Changing minds, one encounter at a time

[Sonoboy]

I took the Delite on a short shopping excursion, and later stopped in for some southern barbecue at a local establishment. There was a group of 6 or 7 blue collar workers seated in the outdoor patio area, near where I had parked the bike. During my meal, I noticed the curious glances towards my machine. One guy even stood and walked over to get a closer look. I finished before them, and as I walked to the bike, donning my helmet, I gave a friendly “How’s it going”.

“We were checking out the belt drive on your bike. By the way, where did you get that? And how much did it cost?” The questions poured forth. I answered their questions, pointing out that e-bikes are a big thing in Europe unlike here in the states. The older ones in the group seemed dismissive, but I recognized the stares among the younger ones. I had had the same desirous stare when a friend had shown up with his new Chevy SS 396. A longing, knowing you can’t have one now, but maybe one day.

 

[Over50]

This is cool. I've ended up in some long discussions/Q&A sessions at the grocery store, coffee shop, bike rack etc. I let one kid (early 20s is a kid to me) who stopped me at the coffee shop take a test ride (because he expressed such interest). It was fun to see how enthusiastic he was to discover the bike (my R&M Charger). He said he was moving to take a new job after college and would be in a pretty good bike commuting area. So after seeing and trying my bike he sounded pretty confident about finding and buying an e-bike for commuting to his new job.

 

[rich c]

I'm always eager to offer a ride. That's the clincher when they get back with a smile. I visited Nauvoo, Il. They have recreated a village where the Mormons moved before they headed for Utah. One of the printing press guys was really interested. Fun seeing a guy in vintage costume, riding down the street on a Haibike!

 

[Deleted member 803]

I took the Delite on a short shopping excursion, and later stopped in for some southern barbecue at a local establishment. There was a group of 6 or 7 blue collar workers seated in the outdoor patio area, near where I had parked the bike. During my meal, I noticed the curious glances towards my machine. One guy even stood and walked over to get a closer look. I finished before them, and as I walked to the bike, donning my helmet, I gave a friendly “How’s it going”.

“We were checking out the belt drive on your bike. By the way, where did you get that? And how much did it cost?” The questions poured forth. I answered their questions, pointing out that e-bikes are a big thing in Europe unlike here in the states. The older ones in the group seemed dismissive, but I recognized the stares among the younger ones. I had had the same desirous stare when a friend had shown up with his new Chevy SS 396. A longing, knowing you can’t have one now, but maybe one day.

I find it revealing that you use the phrase "blue collar." How did you know they were blue collar? By their income level, their looks, their education?????

 

[Sonoboy]

I find it revealing that you use the phrase "blue collar." How did you know they were blue collar? By their income level, their looks, their education?????

They were all co-workers at a local steel fabrication shop. The reason I mentioned it was as to highlight the fact that ebikes are being noticed by those other than the high-brow set here in the states.

 

[Over50]

And what gives you the idea that ebikes are currently used by highbrow (whatever that means) people.

Why derail the thread to get into a class argument? One could have given the poster the benefit of the doubt and read his use of "blue-collar" to mean there were visual cues (such as uniforms) that he was leaving out of the post because the additional information wasn't relevant to the discussion. Which proved to be the case when he responded that they worked at the steel fabrication shop. I think I understood his post exactly as intended the first time I read it: some fellows from a group you wouldn't necessarily expect to be interested in e-bikes were interested in the Delite. Seems to me if you assume things about the poster's worldviews based on his language choice then you are committing the same crime you insinuate the poster was committing (making assumptions about a group of people based on some characteristic they displayed). Just saying ...

 

[Bicyclista]

Every time I let somebody ride my ebike it takes them less than 100 feet to exclaim, "I like it already!"

 

[emco5]

I get approached so often with the usual questions that I've printed up an info sheet about my bike and eBikes in general. It tends to create happy people.

 

[Deacon Blues]

I ride a Pedego Ridgerider and most people I meet don't realize it's an ebike.