this post was submitted on 31 Oct 2024
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micromobility - Ebikes, scooters, longboards: Whatever floats your goat, this is micromobility

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Ebikes, bicycles, scooters, skateboards, longboards, eboards, motorcycles, skates, unicycles: Whatever floats your goat, this is all things micromobility!

"Transportation using lightweight vehicles such as bicycles or scooters, especially electric ones that may be borrowed as part of a self-service rental program in which people rent vehicles for short-term use within a town or city.

micromobility is seen as a potential solution to moving people more efficiently around cities"

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It's a little sad that we need to actually say this, but:

Don't be an asshole or you will be permanently banned.

Respectful debate is totally OK, criticizing a product is fine, but being verbally abusive will not be tolerated.

Focus on discussing the idea, not attacking the person.

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From transforming daily commutes to bridging the gap for non-cyclists, e-bikes are the most significant evolution in cycling since the mountain bike—and that’s a win for all.

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[–] [email protected] 3 points 4 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) (3 children)

I got an Aventon earlier this year and it's been great. Two of my friends in another state coincidentally also got Aventon bikes, each a different model than mine, and they also love them.

However my wife's family got some cheaper Chinese-made small fat tire folding e-bikes and they're also pretty good, and cost a lot less.

Rad Power is what I see the most when I'm out riding around.

When I was researching, some folks said "buy from your local bike shop so you can take it back there for maintenance" which seems like good advice for folks who aren't comfortable doing their own maintenance. I also watched a lot of videos on YT for models I was interested in, and videos by the same person so I could get a sense of what they said about bikes at all. I'd be particularly skeptical of people who never have anything bad to say.

This biggest concern I have with my ebike is theft, and that concern is keeping me from doing everything around my area with my bike that I would do if my family had a second car for me to take out instead. I find myself waiting u til our one car is available to do things where I would have to leave my bike out of view for very long.

[–] [email protected] 4 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

When I was researching, some folks said "buy from your local bike shop so you can take it back there for maintenance" which seems like good advice for folks who aren't comfortable doing their own maintenance.

As someone that used to work as a bike mechanic, that's incredibly silly advice. Your local shop should be able to do maintenance on any bike for a fee, and unless they offer some sort of servicing plan, won't do it for free just because you bought from them (unless it's a warranty issue).

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago)

I think the bigger issue was more about being able to go local for warranty service, instead of having to ship your bike somewhere far away, which would be costly and be a PITA.

But you're absolutely right about regular maintenance. I gave the wrong idea about the reason in my last comment.

(And now I'm sitting here thinking "omg, I sound like ChatGPT.")

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 weeks ago

I bought my Aventon from a local bike shop.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) (1 children)

A good u lock and a cable for the wheels is enough to prevent theft. Unless you mean there aren't any bike racks to lock to

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 weeks ago* (last edited 3 weeks ago) (2 children)

It takes 27 seconds to cut a ulock with a battery powered angle grinder. https://youtu.be/hjYXD9pyupg

That being said, I do use a ulock and cables when I lock up my bike. It stops opportunistic thieves, but not determined thieves.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 weeks ago

I'd like to see someone try this with a Skunklock Chemical lol

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

uLock New York lock and an air tag hidden under the seat or somewhere else sneaky. Take photos of your bike and serial number. Register it with your renters insurance or homeowners insurance. Park it in public, visible spaces. Go ride your bike! People will steal anything if they really want. All you can do is deter them

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

Yeah, worry about stuff getting stolen as a reason to not use that stuff is futile. It's only take 3 minute to steal a toyota hilux for determined thieves, if they want your bike so bad, they can break into your garage for it, or hijack it while you riding.

[–] [email protected] 1 points 3 weeks ago (1 children)

It's all about making it more difficult to steal, not impossible.

Also, with a quality ulock (think ABUS, Hiplock, or even a Skunklock Chemical) it will break multiple cutting wheels before they're able to get through (if they're able to get through lol).

It doesn't need to be unstealable, it just needs to be a pain in the ass to steal, so they will move on to an easier target.

[–] [email protected] 2 points 3 weeks ago

Ohh yes, definitely. Not leaving your bike unattended, even in the best of city, is the basic rule of owning a bike.