Originally Posted by Sertsa

When I first returned to riding I gave e-bikes a serious look, mostly because I have a tendency to get in over my head, such as riding or hiking a long way out and having difficulty getting back. Fortunately I seem to have gotten better at that. But I went with a standard bike, have ridden it a great deal, and really enjoy it. But I use it for recreation and exercise, not commuting and errands.

I live in a rural community 12 miles away from the town where I buy groceries and do other errands. I'm increasingly conscious of using my car for that and keep thinking an e-bike would be a nice solution, especially if trying to get home before frozen produce melts. The major issue, however, is I don't know of a route that doesn't involve a state highway, which makes it risky (many here have bike-hostile attitudes as well). So no e-bike for me just yet, but if a safer infrastructure ever exists (either here or someplace I move to) I may get one.

For a general tidbit, the shop where I bought my bike said e-bikes are especially in demand, even more than their regular bikes. It's in a medium sized city (Akron) near a very popular multi-use path. When I bought my bike, just as the pandemic was starting, another customer was getting an e-bike so he could avoid taking busses and didn't want the expense of a car.