dixonge

We have been living in Mexico since 2012, w/ the exception of two car-owning periods: 2015-2017, a 2-year period working in Austin, TX; and 2020-2022 - a 20-month period driving around the U.S. in an RV and Honda CR-V. So, 7 years or so out of the last decade were car-free. Including since we moved back to Mexico in March.
The one thing different this time is that we got bikes again - this time some beefy Schwinn Boundary models. MTB style, forks in front, decent sized tires but not *too* fat. Added some fat old-people seats, swapped risers to move the handlebars up and back a bit. 7-speeds, 3 assist levels. No throttle on the handlebar.
In the U.S. being car-free really takes a large city and a big commitement. Here, there are lots of cobblestone streets but a ciclopista (2-way bike lane) connecting all the villages up and down the lake. We get to pass up a *lot* of cars stuck in traffic and it feels great. It's not exactly common to own bikes but no car here, but we've met quite a few fellow expats who have made similar choices.

jon c. 

Sounds like you found a sweet spot to retire.

JoeyBike

Beware, some here consider electric bikes motor vehicles. Don't let them run you outa here. Please keep us posted on your experience.

Cheers!

cal45

Congrats on your choice, sounds like it is working out for you.
I don't think I could ever do this....just look at my Avatar.

dixonge

I get the basic idea. I mean, technically, it *does* have a motor, an electric one. I think the problem is that "motorized vehicle" has meant a gasoline-powered engine for about a century. There were virtually no electric powered vehicles for that time, so the modern surge of EVs hasn't been fully accounted for. Since electric bicycles have generally been limited to 20mph that should probably provide a sufficient line to use. The problem isn't the means of propulsion, it is the ability to stop before killing someone. Regulate speed limits by vehicle type, or by posting signs (if enforceable). Since you can't really get a good radar gun speed on a bicycle or scooter, better to just restrict the speed the vehicle can be legally manufactured with.

Our biking experience has been generally positive. The cobblestone areas are a bit jarring, but the ciclopista is nice and smooth and faster than driving a car at least half the day.

gringomojado

Are you in the Chapala, Jalisco area?

gm

dixonge

Sí! San Antonio Tlayacapan to be specific

SkinGriz

Sounds wonderful.
Happy for you.

gringomojado

I worked and lived in GDL and lived in Chapala and for a few years had no car. Finally, the company gave me a car for my commute from "Lakeside".
No hardship when carless.
Had a Nishiki mountain bike

gm