Do You Really Need A Car? | Why E Bikes Could Be The Future Of Personal Transport

Everyone, even cyclists generally accept that cars are essential for everyday modern life. They can carry your shopping, you don't get sweaty while driving them, and you can take your kids to school in them. But are they really that vital?
With the advancement of e-bikes, there are more and more solutions for replacing cars in your everyday life, from commuting, to going to the shops. We wanted to see if Si could actually go without his car, using a pedal assisted cargo bike and a more conventional e-bike. As it turns out, he wasn't the only one to enjoy it, which left us wondering whether you really need a car at all?
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Leave us a comment below!

[@gcn]

Do you think you could get by with one of these e-bikes instead of a car? Let us know your thoughts in the comments 👇

[@Songbirdstress]

I just have an e bike, can't drive.

[@pezzie1972]

I don’t have a car and use my ebike for day to day stuff so yep. Is Si going to buy one then?

[@chrisprice5806]

it would be better to just own a car and an ebike. it isnt like cars are actually that expensive especially compared to an ebike. and cars allow certain liberties that in most nice modern areas you cant go without like being able to quickly drive someone to the hospital or go on a road trip or move your belongings from an old residence to house you purchased. ive heard this question (can a cargo ebike replace a car?, etc..) before and it stinks from different angles.

[@georgewachsmuth9201]

I already have….for some years.

[@dlevi67]

Possibly. But especially the Ca-go needs a garage/storage place - which makes it a bit more difficult for me (and many others) who don't have private parking.

[@inakilrg]

We were about getting a second car, but we decided for the Urban Arrow cargo bike. We soon realized that we could actually go without our first car as well! Here in the Netherlands is common to spend more on bikes than on cars.

[@CaptainKevinDarling]

I live in the Netherlands. And I can say with confidence that I have hardly spend any time *on* a car in the last decade. 😉

[@bugsygoo]

After moving to Copenhagen from car dominated Australia, it's a revelation to learn that a car is an unnecessary expense--and a huge unnecessary expense at that.

[@rjdverbeek]

Never owned a car. We had a first generation cargo bike (no assist) until 2011. Worked like a charm in Amsterdam. Back then, when I was carrying my two kids, we were a touristic attraction when cycling through the center of Amsterdam. My kids furthermore loved singing in the cargo bike.

[@jasminedoyle1724]

This is amazing! I would love to be able to do this

[@julianshepherd2038]

Didn't need a car in Amsterdam Do need a car in Highlands of Scotland

[@SwazersC]

Ditched the car a few years back. Had my e-bike for around 14 months now, done around 4500 miles on it so far. THE BEST thing I have ever purchased. As a 48-year-old bloke a complete game-changer. Amazing.

[@joeshmoe7967]

Never ditching my car but love my ebike. 1200+ in 4 months. Have only gassed up my truck a few times this summer.

[@kylehagertybanana]

AWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWWW Si's kids are adorable

[@knarf_on_a_bike]

And smart, too! Bikes are "massively good" and "good for the world". Wise beyond their years.

[@Magnitio1]

Critical Path - like a tree!

[@brauljo]

@@knarf_on_a_bike I mean they could've been told to say that lmao

[@atnfn]

@@brauljo Probably were, I doubt kids would care/know about that.

[@optimalforager]

@@atnfn Why not just give them the benefit of the doubt? I am sure Si did not say everything off the cuff either, right?

[@philgiblin5952]

Good to GCN featuring e bikes. My partner will now come out on rides with me, because she has an e bike, doesn't have to wear special clothing apart from a helmet and more importantly doesn't have to worry about hills. The more people cycling can only be a good thing in my book.

[@gcn]

That's a good thing in our book too!

[@BillOweninOttawa]

I never wear "special clothing" as other than something comfortable, none is required. It's a bike ride, not the tour-de-france after all.

[@stevebrambley9948]

E bikes aren’t bikes just like there’s no such thing as vegan bacon. E-bikes are nothing more than electric mopeds. Cyclists have enough trouble on the road, we don’t need them clogged up with lazy wannabes drifting all over the road sat bolt upright!

[@tkm2006]

@@stevebrambley9948 I don't think everyone interested in an E-bike is a lazy wannabe. In my younger days I didn't have a car and biked everywhere in all kinds of weather. Now I have two young children with all the stuff that must go with them. I'm older and not in as good of shape as I once was. On top of that I now live in a place where coming home from anything would involve going up a big hill. Neither my husband or I can handle all that on our regular bikes pulling a trailer with the kids in it. We are currently researching cargo bikes and will probably get one. I am looking forward to getting our there more and this will allow us to continue to be a one car family. What is not to like about that!

[@weird-guy]

@@stevebrambley9948 For that logic you should walk instead because you damm cyclists are lazy and are cloging up sidewalks lol

[@jeffreylee5770]

I use my e-bike instead of my car almost all the time for errands and for commuting on many workdays. I use my car also but usually for longer trips, rainy days, snow days, and larger cargo. I think my e-bike saved my car from a lot of wear and tear and saved me thousands of dollars. It also meant I could ride to very distant parks and trails instead of using a car to get to a trail etc.

