADgC6oyPM2gyrCq27
10 May 20 - 100 miles.
www.relive.cc/view/vMv85EGzYNO
photos.app.goo.gl/9ZbuKQNWsHtRH3Ft7
prnt.sc/sw0igi
Enjoyed the video, and that brown saddle looks a lot less hassle than a vasectomy.
Aww son a bit of rain. Come live in Britain. You'll never go out.
Thanks for the video.
Chris B ...lol I live in Australia mate, I wouldn’t down grade myself to move to Britain when our sunshine is fantastic, very hot at times but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. I think that gloomy weather over there the Brits can have it .