FortNine
5 HN recommenders · recommended in 8 months, 2021–2025
6:19 · 2.2M views · Jan 17, 2021
FortNine argues that e-bikes have injury rates and speeds closer to motorcycles than to pedal bikes. It argues riders should treat them with similar safety gear and caution.
Cited repeatedly in e-bike threads as a well-argued safety counterpoint from someone who rides both.
11 comments from Hacker News
"E-bikes’ identity crisis might seem like the symptom of a transition" The identity crisis is that they are electric motorcycles/mopeds pretending to be bicycles. Here's a good video on this by someone who has both an e-bike and a motorcycle.[1] He points out that for his commute in traffic, they get about the same performance. But on the motorcycle, he's more visible, has better protective gear, and has a lower center of gravity. The difference between a class I e-bike (20mph, no helmet required) and an electric motorcycle capable of 45 MPH is a switch. The trouble is, e-bikes with motorcycle speed capabilities lack motorcycle safety features. They're under-braked, under-tired, have crap suspensions, don't have full lights and turn signals, and the rider is up too high, so accidents are worse. There's a video of someone who put an e-bike motor hub in a small motorcycle frame, which got him something that's a better e-bike than most e-bikes, but is classified as a motorcycle. But low-end electric motorcycles have not caught on in the US. Bikers think they're uncool, and bicyclists think they're uncool. They're popular in parts of Asia. So, yes, there is an identity crisis. [1] this video
Came here to say this. Bicycling is absolute madness to me in any location that doesn't have dedicated separate bike paths. You are maximizing all possible sources of risk by riding a bicycle on shared roads. I've ridden motorcycles since I was 16, and everyone always sees me as the daredevil. Yet, I still think bicycle commuters are the true madmen. Zero protection, can't keep up with traffic, your very presence is a psychological irritant to motorists which causes them to wish you harm, etc. But don't take my word for it: this video My only advice to cyclists: put your bike on your car's bike rack, take to a bike path and enjoy. If you want to get on a road on two wheels, buy a motorcycle and wear every piece of protective gear you can afford. You (and your family) can thank me later.
That's a US definition pushed by the E-bike industry.[1] The EU has a completely different classification system.[2] Anything above a US class 1 e-bike comes with more restrictions. Good E-bike vs. Motorcycle discussion.[3] [1] [LINK] [2] [LINK] [3] this video
The youtube motorcycle channel Fort Nine makes a pretty good argument that the risks of ebikes are similar to those of motorcycles, and the riders typically have less protective gear. this video
Before you get on one of these, it’s good to check your perspective on safety: this video As a motorcyclist, electric bicycles make me very nervous.