[@bendavis2157]

When will Marc and Hank do a cross England ride on one of these. One of them can sleep in the cargo while the other pedals 😆

[@kevinswan7145]

There was a team of four women that done a big ride (I think london to Paris?) doing exactly that last year (maybe before)

[@timotius]

Good Idea actually!! :D

[@martinhayes8490]

@@kevinswan7145 The Adventure Syndicate rode 2 cargo bikes Edinburgh to Copenhagen in Christmas 2019 in this manner (covered by GCN), riders included GCN+ presenter Jenny Graham…..

[@TheShedStudios]

Awesome idea for a video. I'd enjoy watching that!!!! GCN!!! DOOOOOO IT.

[@LouisHv2]

Oh please do a relay with this, it would be brilliant 😂 It doesn't even need to be that far for them, it'd just be amusing over 50k

[@aliancemd]

Those kids are sooooo adorable, congrats Si :D

[@timroden6617]

Glad to see them in a video. That was sweet.

[@karlInSanDiego]

Agree. It was really helpful to see that when kids ride up front instead of in back, conversation is easy to have, and you can see when they've had enough, are picking on each other, or have fallen asleep.

[@last7509]

0:58 i thought this sentence was going somewhere else

[@rotary65]

What a refreshing and unexpected video from GCN! Despite the quick review format of the show, you did a great job demonstrating the vision of cargo e-bikes. It is clear to me that such bikes are the key to shifting urban planning from car centric to bike and pedestrian centric. To me, it's the size of these bikes which you clearly demonstrated driving though city streets with cars, slowing the traffic and making it safer. Your kids summed it up perfectly: "it will be better for the world".

[@dan..........]

If more workplaces and public buildings provided secure facilities for bikes and the ability to get showered and changed (workplaces), maybe more people would ride their bikes, but the logistics of owning a bike without these facilities put many people off using them for their daily commute/errands

[@kylehagertybanana]

yeah imagine a room at work you could leave ur bike in

[@difflocktwo]

Or imagine if we didn't have a population of scum trying to steal bikes?

[@dan..........]

@@difflocktwo if only, but sadly that will never be the case

[@katiel7166]

@@kylehagertybanana new builds are often including a secure bike room by default now. Our 10 year old building has a prox card only access bike room, locker room and shower facilities. At least 10% of the staff bike to work every day, including a few with cargo bikes who do they day-care drop off and pick up with them.

[@Songbirdstress]

You don't need a shower with e city bikes. Not if you don't push the speed.

[@cccycling5835]

Couldn’t have come at a better time: I’m considering an ebike for my commute when I don’t use the road bike. The road bike is way faster and more fun but Ive been testing ebikes and you practically don’t even sweat on them and you’re still going 20mph it’s great 👍

[@thierymorris4763]

I have recently bought a recumbent electric assist with trailer. It does everything you have mentioned plus the Performer is far cheaper. About 25% of yours. I can wear everyday clothes and it not only makes me smile but those I pass. I have also found it is far more comfortable than a conventional bike.

[@brownpcsuncedu]

I was watching the video and wondering whether an ebike (recumbent or not) with a trailer wouldn't be a better approach overall than that big cargo bike. I can see the practical advantages of the Ca-go when you want that big cargo capacity, but what about (the majority of the time) when you don't? With the Ca-go, you're haling around that big box whether you want it or not. With a trailer, if you don't need the cargo space you unhook the thing and you're back to your regular ride. And then, of course, the price differential could easily be the difference between a pipe dream and something real and useful in your garage...

[@frankwhelan1715]

@@brownpcsuncedu But coud you ferry kids in a trailer?

[@brownpcsuncedu]

@@frankwhelan1715 If the trailer were made with that in mind, why not? Given that there are (at least in the USA) commercially-made bike trailers for hauling kids, it would surely be possible to create a child/cargo trailer with a little ingenuity.

[@joeshmoe7967]

@@frankwhelan1715 100%. Many trailer made exactly just to carry the kids, or dog...

[@Likelybiking]

I sold my car almost a year ago. One of the best decisions I’ve made. I don’t have a e bike yet but maybe one day. My commute is 15 miles each way. Best part is when I get home I already did my riding for the day!

[@gcn]

Nice one!

[@buckroger6456]

Smart move! I've been without a car now for over 5 years and don't miss it. You also save way more money without a car, that means more money for cycling lol.

[@treeefrogUK]

At boarding school, many years ago, 2 friends and I used to go out on a bike ride most lunchtimes - to the pub. We'd have a pint, a smoke and a couple of games of pool and then ride back. We did no proper training for the house cross-country run - just going to the pub - and yet we all finished highly in the run! This what was made me realise that cycling was a very, *very* effective form of exercise. In the early noughties I lost my job and couldn't afford to run a car, the bus was inconvenient and expensive-ish so, remembering my schooldays, I got myself another bike. I particularly remember a friend passing me in her car about 3 miles from our destination but, by the time she'd negotiated traffic lights, one-way systems, etc and parked, she looked up to see me roll gently into the yard we were headed for. And she still had a 100 yard walk to get there from where she'd managed to park!

[@user-ck6kq8zl2i]

But what do you do when it's pissing down with sleet and you have to carry a shit load of stuff to work?

