The unexpected social effect of riding an e-bike
Posted by JoelDrift8076@reddit | ebikes | View on Reddit | 38 comments
I didn’t expect my e-bike to become a conversation starter, but it happens more often than I thought. People ask about speed, range, battery life, and whether it’s worth it. Even strangers sometimes get curious when they see it parked. It feels like e-bikes still have that new technology curiosity factor for a lot of people. Has anyone else experienced this kind of attention?
jamesdew84@reddit
They always ask the same 3 questions, how much did it cost, how fast does it go, how far can it go.
TopRepulsive4766@reddit
Since I put these LED lights on my ebike, I get massive amounts of attention. My kid has them too. His are purple. People usually comment on the lights first, but often ask about other aspects of ebikes as well. When little kids see our ebikes, they say they are 'Tron' bikes.
If anyone is interested, I bought the LED strips and rechargeable batteries from Amazon. The strips have an adhesive backing and attach nicely to the rims. The batteries are attached to the hub with those really heavy duty cable ties (also from Amazon). You can cut the LED strips to your desired length (you have to cut at the designated spots which are about every 3cm). We've had them a few weeks now and they seem to be very durable. The adhesive is holding up well. The lights are extremely bright.
MaximumTrue7131@reddit
Wow that's really cool. I don't know if you can post links here but can you at least tell me what you typed into Amazon?
TopRepulsive4766@reddit
LED strips: https://www.amazon.com/BTF-LIGHTING-480LEDs-Flexible-Dimmable-Controller/dp/B0C58J4BF3?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.xXA1_EPuPqhdmCPrBp-UpZbv2lPwqjdO6Vg-PqFJuCsKXAzWsDUmHUvzQNkTsuWJ5Ksu2p6OszhzQqwu9IGtHjYBowB0XwXQ4lpCAAfLhooHmB9Knc5sld36PqL0adPRULyTC66AgYmAQZ6adB9LzmNt2Mgmq9YGcjw6zUEBfXeNw2g0YoVHOigq-Z6QmcEt6wVMw-oRFz8-vTqvEvt9MAOLrxg0giTPf4XhWT02cECNENvgmr52ZZ5TYL4MF4JHneUiJ1XuYFMwK9vosRzLEM8CzYeLhHttDP7E6hZWxkk.jvBSsQFivTRpVw_G2X0ajWjdzclHRLgSpIgEJXj2mdQ&dib_tag=se&keywords=purple%2Bcob%2Bled&qid=1773245810&sr=8-4&th=1
Battery: https://www.amazon.com/rapthor-Rechargeable-2600mAh-Compatible-DIY/dp/B0D9D5L3B5?dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.OZ1jFVJ8EAk4n6mVf-hCFLxtixX69VBMXBzY3QtN5cEB7ERUFvUm9-MXYjeWMeYmJYOQg7S5TKk_OV6ZOu81sXftrV7g4K7P51qEGM-MV8b47awuQIM0JbENuT33QExoQRafxhe9R0QYQqZ2hVVAKuEeMAfakIwBV7eBhEPjdXEYYqVNtSf2BBY5Q2wyg8f0FCskRuTk230pci9iwZc_s3UaJ9RhTHXI6eO6v_c1e7InJccKZyqOfoT3bG9rE1fCa5QueBdY8A0aOYlhp4A6giRPb4tqn886MWgqvaP4-XA.IfuTr_R9lg6AAX8ag35_wJEnd49zRx6sMML5po2W9IU&dib_tag=se&keywords=12v+battery&qid=1775790856&sr=8-50&xpid=WvJ7gCHM_aXYy
Cable ties: https://www.amazon.com/500lbs-Tensile-Strength-Outdoor-Resistant/dp/B0G8TPVYVM?crid=1W4UGWTF7Y1QC&dib=eyJ2IjoiMSJ9.uqkaW8kJLU6q6bLOToOjAhkp245jGMSBkbB6DnaKQ87sbzeViwVWl3k95_eoISlDe3VHGUuX141LktrIMJD62RNU66b2GvTirMo_K7RUb82thEhWuSrPuneuJcjJL4fIQGCxMmpDEMDxAht1ZMNLJw-mz8ZTaAGkiI7o8scrhroDi5M0Bm8CCzx1m-w7XxFVZ-nL7JKW1cT72jf6HxqayKs43SpBm-5Fm6PzbS6HudNMepj-hAJw3w6-GJ5cXGxg2ug0Dgedn8X5evgJbpA2OzboHdClNjiLx8aXCVBgz7c.Gry4qoLFKCO9ugVSpygtiOSGmTPsCdZ9GTHKL19_mOo&dib_tag=se&keywords=cable%2Bties%2B24inch&qid=1775791090&s=electronics&sprefix=cable%2Bties%2B24inch%2Celectronics%2C204&sr=1-12&th=1
Just in case the links don't work, I typed in 'blue COB LED strips 12v', '12v lithium battery', and '24inch cable ties'.
EmergencyScientist@reddit
I was wondering how kids knew what Tron was until I googled it and saw they released a new one last year. I live under a rock apparently.
TopRepulsive4766@reddit
There are three 'Tron' movies that I'm aware of. The original one from 1982, One called 'Tron Legacy' from 2010, and the most recent one called 'Tron Ares' from 2025.
