E-Bike Test Rides: The Dangerous Road to Instantly Wanting One
You thought you were just “checking them out.” Maybe a friend kept raving about their e-bike, or you wandered into a bike shop on a whim. Perhaps you were even a skeptic, rolling your eyes at those “lazy cyclists” who zip past you on your morning commute. And yet, here you are, gripping the handlebars, hearing the salesperson say, “Go ahead, give it a try.” This is the moment your life changes forever.
Stage 1: Mild Curiosity
You hop on with no expectations. “It’s just a bike with a battery,” you tell yourself. “How different can it be?” You glance at the control panel, set the assist to ‘eco mode,’ and push off. Feels normal. Pedaling is easy. Almost too easy. Suspicion creeps in.
Stage 2: The Accidental Speed Demon
The salesperson encourages you to try a higher assist level. You comply. Suddenly, you’re gliding like a Tour de France champion, overtaking a regular cyclist who’s sweating up a hill. You weren’t even trying. You try not to smirk. “This is… kind of nice,” you admit.
Stage 3: The Wind-In-Your-Hair Realization
Somewhere between cruising at 20 mph and feeling the sheer joy of effortless movement, it hits you: this is the best thing you’ve ever done on two wheels. Your inner child is giggling, your knees (which usually complain on hills) are silent, and for a brief moment, you wonder if you’ve unlocked the secret to happiness.
Stage 4: Justifying the Purchase
Reality starts creeping in. “Do I need an e-bike?” you ponder. A list forms in your mind:
- It’ll save money on gas!
- I’ll bike more often (technically exercise!)
- It’s environmentally friendly!
- It makes me feel really cool!
You are now fully invested in convincing yourself that buying an e-bike is not just a want—it’s a necessity.
Stage 5: The Point of No Return
The test ride ends. You step off, trying to act nonchalant. The salesperson sees that familiar dazed look in your eyes and hands you a price sheet. Your brain races: Do I need a second job? Should I sell my car? Maybe I can live without groceries for a month? You pretend to “think about it,” but deep down, you know the truth.
Once you’ve ridden an e-bike, there’s no going back.
So, congratulations. You’ve just taken your first test ride… and you’re about to become an e-bike owner. Resistance is futile 😊