Electric Bikes In Amish Communities: Exploring Their Use

E-bikes are bicycles fitted with an electric motor which provides additional power when riding to provide an easier ride and achieve higher speeds. Over the past few years, there has been a boom in the use of e-bikes in the Amish community. While the surrounding territory is populated mostly by Old Order Amish families who do not ride, it is estimated that most of the New Order Amish have e-bikes. The hilly landscape of Holmes County, where many Amish live, is one reason for the popularity of e-bikes among the Amish.

The appeal of e-bikes for the Amish

E-bikes have become increasingly popular among the Amish, particularly in the hilly areas of Holmes County, Ohio, and Iowa. The appeal of e-bikes for the Amish lies in their efficiency and ease of use. E-bikes are fitted with an electric motor that provides additional power when riding, making it easier to navigate hilly terrain. This is especially beneficial for the Amish, who often live in rural areas with challenging topography.

The ability to achieve higher speeds is another advantage of e-bikes. While traditional bicycles may struggle on steep inclines, e-bikes can maintain a consistent speed, even when climbing hills. This makes them a more efficient mode of transportation for the Amish, who may need to travel long distances.

The appeal of e-bikes also extends beyond their practical benefits. For some Amish, e-bikes evoke a sense of nostalgia and freedom, reminding them of their childhood. As David Mullet described, e-bikes can make you feel like a kid again. This emotional connection may further contribute to the popularity of e-bikes among the Amish.

Additionally, e-bikes offer a unique blend of modern technology and traditional values. While the Amish are known for their simple way of life and rejection of certain modern conveniences, e-bikes provide a compromise. They allow the Amish to embrace technology that enhances their mobility and quality of life without compromising their core beliefs and traditions.

However, it is important to note that e-bike usage varies among different Amish communities and affiliations. While some communities, such as the New Order Amish, have widely adopted e-bikes, others, like the Old Order Amish, may have stricter limitations on their use.

The safety of e-bikes

E-bikes are bicycles fitted with an electric motor which provides additional power when riding to provide an easier ride and achieve higher speeds. These can be conventional bicycles with a battery and motor attached, or bicycles with the motor mechanism built in, produced by a number of specialty manufacturers.

E-bikes have enjoyed a boom in the large Holmes County Amish community over the past five years or so. The hilly terrain of Holmes County makes e-bikes particularly appealing to the Amish. Jonas Miller, an Amish e-bike owner, said he typically feels safe and comfortable when riding his e-bike, depending on the road he's travelling.

However, the safety of e-bikes is a concern for some. Local law enforcement has started tracking e-bike vs. motor vehicle crashes. E-bikes can reach speeds of up to 28 mph, which can be dangerous, especially when sharing the road with cars, trucks, motorcycles, and horse-pulled buggies.

To ensure the safety of e-bike riders, it is important to follow traffic rules and regulations, wear appropriate safety gear such as helmets, and be mindful of other vehicles on the road. It is also crucial to maintain and service e-bikes regularly to ensure they are in good working condition. Additionally, it is important for e-bike riders to be visible to other road users, especially when riding at night or in low-visibility conditions.

The speed of e-bikes

E-bikes are bicycles fitted with an electric motor, which provides additional power when riding to achieve higher speeds. The speed of e-bikes varies depending on the model and rider input, but they can typically reach speeds of up to 28 mph. The electric motor provides assistance to the rider, making it easier to pedal and maintain higher speeds than a conventional bicycle. This additional power is particularly beneficial when riding in hilly areas, as it reduces the effort required to climb inclines.

While e-bikes can reach higher speeds than traditional bicycles, safety considerations are essential. E-bike riders must adhere to local regulations and ride within speed limits, especially when sharing the road with other vehicles. The speed of e-bikes can impact their legal classification and the requirements for their use. In some jurisdictions, e-bikes with higher speed capabilities may be classified as motor vehicles, subject to different regulations and requirements, such as licensing and insurance.

The speed capabilities of e-bikes have contributed to their growing popularity, particularly among the Amish community. In areas like Holmes County, Ohio, and Iowa, e-bikes have become prevalent among the Amish, who appreciate their efficiency and ease of use. The ability to navigate hilly terrain with less effort has made e-bikes an attractive option for those seeking a faster and more comfortable mode of transportation. However, it is worth noting that not all Amish groups embrace e-bikes, and their acceptance varies within the community.

The different types of e-bikes

E-bikes are bicycles fitted with an electric motor which provides additional power when riding to provide an easier ride and achieve higher speeds. These can be conventional bicycles with a battery and motor attached, or bicycles with the motor mechanism built in, produced by a number of specialty manufacturers.

There are different types of e-bikes, and they have enjoyed a boom in the large Holmes County Amish community over the past five years or so. The e-bike trend has grown so much that local law enforcement has started tracking e-bike vs. motor vehicle crashes. The appeal of e-bikes is that they are very efficient and take little energy to run. They can help riders climb hills and achieve speeds of up to 28 mph.

While the surrounding territory is populated mostly by Old Order Amish families who do not ride, most of the New Order Amish have e-bikes. The Kalona area is hilly, which makes e-bikes particularly appealing.

The Amish in our community ride new modern mountain bikes. There’s even at least one Amish Bicycle Shop a couple of miles away.

The popularity of e-bikes in Amish Country

E-bikes have become increasingly popular in Amish Country over the last few years. In particular, the hilly landscape of Holmes County, Ohio, has seen a boom in the use of e-bikes, with the local economy and sales thriving. The e-bike trend has grown so much that local law enforcement has started tracking e-bike vs motor vehicle crashes.

The "e" in e-bike stands for electric, with these bikes fitted with an electric motor that provides additional power and helps riders achieve higher speeds. They can be conventional bicycles with a battery and motor attached, or bicycles with the motor mechanism built-in, produced by a number of specialty manufacturers.

While the surrounding territory is populated mostly by Old Order Amish families who do not ride, it is estimated that most of the New Order Amish have e-bikes. The appeal of e-bikes in Amish Country is clear: they are very efficient, take little energy to run, and make it easier to climb hills. As David Mullet described them, they make you feel like a kid again.

Frequently asked questions