Are e-bkes the solution or self-driving cars?

It’s nice once in a while to step outside the narrower confines of the e-bike world and see how they are faring in the wider world. This interesting Fast Company article does just that, comparing their progress in San Francisco in 2023 to that of autonomous cars.

It notes ‘The self-driving car companies that once seemed ready to conquer San Francisco—followed by the rest of urban America—now face headwinds from impatient investors, skeptical residents, and wary regulators who have suspended Cruise’s driverless permit in California after a horrific crash (and an alleged coverup).

Compared to self-driving cars, and just about any other mobility mode, e-bikes have flourished in 2023, posting strong sales despite a slowdown in the overall bike industry.’

The battle is ongoing though; Waymo and Cruise ultimately persuaded California regulators to allow the companies to deploy unlimited robotaxis throughout San Francisco. That doesn’t mean they will necessarily arrive any time soon though – as the article points out:

‘ if self-driving cars are able to scale, they will induce more car use and exacerbate traffic congestion and pollution. It remains unclear that a city full of autonomous vehicles would be better, not worse, for its inhabitants.

E-bikes raise no such existential concerns. On the contrary, all signs indicate that a city full of e-bikes would be safer, healthier, cleaner, and less congested than one dominated by cars—no matter how they are driven.’

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