In his latest video, Chris Crossed dives into the world of electric bikes to discuss features that might seem appealing on paper but often fall short in real-world use. He kicks off his list with turn signals. While the idea of added visibility is nice, Chris argues that for most regular ebikes, a reliable brake light provides more crucial safety information to those behind you. He finds turn signals to be somewhat redundant in typical cycling scenarios.
Next on Chris’s list is cruise control. Although it sounds convenient, he points out that it’s a feature he rarely uses and sometimes finds fiddly to engage properly. For the type of riding most ebike enthusiasts do, the need for sustained, consistent speed without pedaling isn’t all that common.
Chris then shifts his focus to rear seats often found on some ebike models. While intended for carrying passengers, he expresses a preference for practical cargo baskets. These, in his opinion, offer more versatility for carrying groceries, bags, or other essentials securely.
Moving on, Chris tackles gearing on e-mopeds. He makes the case that for these types of electric vehicles, where pedaling is often minimal or non-existent, a single-speed setup would likely suffice. The complexity of multiple gears seems unnecessary when the primary mode of propulsion is electric.
Finally, Chris touches on mobile apps designed to integrate with ebikes. While acknowledging that some apps offer useful functionalities, he doesn’t see them as a make-or-break feature for enjoying the ebike experience. For him, the core joy of riding isn’t dependent on a smartphone connection.
Beyond his own insights, Chris also shared a fascinating array of opinions from his viewers on other overrated aspects of ebikes. These ranged from the impracticality of oversized tires and the limitations of geared hub motor ebikes to the redundancy of a second seat on lower-powered models. Riders also voiced their frustrations with poorly designed displays, an overwhelming number of overlapping riding modes, and even seemingly simple features like key starts and frame-mounted front lights that don’t turn with the handlebars.
Other mentioned features included battery-powered air pumps, cable locks, built-in air tags, folding pedals, and percentage-based battery indicators. This collective feedback highlights the diverse perspectives within the ebike community on what truly enhances the riding experience versus what adds unnecessary complexity or cost.