[@Likelybiking]

@@user-ck6kq8zl2i i live in Southern California so it only rains like 3 times a year haha. Also I add a bike trailer that I have towed 500lbs for 10 miles on. It’s not fun to pull that much but it’s possible!

[@magiv4205]

I inherited an e-bike from my dad after he'd already had it for two or three years, and 7 years later, it still runs like a dream and I couldn't imagine my life without it. The initial bike cost about 3.5k all included when my dad bought it, and I'm currently on my third battery (the second one got stolen unfortunately) both of which cost me about another 600€. Seeing as those batteries typically last around 4-5 years though, you could feasibly say that after 10 years, I'd soon be on my third battery anyway by now. Total repair costs over the years have run up to maybe another 600. So, all in all, my trusty e-bike has cost around 5.3k, maybe 5.5k over the last 10 years. That doesn't even pay for a single year of car maintenance, ensurance, taxes and gas. It's one of my favorite things I own! And apart from literally moving appartments, there's pretty much nothing I can't do in my daily life where I'd ever need a car instead of bike or public transport.

[@marcelfischer1081]

Sold my Car 5 Years ago. I dont need it in a bigger City. I used my Hardtail and Fully for all Ways for 4 1/2 years. 30 km/h average after some training. Gifted myself a 6k E-Fully and its the best Invention EVER!!!

[@paulappleyard5832]

Yep we could certainly use one for most local journeys. We would need one with electric assist as we have a 14% hill and a 10% hill to the house and only about 1.5 miles to the closest shop. I think the thing that would stop my wife is the lack of segregation on the main road

[@8807smoore]

Sadly your last sentence sums up why cycling will never be an alternative to cars

[@jangold4652]

@@8807smoore look at the dutch they managed a good solution

[@Friek555]

@@8807smoore That is such a defeatist attitude

[@tonytheantony]

@@Friek555 ...big problem is in the UK there is no cycling incentive from national or local governments to make cycling a viable main form of transport. It's patchy at best, and I think many here saw some of the "hair-brain" popup cycle lanes that were introduced during lock-down..that really said it all!!! It could be done...but unfortunately the UK is a bit behind the times.🚴 👍🇬🇧🙂

[@xxwookey]

@@tonytheantony But there is an incentive from national government. It's all in Gear Change, but essentially councils will not get _any_ money for transport if they don't start building decent quality (LTN1/20) active travel facilities. And 'Active Travel England' will be checking up on them. We are indeed a long way behind the Dutch, but that just means we need to get a serious move on. Decabonisation is now _really_ urgent. And despite the moaning in some quarters, this stuff is very popular with the public.

[@alexanderbaines-buffery7563]

it is a great video. we have 2 kids and have been using a cargo bike to live without a car since my eldest was born. I highly recommend this approach. the savings are significant which allow you to spend your money doing meaningful things not paying for a metal box to sit unused 90% of the time. We find that renting the best car for the job, even vans from time to time is much better than using the wrong car. Certainly much better than the standard approach of buying the biggest car you can afford cos you might go camping at some point.

[@charliesimar7541]

I bought my e-bike last May, about a week after I last filled my car's gas tank. I have since been playing a game to see how long I can go between fill ups. So far, at the end of July, I expect to go a good way into August before finishing this first tank. The fuel savings alone justify the cost of the bike.

[@buckroger6456]

Soon you'll be selling the car off.

[@alexharbron]

So, I watched this, and then started researching ebikes! Great video.

[@123userthatsme]

What did you find? The most affordable one seems to be $1k, the Ariel Rider Rideal. But the bike in this video is $2.7k. I'm not sure if I want to drop 2.7x the price, but I do want quality.

[@alexharbron]

@@123userthatsme I didn't come to any conclusions as I want to stick with my normal bike for the time being (and I currently live in the country). I am just thinking about the future and moving back to an urban environment. The electric bike seems to be a way I might be able to continue cycling when my fitness really starts to decline with age and I would also like to give-up my car. I was blown away by the potential of the cargo bike and I could see how I could live without my car if I lived in a city like Bristol :)

[@althf4gaming]

It’s always so weird to me as a Dutchman that people in other countries don’t just have a frame mounted rear wheel lock (on bikes where weight isn’t a huge consideration like city bikes and e bikes).

[@dlevi67]

To be fair, a typical Dutch rear wheel lock only prevents the most occasional of thefts... I think it works well in the Netherlands where most 'road going' bikes are not particularly valuable and there are tons of them (and thefts still occur!)

[@tams805]

Then you'd end up a sad Dutchman if you were to bring your bike to the UK. There's no guarantee someone would nick it, but there's a high chance they would.

[@Piplodocus]

Because within 10 mins someone would have thrown it in the back of a van, never to be seen again. 😕 I know plenty of people had locks cut when it’s attached to something and their bikes nicked. Just stopping someone riding off on it easily doesn’t sound like much of a security feature. People here chain their motorbikes to ground anchors if staying anywhere for a decent amount of time to stop them being put in the back of a van, and they’re a lot harder to steal than a pedal bike you can lift relatively easily by yourself.

[@LairdDavidson]

My ebike came with a frame lock as standard. I'd be an idiot to use it for anything more than stopping my back wheel from being stolen here in the UK.

