E-Bikes On Ragbrai: What's The Verdict?

Electric bikes are a controversial topic in the cycling world, and their use on rides like RAGBRAI is no exception. While e-bike sales are surging, they are still a rarity on the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa, with only a handful of riders using them on the 2021 ride. The bikes are equipped with electric motors to provide a boost to riders, and some can power a bike to speeds of close to 30 mph. This has led to some cyclists considering their use on rides like RAGBRAI as cheating. However, for others, e-bikes are a lifeline, enabling them to participate in long-distance rides they may not otherwise be able to do.

Electric bikes are a rarity on RAGBRAI

Out of the 15,000-plus riders on RAGBRAI, only a handful are using electric-assist bicycles. One vendor, Pete Dempsey, has become a lifeline for these riders, most of whom are older. Dempsey, a hard-core cyclist, said he was initially an e-bike sceptic but changed his mind when he met a rider who was using one on a long-distance ride after quintuple-bypass surgery.

The use of e-bikes on rides like RAGBRAI is controversial. The bikes are equipped with electric motors to provide a boost to riders, and some can power a bike to speeds of close to 30 mph. Dempsey said that this is obviously cheating in a bike race, and some cyclists consider it cheating even in a recreational ride like RAGBRAI. However, Bosch eBike Systems, one of the leading makers of e-bike components, supports RAGBRAI and participated in the 2021 RAGBRAI Expo.

Some cyclists consider them cheating

Electric bikes are allowed on RAGBRAI, but some cyclists consider them cheating. The bikes are equipped with electric motors to provide a boost to riders, and some can power a bike to speeds of close to 30 mph. This is obviously a big "no" in bike races, and even in a recreational ride like RAGBRAI, some cyclists feel that it is unfair.

Despite the controversy, e-bike sales are growing rapidly, and they are becoming more common on RAGBRAI. One vendor has become a lifeline for e-bike users, and for some older customers, an e-bike is the difference between being able to complete the ride or not.

For example, Pete Dempsey, a hardcore cyclist who rode his first RAGBRAI in 1984, said he was initially an e-bike sceptic but became a convert when he met a rider who was using one on a long-distance ride after quintuple-bypass surgery.

They can power a bike to speeds of 30 mph

Electric bikes are allowed on RAGBRAI, but their use is controversial. The bikes are equipped with electric motors to provide a boost to riders. Some can power a bike to speeds of close to 30 mph, which is obviously a big "no" in bike races, according to Dempsey. Some cyclists consider it cheating even in recreational rides like RAGBRAI.

Electric bikes are still a rarity on RAGBRAI. Among the 15,000-plus riders on the 2021 ride, only a handful were using the electric-assist bicycles. However, for some older riders, the bikes are a lifeline, allowing them to participate in the ride when they might not otherwise be able to.

One rider, Pete Dempsey, said he was initially an e-bike sceptic, but became a convert when he met a rider who was using one on a long-distance ride after quintuple-bypass surgery. Dempsey now provides support to around half a dozen e-bike riders on RAGBRAI.

Despite the controversy, Bosch eBike Systems – one of the leading makers of e-bike components – supports RAGBRAI and participated in the 2021 RAGBRAI Expo before the start of the ride in Le Mars.

They are useful for older riders

Electric bikes are allowed on RAGBRAI, the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa. However, their use is controversial, as some cyclists consider it cheating, even in a recreational ride.

Electric bikes are equipped with electric motors to provide a boost to riders. Some can power a bike to speeds of close to 30 mph. This can be particularly useful for older riders who may not have the stamina or strength to complete the ride without assistance.

While electric bikes are still a rarity on RAGBRAI, their sales are growing rapidly, and they can be a great option for older riders looking to participate in the event.

They are useful for riders with health issues

Electric bikes are allowed on RAGBRAI, but their use is controversial. The bikes are equipped with electric motors to provide a boost to riders, and some can power a bike to speeds of close to 30 mph. While some cyclists consider this cheating, e-bikes are useful for riders with health issues.

E-bike sales are growing rapidly, but they're still a rarity on the Register's Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa (RAGBRAI). Among the 15,000-plus riders on RAGBRAI, only a handful are using the electric-assist bicycles. For a lot of these riders, the e-bike is the difference between being able to do the ride or not. For example, one rider who had quintuple-bypass surgery was able to take part in RAGBRAI thanks to an e-bike.

Pete Dempsey, a vendor and self-proclaimed "lifeline" for e-bike users on RAGBRAI, said: "They're tough old birds. For a lot of them, this is the difference between being able to do it." Dempsey, himself a hard-core cyclist, said he was initially an e-bike sceptic but became a convert when he met a rider who was using one on a long-distance ride after quintuple-bypass surgery.

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