#!markdown
I am certainly not advocating that we pretend these things don't have motors
nor that we classify them as bicycles. I have never said that and it's not
what I believe. Of course they are motorized and where that is the only
distinction to be made it's clear. All I am saying is that calling them
motorbikes is nonsensical. Those who are intellectually flexible enough to
admit that while there is a literal meaning of motor and a literal meaning of
bike, we understand that a motorbike means something specific. If you say "I
ride a motorbike" and you show up on a scooter or a moped you are going to be
called a liar. The industry would like to muddy the distinction between
pedelecs and mountain bikes but I have no desire to do so. Call them motorized
bicycles, e-bikes, pedelecs - whatever you want. And classify them as
motorized because obviously they have motors.
Jan. 12, 2017, 12:21 p.m. - Cam McRae
#!markdown I am certainly not advocating that we pretend these things don't have motors nor that we classify them as bicycles. I have never said that and it's not what I believe. Of course they are motorized and where that is the only distinction to be made it's clear. All I am saying is that calling them motorbikes is nonsensical. Those who are intellectually flexible enough to admit that while there is a literal meaning of motor and a literal meaning of bike, we understand that a motorbike means something specific. If you say "I ride a motorbike" and you show up on a scooter or a moped you are going to be called a liar. The industry would like to muddy the distinction between pedelecs and mountain bikes but I have no desire to do so. Call them motorized bicycles, e-bikes, pedelecs - whatever you want. And classify them as motorized because obviously they have motors.