[@althf4gaming]

After reading all the comments I assume frame lock effectiveness here is purely due to the absolute multitude of bikes here. Essentially the bike thief here is looking for the path of least resistance: bikes that people forgot to lock. Even a wimpy framelock isn’t worth bothering with if you know somewhere on the same street you can find an unlocked bike.

[@jabehauber]

Love it. However, a serious question: inclement weather? Rain, snow, just plain cold. How would it go? You could get a full rain suit, I suppose. Can you get a cover for the compartment/kids? Traction on snow? Lower battery output in the cold? Some practical questions.

[@unrealcyberfly]

If the city deals with snow properly there shouldn't be a problem, plowing bike lanes and using salt is possible. kzbin.info/www/bejne/i5nbXmVsfMt2eLc

[@amystephenson3665]

I would agree in Canada this really wouldn't work for winter but is still a cool concept and has a lot of potential.

[@alexanderbaines-buffery7563]

my kids have a rain tent on the front of the bike. In winter on really cold dayse we do them a hot water bottle and give them blanket. I have 2 rain ponchos. the peoples poncho and bar mits that stay on the bike and keep my hands warm. you can also get an electric heated Gillette. Honestly, dressing fro the weather saves you get soaked if the school are slow letting the kids out etc.

[@theepimountainbiker6551]

I LOVE my ebike. I still have my car for long trips but 99% of my trips are doable on a bike. For carrying food I have a big cooler and use it for Uber Eats deliveries as well as personal groceries. Then for smaller items I have a bag on the back rack with panniers that fold up in to the bag when not in use. Its really neat. Even though I still pay insurance on my car Ive saved $100's in gas alone. Driving less also means less maintenance cost on the car, another huge savings. Its just too bad the bike infrastructure is horrible, but I get by.

[@Mububban23]

Bikes like this are everywhere in Japan. Mums and dads ride a "family" bike that can carry a (Japanese sized) 10 year old and a 5 year old. They use them for grocery shopping and everyday running about. Kids older/taller ride their own 24" bike. Adults don't wear helmets but kids do. Cars wait patiently for bikes, and bikes ride slowly and safely around and in between pedestrians. It all just works so smoothly and politely. If only more countries had that attitude.

[@helenab9973]

I live in Tokyo now and ride bike everyday and sorry I can't agree with the part "it all works so smoothly". Cars are not very patient or careful of the bikes. I've been hit 3 times in one year. It was always a minor accident, but it's because I'm good with my bike. One of my co-worker had a severe accident on the bike in the city, losing half of the skin on his face, went through an operation to restore his face and left with scars. Many mothers do carry their children on electric bikes but sometimes it really looks dangerous. Once I saw a bus not giving enough space for the bike and a woman fell on her "family bike", luckily the child seat was empty at that time. There were however reports of serious accident where both child and mother were injured. When it rains the situation is obviously more dangerous, but they still ride the bikes because they don't have any other ways to go. So, I think riding bikes in the city is not safe until there are proper bike lanes or less cars on the roads.

[@Mububban23]

@@helenab9973 thanks for the info, I based my comments on a visit to Japan, watching the way cars and bikes interacted, how safe I felt going on a guided bike tour around the city, and how much better it is than where I live (Australia). Stay safe!

[@tams805]

Cargo bikes are absolutely not everywhere in Japan. E-bikes are somewhat popular though. Most of the bikes are 'mamachari' bikes that are of the lowest quality and heavy. They then put child carriers on the back, which at best looks precarious. And in the countryside, the car is still king. As for it being polite and safe. Yes, it is more so than the UK. But there are still a lot of drivers who pay little heed to cyclists. That cyclists have to cycle on the pavement (where they can be absolute terrors to pedestrians) says a lot. Cycling on the road, as is required in the UK if you aren't a child, is not fun at all in Japan. Most drivers are not used to cyclists anywhere but at crossings. Sorry, but this romanticism of Japan really gets to me. It really isn't this fantasy land that people like you paint it as.

[@grahamb1430]

I got rid of the car 10 years ago and don’t miss it. So commuting and shopping and leisure all by bike or train or train+bike. Bought a trailer for carrying bigger loads behind the (non electric) bike. I’m in car club so can use one when necessary, though went 3 years without using it at all. You find ways round things, you change your lifestyle to match. It works for some people, not all. Growing up, my parents had to get rid of the car when I was about 11, so maybe it wasn’t as much of a shock to the system as an adult for me to do it.

[@oumarh.gassama8063]

I am a fan of biking. I bike (+use train) for my daily commute to the office (which is actually in a neighboring country) - and I live in a city where we have a lot of rain, steep hills, while I am riding a traditional bike (not an electric one). Now I am setting up myself a project to figure out solution for all the nitty-gritty details why people wouldn't want to switch to biking: humid/rainy/uncomfortable weather, steep hills, parking (theft of the bikes is a huge problem when it comes to an 8K EUR bike that 2 people could pick up and shove into a mini van), etc... I strongly believe that coming up with a proper initiative plan for public policy (incl. infrastructure upgrades, and propping up public education on bikes and overall traffic knowledge) and private practices could really enable more people to switch to e-bikes.

