Analog Vs Electric -- Is this a real fight or a discussion?

A fascinating debate has been growing over the last several years: the rhythmic hum of the analog bike chain versus the electrifying buzz of the e-bike revolution. As a member of the electric commuter squad who has spent his whole life as an analog rider, let's pedal into this discussion and dissect the merits of sticking to the classic pedal power or embracing the new wave of electrified cycling.

Where it started vs Where it's going

First off, there's a certain charm in the grit and grind of the traditional bike. It's not just a mode of transport; it's a testament to hard work and dedication. While some argue that pushing a button for a wattage boost is like fast-tracking fitness without the blood, sweat, and gears, the truth is, earning those watts the old-fashioned way is an achievement in itself.

However, it isn't hard to find a 'get off my lawn' critic who claims that e-bikes are killing the cycling world and that all electric bikes are just 'glorified mopeds'. While some electric bikes could be categorized this way, there is a huge disparity between types of e-bikes, the amount of pedal-assist, and the amount of energy needed to power them.

Growth is good, right??

Sure, e-bikes are infiltrating the scene faster than a viral cat meme, with the global electric bike market size valued at $37.47 billion in 2022 & projected to grow from $43.32 billion in 2023 to $119.72 billion. The cycling industry has gotten a turbo boost, but let's not forget the roots of our cycling legacy—the pure, unadulterated power of the pedal.

It is hard to forget the first time any of us rode a bike as a child. That moment when the training wheels came off and your Mom or Dad finally let go of the seat and pushed you off on your own. The feeling of autonomy and freedom that a bike gave us as children puts a smile on my face, even as I write this.

And yet, that smile is familiar to me, even today. It is the same smile that I see whenever someone tries out an electric bike for the first time. It's as if they are reliving that childhood moment all over again. And that is something that I would never want to take away from anyone, especially those who may have lost the ability to ride a bike the same way they used to.

Lazy or Leisure?

Critics label e-bikers as "cheaters" or "lazy" but hold on, let's take a deep breath and coast down the hill of knowledge. Research shows that e-biking still gets that heart pumping, like the difference between running and brisk walking. Now, the analog bike, the Olympic sprint of exercise, burns calories at a furnace-like rate, but can also leave you tired and sweaty when you arrive at work after your 45-minute commute.

Enter the pedal-assist e-bike, offering the calorie burn of brisk walking. It's efficient, yes, but is it as soul-satisfying as conquering those calorie peaks through sheer pedal power? Of course not, but you can probably also go to your morning meeting without looking like you just got out of a spin class. The debate rages on and we may never find truly common ground.

Scene or be seen

The e-bike scene has its perks, no doubt. More butts on seats, a growing cycling community—it's like a fitness family reunion on two wheels. A survey reveals that a whopping 91 percent of e-bike owners ride daily or weekly. Non-cyclists are joining the party, too, with 94 percent becoming regular riders. It's a fitness revolution with a side of electric zing.

But let's not overlook the OG commuters. They were the first to stand on the soapbox and explain the virtues of swapping out your vehicle for a more efficient and cleaner way to travel. E-bikes aren't trying to replace traditional bikes; we're joining the revolution, aiding the fight to reclaim the streets from gas-guzzlers. Swapping out vehicle commutes with a bike ride, whether it be electric or analog—a commendable eco-friendly swap, for sure.

Get fit and have fun

Still not convinced about the e-bike fitness journey? Picture this: a study with couch-bound participants cruising on an e-bike for 40 minutes a day, three days a week. Fitness boosted, blood sugar levels improved, and fat shed—all in a month.

It's a fitness miracle, but does it trump the satisfaction of conquering the asphalt with pure pedal power? Does it matter? What seems to me to matter most is that people are getting outside for ANY type of exercise, as long as they are getting off the couch to do it.

Then there's the joyride debate. Low-intensity cruising on an e-bike sounds delightful, but can it truly compete with the zen-like state achieved on an analog bike, where every pedal stroke feels like a meditative dance with the road? Again, this seems to be a debate between two goods, while ignoring the fact that a sedentary life has been proven to lead to negative health issues. Moving your body, in whatever capacity, is good for you, that much is clear.

Can't we all just be friends?

In the end, the e-bike may be the black sheep, but it's undeniable—they're bringing more people into the cycling fold. The question remains: Do we stick to the old-school mentality, grinding away on the analog bike, or do we embrace the electric zing and invite the masses to ditch their cars for the e-bike fun? The debate pedals on, and the choice, my friends, is still spinning.