arkmundi
10 MW
I am partially ambulatory. My Gitche eBike build was first of all an exercise for improved mobility. I wanted to ride a bike, but had two things working against me: 1> the hills of Worcester, and 2> my gimp leg from early childhood polio. My experience in improved mobility has exceeded all expectations. So much so, I'd recommend it for those who may need it and could take advantage of the approach.
There were a few lessons ahead on the road, however. As more & more I'd use my eBike everywhere, including inside in public places. I'd ride up to door, push it open and go inside as if walking, ride it up to counters, do as much as I could without having to dismount. My first encounter was at the local post office, where I was told "you can't ride bicycles in here!" Perfectly reasonable.
I countered that its a "mobility device and I need it because I'm disabled." I show them that its electric. I argue that it is exactly the same as a wheel chair and they should allow it. It is - has a seat to sit on, wheels, and electric assist motor, and is in fact being used by someone who is disabled. So.....
The manager of the post office comes out, I explain, and he says "fine, no problem." You understand, we don't want to open the door so to speak to everyone riding their bikes in here." Yea, OK. So I get the exception and have never had a problem at the post office since.
The MBTA - Metropolitan Bay Transit Authority - of Boston and Massachusetts was a bit harder. They allow bikes on the train - that policy went into effect as hordes of bikers said they should. They have windows when possible and closed windows when not, during rush hour. Problem was I wanted to stay mounted as long as possible, through the station and even onto the train. Got stopped from doing that. In one long encounter as I argued for my rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, I had a small victory. Still had to get off and "walk" my bike, but in persisting, I asked what it would take? Do I need to talk with a manager, get special dispensation or what?
Answer: if I went to my doctor and got a disabled placard from the DMV, they'd allow it.
I figured, hey, why not? General purpose, pull out the placard when ever I encountered resistance. So off to my doctor, get the exam, fill out the paperwork, and lo' 2 months latter the placard arrives in the mail. I carry it with me everywhere.
Have not, however, had to use it till today, at the Library of all places. These guys were a bunch of hardnozed bureaucrats unwilling to compromise - a strict, leave your bike outside on the bike rack. No matter how much I tried, until today. Encountered the same rigmarole only this time I was going to stand my ground, or sit my seat, or wheel my wheels or whatever. Pulled out my placard and explained. You woulda' thought, but noooo....ooooooo. Had to go up the chain. Eventually, however, they relented and yea, I get to use the library on my eBike now!
The moral of the story is persistence and standing up for one's rights when necessary.
There were a few lessons ahead on the road, however. As more & more I'd use my eBike everywhere, including inside in public places. I'd ride up to door, push it open and go inside as if walking, ride it up to counters, do as much as I could without having to dismount. My first encounter was at the local post office, where I was told "you can't ride bicycles in here!" Perfectly reasonable.
I countered that its a "mobility device and I need it because I'm disabled." I show them that its electric. I argue that it is exactly the same as a wheel chair and they should allow it. It is - has a seat to sit on, wheels, and electric assist motor, and is in fact being used by someone who is disabled. So.....
The manager of the post office comes out, I explain, and he says "fine, no problem." You understand, we don't want to open the door so to speak to everyone riding their bikes in here." Yea, OK. So I get the exception and have never had a problem at the post office since.
The MBTA - Metropolitan Bay Transit Authority - of Boston and Massachusetts was a bit harder. They allow bikes on the train - that policy went into effect as hordes of bikers said they should. They have windows when possible and closed windows when not, during rush hour. Problem was I wanted to stay mounted as long as possible, through the station and even onto the train. Got stopped from doing that. In one long encounter as I argued for my rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act, I had a small victory. Still had to get off and "walk" my bike, but in persisting, I asked what it would take? Do I need to talk with a manager, get special dispensation or what?
Answer: if I went to my doctor and got a disabled placard from the DMV, they'd allow it.
I figured, hey, why not? General purpose, pull out the placard when ever I encountered resistance. So off to my doctor, get the exam, fill out the paperwork, and lo' 2 months latter the placard arrives in the mail. I carry it with me everywhere.
Have not, however, had to use it till today, at the Library of all places. These guys were a bunch of hardnozed bureaucrats unwilling to compromise - a strict, leave your bike outside on the bike rack. No matter how much I tried, until today. Encountered the same rigmarole only this time I was going to stand my ground, or sit my seat, or wheel my wheels or whatever. Pulled out my placard and explained. You woulda' thought, but noooo....ooooooo. Had to go up the chain. Eventually, however, they relented and yea, I get to use the library on my eBike now!
The moral of the story is persistence and standing up for one's rights when necessary.