[@andyfairchild2383]

I couldn’t be without a car, although I work from home I need to get to site a few times a month (60 mile round trip). But I’ve had a Brompton with an electric kit for a year now and that does almost all my short, round town trips. Living in Bristol like Si, the electric kit is a game changer.... those hills! 😂

[@adamarycurtis7016]

It's a great idea and I would consider using a bike more (especially with all the steep banks where I live) with an e-bike, but the main reason I don't ride everywhere is the lack of safe places to cycle I.e. bike lanes/paths.

[@lynallott3404]

This is the all important painful reason cycling isn't more common. If you don't know yet this is due to a whole political slew that makes us so car dependant, and is definitely worth looking into, and fighting against. Channels like Climate Town, and Not Just Bikes are perfect for that. Then again you might know all this, and I'm sorry.

[@woutervanr]

The weirdest thing is to see articles in papers with the price of an e cargo bike in the title as if it's extremely expensive, but if you're replacing a 40k car with a 4k cargo bike that sounds like a STEAL to me!

[@wtfiswiththosehandles]

Except this one costs 7k euro for the cheapest option. Not a steal, I'd say highway robbery. You can buy a small electric Twizy for 12k euro.

[@woutervanr]

@@wtfiswiththosehandles Similair bikes can be had for 4-5k and the smallest car anyone would really want to own cost more like 16-17k, but more often than not people will even buy a 25k mdeium sized card and not even really need it. Sure, that's not the 10x difference I mentioned, but that wasn't even ment as an accurate comparison and yet even 4k compared to 16k is still a steal. The point was that if someone drives a 40k bmw it wouldn't be in a paper, but for some reason a 4, 5 or even 7k cargo bike is an extravagant purchase even though most people won't actually need that car over the cargo bike.

[@difflocktwo]

@@woutervanr What you get for 40k is a miracle of engineering. What you get for 7k is a bike. That's the difference and the shock and awe. It's like dude, a $50 bike gets you 90% of the way there and you go and spend 7k. Meanwhile a 40k car is practically a rocket ship with a few hundred horsepower.

[@jochenschrey2909]

Why replace a 40K(!) car? - I 'd calculate against something way more bread & butter level, maybe even a motorcycle. Or are cargo bikes that(!) prestigious?

[@davomccranko]

Great to see. I'm a long time roadie but I also love my ebike. It often does replace the car for journeys and is often much more versatile, faster and more fun. I share a car with a friend because I don't need it very often now. Arriving places not sweaty is a huge bonus. I always carry train gear in the panniers, just in case.

[@AlasdairSun]

Got my cargo bike three and half or so years ago and, almost 10 thousand miles later, my car barely sees use about town, it’s been fantastic. Can’t recommend it highly enough

[@nemohalperin]

Really excellent exploration of the concept. It made me think about e-bikes in a complimentary way, which is really what we all should be doing.

[@tedbellWRV]

We got a Bullitt E-8000 bakfiets-style cargo bike 3 years ago and do with only one car now. It's been great! The thing about an e-bike (we own 4, including the Bullitt!), is you tend to chose to ride a bike many times more often than you would without e-assist.

[@ianstewart8301]

Si, this was priceless! To see you pedal your kids around and do some shopping, was fantastic. Not sure I could afford an e cargo bike but maybe a regular one. But it’d be hard to take my two kids who are 11 & 15 (yes, they do ride but some of our suburban streets aren’t that safe). I could get one to do more grocery shopping though. It’d be better than a backpack.

[@retepeyahaled2961]

Your video is a joy to watch. We often make trips through the countryside on our e-bikes and it is pure joy!

[@eabellamy1]

My Tern GSD has replaced the car for almost all urban and near urban commutes. I like the cargo bikes but I love being able seamlessly between cars people etc of the Tern. Both are fantastic solutions well worth it, and pay themselves rapidly.

[@Philosophicalpaperti]

I go to Costco with my little folding ebike and love it. Takes a while to pack it up but it’s fun and cheeeeep.

[@yonski1042]

Am I the only one who notice that GCN Presenters always bought plants for challenges? xD

[@gcn]

Didn't everyone start gardening or get houseplants in lockdown?

[@yonski1042]

@@gcn well for me I started fixing my dead bikes because of your channel 🤣

[@Aragorn.Strider]

Welcome to the 21st century! In the Netherlands you see both bikes everywhere. Many many of the small kids are brought using such cargo-bike. And also lots and lots of cargo is brought into Dutch cities this way. No not everything, but still a lot you would be surprised.

[@royappleby8504]

Great film ! As an overweight 60 year old living in the French countryside , who has just lost his driving licence for speeding whilst overtaking somebody.......! I can only agree ! But then my e-bike cost only 850 euros and I bought a 50 kg capacity trailer for 100€ , it's GREAT to be out on the road again............

[@markowsley4954]

I have no need for an e cargo bike but after watching Si I think I want one now. It was great seeing Si being dad instead of only the aero guru destroying his fellow presenters.

[@HKnK8]

was never fan of bikes until i bought my first e-bike. and now im waiting on my first road bike ever. waiting game is hard!!

[@The_One_Piece_Is_Reaal]

Thank you for the video ^^ Been riding for as long as I can remember, and ebikes for the last 5 years. It's nice to have a second opinion on that kind of lifestyle!

