Why is the e-bike user still being 'hated'? A popular travel journalist disbelieves the comments she receives
19/09/2026 08:30
Updated to
19/09/2026 08:30
It surely sounds familiar to many of us, right? Phrases like “anyone can do it with an electric bike” or “riding an electric bike is cheating” are just a few of the harsh comments we have to hear when talking about our passion for eBikes. And it’s not only when we’re speaking: it’s not uncommon to receive some kind of remark while riding them, sometimes in jest, other times more maliciously, about our cycling skills.
"Cheating means committing an illegal act to gain an unfair advantage, but are you and I really competing in the Tour?" (Paco Nadal).
And obviously, it’s not uncommon for popular figures to spread their passion for electric bikes through various channels, especially social media. The latest example we’ve seen is that of the well-known travel journalist Paco Nadal, who lately has been delighting us with his adventures around the world while riding an... electric bike.
Is it a competition between you and me?
In one of the journalist’s recent Instagram posts, one of his first responses to comments that were clearly quite unfounded was, “Is it a competition between you and me?” He’s being accused of cheating, claiming that since he rides a motorcycle instead of a bike, and that the distance he covers in 6 days, others can cover in 3 days using a non-motorized bike....
"Is it a competition between you and me? Do I have to apologize for using an electric bike? Those of us who like cycling do it to enjoy it, and everyone should do it however they want...", we can hear the journalist say on his social media. It seems this concept is hard for a segment (fortunately, increasingly small) of non-electric bike users to grasp.
Paco Nadal sees only benefits in electric bikes
From time to time, we like to share examples of 'glamorous' users who confirm what almost everyone (except that small group we mentioned) already knows: electric bikes have brought more benefits to cycling than anything else.
The traveler states without any doubt that the electric bike has allowed him to do things he never could have imagined doing with a non-motorized bike.
"One must live and let others live: enjoy life, let everyone enjoy theirs, and do as they wish" (Paco Nadal).
The journalist continues his advocacy for electric bikes... "The electric bike has been the major revolution in cycling over the past few years." In fact, we summarize the aspects that have changed his life: he is also clear that he isn’t the only one...
The electric bike has given new life to many users, including him—he himself admits that he now gets 100% more exercise than before with a non-motorized bike. Whether due to physical issues or not having ridden a bike in many years, eBikes are enabling those who thought they would never ride again to get back on their bikes.
EBikes have also helped bring together groups of friends: those in varying fitness levels can share this passion together. Paco acknowledges that since he got the electric bike, he can go on long rides with his partner or a group of friends, something impossible with regular bikes.
In short, we need to get rid of our insecurities, ignore the comments (which are becoming fewer and fewer) that treat us as second-rate cyclists, and enjoy our electric bikes however we want.