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Some Amish Communities Are Adopting E-Bikes Instead Of Horses: Community and Self-Reliance
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Bicycles, and increasingly e-bikes, are becoming accepted forms of transportation among many Amish communities. A proper e-bike is typically limited to 20 mph, though Class 3 e-bikes can reach 28 mph with pedal assist, depending on its class and local regulations. This is comparable to the top speed achievable on a pedal bike by a strong rider.E-bikes have gained significant popularity, notably in Holmes County, Ohio, due to the hilly terrain.This contrasts with flatter communities like those in Indiana, where conventional pedal bikes are ofen sufficient. While the Amish generally maintain a lifestyle separate from mainstream technology, many do utilize limited electricity, primarily from solar power, to charge e-bikes and power essential appliances like lighting and water pumps.
Recent reports indicate that approximately two-thirds of Amish churches now permit the use of e-bikes, though acceptance varies significantly between different affiliations (Old Order, new Order, etc.). This leaves roughly one-third who remain opposed. The opposition isn’t necessarily directed at the technology itself,but rather at concerns about its potential impact on community values and traditional ways of life. As David Kline observed, there’s a fear of a slippery slope, similar to the introduction of the automobile. Mart Miller, a retired farmer and bishop of an Old Order Amish church near Mount Hope, Ohio, explained his concerns to Forbes in 2023:
“My biggest concern is they are exchanging the Amish mode of travel for higher-speed transportation that will eventually lead to the car,” said Miller, a retired farmer and bishop of an Old Order Amish church near Mount Hope, Ohio. “We have a lot of people out there where the parents do not own a horse and buggy anymore, so the children will not learn how to use a horse and buggy.”
This concern echoes sentiments expressed by car enthusiasts who worry about the loss of manual transmission skills due to the prevalence of automatic vehicles. It represents a similar dynamic – a shift away from traditional skills and technologies. The Amish, while frequently enough perceived as resistant to all technology, demonstrate a pragmatic approach, selectively adopting innovations that align with their values and enhance their self-sufficiency, such as solar power.
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* Date of forbes Quote: Confirmed the quote is from a 202
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