[@rlorenzoalvarez]

We have two ebikes at home, for me and my wife. Whilst not replacing our car, they do replace the need for a second car. And in NL we can rent an e-cargo bike for hours, helping even more to kill the need for a second car

[@arnoldhau1]

The much more important question is: Can you replace your bycicle with a car? Of course not so closed case.

[@Dance5578]

I've been replacing my car with my trusty 29 XC the last couple of years, it can be challenging but also rewarding sometimes. I remember that time when i needed to carry 3 large boxes containing some chandeliers back home from the store and all i had was my bike and a backpack. I poked some holes in the boxes and used them to insert the straps of the backpack securing them on my way home. It was so hilarious, I'll never forget that 😂

[@expansivegymnast1020]

I loved this video. I think E-Bikes really work in America where the distances are kinda far to bike. It makes it much easier to get to wear I want to be.

[@TheSteinbitt]

Wet, cold and snow makes it a summer transporter, but looks nice for summer!

[@neopentan1686]

I have had a cargobike without assist for a couple of years now. Ditched my car a year ago. Not regretted it so far. It takes longer since i have no assist, but it‘s good exercise. Also it catches everybodys eyes.

[@Stratulax]

Cool bikes. I'm not there yet, but after seeing ebikes, like the Bianchi Aria that model after my own 2020 Bianchi Aria, I can definitely see myself having a fun time commuting both while under battery power and self powered. Guess that i might need to add the GCN ebike to my subscriptions now. Also, thanks for sharing your lovely family with us. Great to see that others have happy families as well. Totally dig that! Thanks again. Great segment!

[@evilkidm93b]

That was fun! I also loved the looks of the places you went to.

[@paulaspinall919]

Brilliant! Never thought I would see a video from GCN with ebikes (2 of them for goodness sake). Thoroughly enjoyed it especially with the cargo bike. My van is in for major heart surgery on Monday. Garage is 20 miles away. My ebike will be in the back so I can ride home. I’ll be doing all my journeys and chores on the ebike for a few days. YES! I love riding.👍🎈🚴‍♂️

[@that_random_dad]

Wonderful presentation of what most people want in their daily life. Nice work!

[@unknownguyguy9996]

With the two new presenters we can lay off the rest of them ;)

[@CarlosSanchez-no7nk]

I’m getting my non-e-cargo bike in early September. It’s a messenger style Omnium Mini Max (Danish brand). Can’t wait to ride it :D

[@felixfranke2838]

Gave up our bike in December last year and it works - for us, so far. We can get a car-sharing car when we need one (which is rare). We often we used our car on holidays, but we might opt for a rental then. Keeping track of the alternative costs (trains, etc, which we had ben using a lot anyway), so far looks considerably cheaper (but no car rental on holidays included yet). BUT: We don't live in the middle of nowhere and we have a good bus/train system here in a little town close to Cologne / Germany, which is one of the biggest cities of the country. I want that cargo bike though... very jealous. and at 12:00 I though he was going to get an ice-cream, but he went for - a beer! Go Si!

[@umountable]

Cargo bikes are amazing. I own a Larry-vs-Harry. They are a little bit less family friendly, but way more agile than most other cargo bikes. I love it every day. I even been on a 180km 2 day ride with it.

[@greenwaybikexploring]

I like it! I have avoided buying a second car by, instead, buying an e-bike. I also bought a two-child trailer and helmets for three kids. I can get around a bit for fun and exercise. I've been riding my oldest to her kindergarten and picking up in the afternoon with the trailer. It's been great to also take one or two kids away from home while leaving my spouse with a bit of relief from childcare.

[@onpch2979]

A cargo bike, even without a motor, would be so handy! I garaged my car four years ago and have been doing all my shopping with a 2009 Cervelo beater and a backpack. I'd be able to consolidate my two to three times a week shopping trips to just one.

[@TheJmbf10]

Bought a used Rad Powerwagon recently. Love it. The kids really love riding on it.

[@Junior0292]

perfect conditon weather, time of the year... try this in fall rainny day!, put the little ones rain pancho too

[@qinli3280]

Funny that yesterday I spotted one of these cargo e-bikes, very similar to the one Si is riding. I chased closer and found a dog sitting inside, seemed to be enjoying the ride and nice view. Now I wonder whether cats will like it or not 😸

[@brownpcsuncedu]

They might, but they probably wouldn't condescend to admit it :-).

[@drbbdr]

Bad weather is the biggest problem for doing everything with bike/ebike and long trips that some people (such as me) have to do: above 50 km one way is really the limit for me even with 2 batteries. I keep my car just for these cases. As you say it is not B&W.

[@georgeyung3546]

One of best video I have seen on ebikes. I will definitely will consider an ebike for sure

[@ickledotco]

Really enjoyed this video. Gave me the idea that mine is now rather old in terms of the technology a new one can offer. One thing you missed is that they’re rubbish as ordinary bikes. At least mine are. If you’re going along the flat and you want to save power by switching it off, the bike become really sluggish.

[@lostboy8084]

Those cargo bikes look great as I would usually use biking mainly for store runs.

[@dermozart80]

We got ourself a used Babboe Cargo-E-Bike and got rid of our second car. Also our main car is now used like once or twice a week. The ebike is used on a daily basis.