Kitchen-Ride-5464@reddit
I turned my Schwinn OCC Stingray chopper into an E-bike. It has a 1500w 48v fat tire rear wheel and is a blast to ride. Everywhere I go people ask me about it. They want to know how much it cost to build. How fast and how far it can go.
redracin12@reddit
I got one of these but it is an original ebike but it's a brushed system and it's loud and annoying 😭 I got a 24v razor controller on it
GeneralLeeWON@reddit
That is awesome. I have an old stingray from when I was a kid like that but blue with green flames. I wish I had the technical ability to do that with mine
Extension_Jacket_302@reddit
Yes,i get that attention quick common.
Fetz-@reddit
Not at all.
People get annoyed when I start talking about my ebike.
Wales147@reddit
Same, call me a cheat and tell me to get a car, I have two cars too BTW
atlasraven@reddit
Ask if you can get a motorcycle instead to diversify.
Wales147@reddit
Most of these people are overweight and live within 4-5 miles of work. Iv been cycling to work the last two years and lost over 2st. They don't realise you still actually pedal, just hills are easier!
EmergencyScientist@reddit
That explains it. They hate that you're improving your health. I will never understand this mentality. It's like those people who get mad at you for quitting alcohol.
Livid_Paramedic_6973@reddit
Lots of people ask. It's surprising. People are curious bevause theyre sick and tired of the high gas prices.
When I tell them I don't pay gas or even electricity (I charge my battery when at work) they are literally jealous lol
SnuffyMcfluff@reddit
No. I ride where cyclists ride and they hate my ebike. I mostly ride analogue but the E-Bike is fun for long distance zone 2 rides and running errands. I constantly feel like I need to apologize when I am around cyclists who are earning their speed.
Tabbbinski@reddit
Given the global fossil fuel situation, there's a lot of curiosity these days about whether it would be cost effective to commute by e-bike instead of a car. The answer of course is, it depends on factors like local weather, distance, safe cycling infrastructure, local transit/carpooling alternatives and budget. What is not in dispute is thet the suburban crawl with ine person in one car is a ludicrous hangover dating back to the 1950s.
BXRunner@reddit
It gets even more when it's an electric scooter. I had got my first high powered scooter in 2022 when nobody knew about them and people were literally recording me with it.
Pretty strange feeling then but now I'm used to it. Especially when I'm in full gear.
I usually get older people chatting about ebikes and the youth with the scooter. Either way, great convo starter.
Distinct_Bee_8100@reddit
I sold my Brompton and bought a Kevlar belt single speed e-bike - cruise everywhere at 25 and the best is the commute back from football and no longer struggling on the 3 hills with tired legs
Distinct_Bee_8100@reddit
Simple - people just say - aaah white doesn’t it get dirty.
It’s new so I still lick it clean
samenamenick1@reddit
In my area, more like "so when did you get your dui?"
abercrombezie@reddit
Yes my bot friend. Couple months ago got the “is it worth it” question over a regular bike. My answer was an overwhelming yes, vs. sitting home In front of the TV.
Such_Can_5353@reddit
mods should enact 30 day account age before posting here.
Rodeo9@reddit
The only social effects I have noticed is that I can actually hold a conversation on the climbs without killing myself.
LSpliff@reddit
Have had this conversation with people in cars waiting for the traffic light to turn - and one time at 20mph down a country road.
Fair-Discipline-1005@reddit
Yes,the same is with my fat tyres bike... When I leave it somewhere,people are around,and ask so many question,how much,etc... i'm in rural area,and people never saw something like this...👍
Icy-Bookkeeper7833@reddit
u/bot-sleuth-bot
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RichGuarantee7482@reddit
terrible analysis u/bot-sleuth-bot
Highlandermichel@reddit
The bots are evolving. Now they skip r/MadeMeSmile and r/BreakUps and post directly in r/ebikes to farm their initial karma.
RichGuarantee7482@reddit
they should just rage on $499 amazon bikes like the other guy who refused to share a link
Pale_Cucumber_9692@reddit
i get so many kids coming up to me about it. or yelling at me to pop a wheelie or something. it’s actually really annoying tbh
Intrepid_Swordfish69@reddit
Pretty much errywhere I go somebody compliments my ebike and asks hella questions🤭. Its soo fun and I luv gushing bout her. I've been tryin to put ppl on frfr.
With the way gas and having a car is goin I think ppl are finally waking up to electric vehicles. I've seen a slow but steady increase in escooters and ebikes in the past year since I scoop up my 1st.
I see us as pioneers by peaking ppls interest in them.
t0ukoz@reddit
Last time yesterday
t0ukoz@reddit
Actually my teacher today asked about my battery as i always carry it with me
New-Indication3617@reddit
I use mine fishing to get back into spots I dont want to walk or with tall grass. I hike my legs up like a child and just throttle through a spot. Alot of people get intrigued as we live around alot of river waterways which you can also hunt on. Ive told those guys how ive seen hunting trailers for getting your deer out or people just drag them out with the bike and pedaling. I think there's a huge untapped market there as they are get that "you know i didnt think of that but ill be damn" look after I say that. I hope they spend the next week getting sucked into youtube videos like I do lol
Odd_Introduction_280@reddit
Yes