There was an interesting article in yesterday’s WSJ about the meteoric rise of electric bikes (e-bikes) in China. A thread running throughout, particularly in the expert and on-the-ground commentary, was that these e-bikes (some of which can reach 25 miles an hour but can be driven with no formal certification) are deadly hazards. Originally launched as a way – and a successful one at that – to combat emissions and offer an alternative transport option to the automobile, the e-bikes are now seen as a scourge. They been alternatively banned, allowed with modifications, restricted, and encouraged.

The second biggest complaint is that the e-bikes can reach significant speed, and when they do impact a bike, a pedestrian, or anyother object bigger than a breadbox, they can kill it. The biggest complaint, though, seems to be – as one interviewee noted – that e-bikers are  ”totally devoid of conscience and respect for the law,” and barrel through intersections with little concern for other traffic or people.

Technologies, particularly those that move us from point-a to point-b, can be enormously disruptive bumping up as they do against existing infrastructures, laws, and practices. However, as early work in our new, soon-to-be-announced research stream on mobility and the future demonstrates, even more important is a recognition on behalf of transportation planners that cultural change and educational initiatives have to be included in any rapid development plan. China’s on-going experience with e-bikes is a superb example of this. The issue is less the speed or size of the e-bikes, but the practices of their drivers – something that has to be addressed at the outset, and then nurtured.