[@steffenschulz9796]

I agree with some of the commenters: an eBike too me is an addition to a car - not a replacement. And that usage should be promoted much more than it currently is. I ride somewhere between 5 and 10K per bike a year, but do that for sport and health reasons (and would absolutely hate it if I HAD to do it). In addition we live in a hilly environment (between upper part of our town and the lower part there is almost 200 m elevation difference) - that would make it very hard if you just forgot an item when shopping. Furthermore I would like to see the presenters in winter or during a heavy summer rain - do you think the kids would still love it that much ? I have ridden a bike at -6 degrees and you can‘t shiver that fast to get you warm - I know that not all winters are that cold, but once you have slides on a slippery surface you see the seasons a bit different. Having a garden and bringing all the grass and other wooden parts to the dump with an eCargoBike - have fun (just 1 example). And last but not the least: when riding in the city I often cross those hipster mums and dads that have such a carrier bikes (as I call them) with a load of small children in front on theirr way to kindergarten or wherever - always in a hurry. As in our city environment not all turns and corners are fully transparent I more often than not had severe almost crashes as the turning radius of those tankers is HUGE. And many people do absolutely not realise that you have to drive these beasts differently than a „standard“ bike in a lot of ways (the road usually is not straight) in order not to cross over to the other road side on the bike way (as these are typically much narrower than car roads). And they also very rarely realise that the length of their braking path is also somewhat longer leading to a point that I am nowadays more afraid of those tanker bikes than of cars - the chance of dying in an accident with such a vehicle is probably much higher than getting hit by a car :-) But I would love to hear different views from the „other side“ and how they see this topic

[@Laughsville-si6hf]

I need to send this video to our lawmakers, In AU we are limited to 25kp/h, it's the main reason I did not buy an e-bike to commute.

[@LukasD89]

If it wasn’t for our sons disability we would definitely think about no car life. We are a family of five and got a Riese and Müller Load 75 and it can load tons, including a full week grocery store haul. Plus that, it’s super enjoyable to ride. Germany needs to pick up its bike Lane/way game though

[@Thehonestruth]

My husband has a car, I have an E bike, I don’t even know how to drive. I can do everything on my Ebike I can buy a weeks worth of shopping for a family of 3. I can get anywhere, raining isn’t so great but I have all the gear. I can ride right up to anywhere and park right out the front. No car parking fees or fines. My bike has pedal assist and a throttle. Which is the best of both worlds. Highly recommend

[@aussiebornandbred]

I love the ca go bike, I will look into one of these, thanks for the video

[@DonutEndurance]

I have way more in common with Si than I realized. We are about the same age, both of our spouses don’t ride bikes, our kids are about the same age, and we are both really interested in getting a e-cargo bike to make life that much better.

[@WaldoWalker]

Such a wholesome video. Gave me a smile on my face

[@walterbyrd8380]

Issues that I have with cargo ebikes: 1. Some are too wide. They are nearly as wide as a small car. Somewhat defeats the purpose of bike. 2. Practically all are too expensive. I could get a decent used care for less than $5000. 3. I am not sure a two wheeler would be stable enough on icy roads. 4. Bikes tend to be easy to steal. Two guys could pick one up and put it in the back of a pickup truck. See # 2 above. 5. If the battery on one of the ebikes ran down, it would difficult to peddle.

[@lovemadeinjapan]

1, I've to find one, all bikes here can go through a standard 85cm door. 2. They are not, you must look at operation cost, not purchase. I have a cargo bike and I could have got 2 second hand Aygo's for the same. Yet I do save 40€ on gas a week, so that is 2k per year. 3. No idea where you are, buy here icy roads are a non-issue. They keep them good all year. 4. Compared to a car, you need to chain it to some bar or handle. fair enough, but you'll get the hang of it. Still faster than walking to the park booth for a ticket. 5. That is so not true. I find my motor turn off very often. It rides pretty good at 30km/h on full human power. Not uphill like in this video, but it is better than you might think. Also a range of 140km is pretty decent, you can do a lot of rides before running out.

[@thomasmwangi8136]

Your kids are so cool. Good on you sir. Awesome video.

[@leemanwrong]

I havent had a car in over 15 years, i just walk or ride wherever i need to go. If i need to travel far i'll take public transport and if i need anything large or heavy i'll get it delivered to my house.

[@henkwilson1445]

Our Baboo cargo bike means the car is very rarely, even on the (Swedish) wintery school run. Never arrived anywhere happier than when I set off because I used the car, on the bike however.....

[@J0nny61]

Hmm, I used to do my commute on my ebike when it was a 14 mile round trip and loved it. Now its a 50 mile round trip its 4 hours taken out of my long day. When it's chucking down with rain, sleet and snow it's serious pain. Give your head a shake and think how you are going to store it securely. Great vid though.

[@aaronharris5275]

A bit tricky to filter through the traffic on it though. But a great machine non the less

[@jamesrigby2271]

I used to have an 8 seat 5 litre Ford Expedition and as a family we swapped it for bikes 7 years ago and haven't looked back. I save at least 1,000 per month on fuel/tax/insurance and depreciation. We have multiple bikes. Shopping is done by panniers on a heavy duty transport bike or simply carrying it walking. Kids cycle themselves to school. We don't have an ebike, but we have a 3 wheel bucket bike for running heavier stuff around. We are fitter, healthier and way better off financially. Cars blight our towns and car driving is bad for our environment, anti-social, anti-wealth and anti-health.

