The barriers to marketing ebikes
The wind is not at our backs yet!
The technology is inexpensive, adoption is a given. But.....
The marketplace isn't defined.The bike makers are hostile to electric bikes.
The bike sellers are hostile to the idea of DIY and electric bikes because their customer base will know more than them.
Only people who want electric bikes are the people who want electric bikes.
There is no market incentive for sellers and designers to make a great electric bike. Until now...
“Incentivizing electric bicycles makes them a competitive transportation option for more Americans and supports a national effort to lower carbon emissions,” said PeopleForBikes CEO Jenn Dice. “The E-BIKE Act positions rightfully electric bicycles as a critical part of a larger solution to climate change and equitable mobility. We’re grateful to Congressman Panetta for leading the charge in Congress.”
Keep in mind that some items that are really valuable on a good bike because they are strong and light or have a brand that is well known, will frequently have diminished value on an e-bike where strength and durability tend to be more important than weight and a brand name. This is especially true and more relevant when motor power exceeds 750 watts.
No reason to up-sell. Higher cost and higher "quality" bike parts and components don't really offer much advantage over basic components. This is true for low power and won't become an issue for bicycles until they need to go 35 mph to meet a market prerogative.
But wait is there a market developing?!
Top speed 35mph. Is my negativity getting the better of me? The market is in full development and there are now ligit ebike producers and a more standards based routine developing. Hopefully we will see more of the 3 basic components (battery, motor and controller) standardized in the future which is here, mannnn...
Wind resistance doubles from 25mph to 45mph.
Wind resistance doubles from 25mph to 45mph.
