Electric bikes - will they catch on here?

A recent story in the LA Times said that sales of electric bikes here in LA are slow. I can understand why: no one knows about them. Although I think they are cool, I am not thinking of getting one myself since I’m content with my regular bike.

First, it is hard to tell the difference between electric bikes and regular bikes since owners do have to pedal most of the time and the main purpose of the electric motor is to get you up hills and there aren’t any here in the flat part of Encino. It would be perfect for someone living in Encino Hills.

Second, there is the problem that no one around here is selling them. The closest store seems to be Metropolis Bikes in North Hollywood although I hear many are bought online and that there are about 8 stores around Greater LA, including Hollywood, Pasadena and Santa Monica. Prices start at $400 and go up into the thousands.

Third, society needs to get to the point where commuting on one makes sense. At the moment it’s perceived as too dangerous and parking in Encino is too cheap. If e-bikes ever do catch on, the City will have to build more bike racks and companies will need to offer shower facilities. If you laugh at that thought, many other countries are way ahead of us on this (consider China - here). Fortunately there are some signs that things are changing.

Four, there is snobbery from regular bike owners who would see nothing odd about driving to a bike route in their SUV, while turning up their nose at the e-bike.

E-bikes are allowed in bike lanes and anywhere else a regular bike is allowed so long as they don’t move faster than 20 miles per hour. The minimum age is 16.