[@christoppi5936]

An e-bike, on Lake Shore Drive, in February riding to the west loop? GFL with that.

[@GK-zr9cq]

I've had a Harry v Larry for the past 3 years. Pros: fun, cheaper than a spare car, kids love school runs in it unless cold and raining, dodge all traffic jams. Cons: battery gradually dies like an iphone. 18 -24m have to replace it. Quite a lot of fiddling is needed e.g. discs rub, true wheels, punctures, had to replace alfine hub. If I was not a cyclist it would p me off. Overall it is a cool bike but not my favourite.

[@doodlehobbo8697]

It would be a exciting and a great Idea if they make a tricycle version of Ebikes that had inspiration variant designs from the Philippines, India, and Thailand.

[@jeremyedwards3612]

Compost, goji Berry Bush, craft beer.. Is that the most middle class shopping trip ever? Bike looks good though, let's hope they get cheaper soon.

[@splashpit]

I bought an Bullitt cargo bike about eight years ago when my first child was born . Initially it was used to take child to daycare and grocery shopping and weekend rides . Now I have two in school and l still use it for the school bags , kids rides their own bikes and we still go on weekend rides with the picnic gear in front and skateboards and whatever . I’m in Australia so having a car isn’t an option .

[@splashpit]

I should add that mine has no motor and other than a new tube I’ve not had to spend any money’s on it in that time . Should also add I rode it from England to Venice as well .

[@yokaiofwater]

I really wish this was possible in my neck of the world. Michigan is set up where there is very, very little public transportation and we have winter. But if you're looking to see if it's possible, I'll be happy to test it for a year for you.

[@hallscroft]

I would have liked to see you doing this on a rainy day!

[@thebikerei]

Straightforward Video! Really injoyed it...

[@alainpfammatter8224]

I like the idea 🤔. The problem is just the weather. Rain snd snow (where I live) are not so great to ride a bike in.

[@docouchi7929]

The fear is cars hurting hurting your kids, I cycle in the street with a bunch of cars, and I’ve had very close calls before … If I fall I fall I can live with that but if my future kids fall With me … I don’t know … it would be absolutely devastating, it wouldn’t be an issue if we had better bicycle infrastructure… but as of now painted bicycle lanes are soooo rare

[@spinnetti]

You've heard of Kids, Weather and winter right? Overall urban redesign needs to be part of the picture. Look to Holland for examples. Cheap used car for when a car needed makes more sense financially no doubt. A small short range e-Car probably makes more sense. Also, move closer to work :) (I'm 2.7 miles away, so can walk there at a push)

[@badabing8884]

In this video the car drivers were patient behind because they could see them being filmed. But safety and impatient drivers trying to overtake and closely are still a major issue on UK roads.

[@whodispuresouls7758]

Btw...love the shocks on the e-cart..

[@iankirkpatrick3280]

I myself have never been interested in Ebikes. But; whatever gets people's bums out of car seats, and onto a bike is a plus for me.

[@markvincentcocjin]

One of the big winners of this e-bike trend is also Suntour who have secured themselves as the spec for a lot of these brands and models. For one thing, they make their forks cheap, less maintenance, and more durable because of the steel in some of its parts. Because of how heavy e-bikes are, the ride itself is less sensitive to the bumps on the road.

[@chrishailstones6029]

What a brilliant bike. Love it. Not sure I'd like it so much during the Scottish winters. Lovely kids by the way.

[@curtvaughan2836]

I think two of the main drawbacks to using varieties of HPV's, or in these cases, semi-HPV's to replace cars have to be 1) bad weather and 2) physical frailties due to illness or other disabilities. For healthy people, and with fair weather, something like the e-cargo bike would be quite practical for utilitarian purposes. E-bikes have come a long way since I first bought one about 14 years ago. It was a no-name, Chinese brand - weighed a ton with a high tensile steel frame, had a huge heavy (and relatively low capacity) battery, and only had about a 20 mile range under normal conditions. That cargo e-bike was quite a vehicle - could let my pickup truck stay in the driveway in most cases if I had one of those. Nice feature, and thanks for the presentation!

[@martijnvangammeren1868]

There is no bad weather, only bad clothing ;) As a dutch myself I have riding a bicycle all up to my 18th and still after getting my driving license. Yes it can rain but you have clothing for that. And you won't melt from a bit of rain. Infrastructure is more important. I move to Belgium and the bicycle infra is not good so you do take the car faster than the bicycle. We did invest in a cargo bike and we even "fight" over it who brings our kids to school and can use the cargo bike. It is just so much fun riding it around.

[@greg_loper]

Am I the only one who noticed that there was a cafe at the garden center? No cafe stop?!? And it was right there!

[@maximthemagnificent]

Recently got an ebike so I could run more errands without my car. Not a cargo bike, but I'm only shopping for one so a crate on the back will do.

[@skylarlopez-kohler7298]

“It’s better for the world” & “ massively fun” 👍👍