Electricity and Rust
This morning, I arrived at work to find a bike parked next to mine—an e-bike. Inspecting its drivetrain, I noticed something curious: all the sprockets on the cassette were rusted except for the one currently holding the chain. Clearly, the owner never changes gears, relying entirely on the electric motor to compensate for their lack of effort or skill.
This neglect speaks volumes. By using the motor and battery to do all the work, the rider avoids engaging with the bike’s mechanics—a telling example of how technology can encourage complacency. The rusted, unused sprockets are a silent testament to this over-reliance.
This phenomenon isn’t limited to cycling. Whenever technology makes the previously difficult or impossible easier, many people let it replace their skills rather than complement them. It’s an understandable but troubling trend: ignorance or laziness driving greater energy consumption to bridge the gap. An interesting parallel could be drawn with the increasing use of AI in all areas of work.
Perhaps it’s time for engineers to rethink the design of e-bikes. Why not equip them with automatic gearboxes, reserving the traditional multi-sprocket cassette for sports enthusiasts and dedicated riders? This could strike a balance between convenience and thoughtful use, ensuring technology enhances rather than diminishes the user experience.