Thank you for this practical info, Jessica. One thing about bikes that are not used frequently is that the tire pressure is low when a person needs it. I've thought the rubber is slightly porous. In your bike manual, you could suggest that people get leak-proof inner tubes, even for the simplest bike. Some have a liquid inside. There are other types of puncture-proof and leak-proof designs, too, such as those filled with foam. That could be handy if there is road junk during a fire.
For an e-bike there’s a hidden class 3+ legal gray zone where many class 3 bikes will simply have an “off road” mode that exceeds the 28mph limit. Also buying one without fat tires if you live in a place that experiences snow is plain stupid.
Bike to the future! Another point is that biking (same for e-biking when you pedal) is a pretty good way to become a bit healthier and fitter, so that when needs be, your body and muscles are less likely to fail.
For apartment-dwellers or anyone with limited space for whatever reason, this is a viable DIY bike storage option that doesn't require drilling/permanent installation (the original was created over a decade ago; some of the parts have evolved or have different Swedish names than they did when the post was written, but IKEA still carries everything needed to make this):
We live in an urban area and my 18 yr old son got himself a nice electric bike. It gets him all over town at a nice clip, and he’s never had to worry about gas prices. Now I’m thinking of getting one!
Thank you for this practical info, Jessica. One thing about bikes that are not used frequently is that the tire pressure is low when a person needs it. I've thought the rubber is slightly porous. In your bike manual, you could suggest that people get leak-proof inner tubes, even for the simplest bike. Some have a liquid inside. There are other types of puncture-proof and leak-proof designs, too, such as those filled with foam. That could be handy if there is road junk during a fire.
If you live in climates with snow, fat tires work great. Used in Minneapolis in the dead of winter with no problem.
Hi Jessica, well done!
Dear husband has a pedal assist e-bike he’s been riding to work every day for years. He agrees with your thought and wisdom.
Mine is just pedal, but have been pondering adding an e-bike.
I think I’d want an e-bike that can take some rough terrain.
Thank you for all of your well researched wisdom.
Write on and ride on!
-Big fan in Boston
On point as usual ~
Unfortunately we live rurally. We are so screwed.
For an e-bike there’s a hidden class 3+ legal gray zone where many class 3 bikes will simply have an “off road” mode that exceeds the 28mph limit. Also buying one without fat tires if you live in a place that experiences snow is plain stupid.
Bike to the future! Another point is that biking (same for e-biking when you pedal) is a pretty good way to become a bit healthier and fitter, so that when needs be, your body and muscles are less likely to fail.
Love, love, love my e-bike. I use it instead of my car whenever possible. Best $2K I’ve ever spent.
For apartment-dwellers or anyone with limited space for whatever reason, this is a viable DIY bike storage option that doesn't require drilling/permanent installation (the original was created over a decade ago; some of the parts have evolved or have different Swedish names than they did when the post was written, but IKEA still carries everything needed to make this):
- https://www.instructables.com/Ikea-Bike-Rack-Hack/
.
Other options:
- https://bicyclehabitat.wordpress.com/2011/11/26/urban-bike-rack/ (double-pole version of rack above)
- https://stoinfissa.wordpress.com/2012/05/06/our-ikea-hack-bike-rack/
- https://ikeahackers.net/2025/05/bike-rack-wall-mounted-shelf-hack.html (requires drilling)
- https://ikeahackers.net/2025/01/diy-bike-rack-hack.html
- https://ikeahackers.net/2021/06/freestanding-bike-rack.html
- https://ikeahackers.net/2014/03/pax-bike-closet-2.html
.
...and if you don't have room to store a bike trailer but could find space for a coffee/end table:
- https://ikeahackers.net/2018/08/bike-trailer-end-table.html
We live in an urban area and my 18 yr old son got himself a nice electric bike. It gets him all over town at a nice clip, and he’s never had to worry about gas prices. Now I’m thinking of getting one!
I've been meaning to finish my "A Bicycle for the Apocalypse" essay for ages. Thanks for the inspiration to pick it up again. Great work