I’m someone who almost always uses a bike, whether it’s for riding in endurance events like Audax, exploring the Philippines through bikepacking, or going to the casual Friday night inuman somewhere in Metro Manila. There’s something satisfying about riding with nothing but your own effort.
But recently, I had the chance to ride some of the e-bikes from Popcycle. And the experience got me thinking: What do e-bikes actually offer, and how do they compare to manual bikes?
This isn’t a debate about which one’s better. It’s merely a reflection on how each type of bike fits different needs, and how both have a place in the cycling scene in the Philippines.
Romanticizing the Manual Bike
This is the type of bike I’m more in tune with, and through it, I feel more grounded and connected with the road or the trail, and even my body. I feel every muscle in my legs screaming as I go uphill, and feel my heart calming down as I descend.
Every kilometer, every horizon, every moment, I feel it all. I sense it all. The fatigue is fun; the post-ride beer, shower, and sleep are even more captivating. That’s always been part of the appeal of cycling. It’s not always easy, but it’s real.
Riding the manual bike is simple and yet so smart. It’s the experience that I’m after. I’m fully present and connected to everything.
The Allure of E-Bikes
However, I know not everyone shares the same high I get when cycling, especially in the city where (unfortunately) the car is the king of the road.
Others just want to get from point A to point B without being part of the congestion problem. The majority of the bike-commuting public doesn’t register for endurance events, or hikes-a-bike up mountains. Bike commutes are simply commutes; not heat training sessions or a part of endurance sports regimens.
So when I tried some Fiido e-bikes, I got it. I understood the allure of e-bikes. It felt strange at first, though: the initial jerk from the pedal assist knocked a small part of my soul away from my body, and weird noises escaped my mouth whenever I tried the throttle. But as I eased into it, the experience became smooth, even enjoyable.
I didn’t feel a need to push my cadence up or to stock up on hydrating salts and energy gels. Its practicality is its shining quality. E-bikes remove much of the friction that keeps people from choosing bikes over cars.
And that matters more than most cyclists realize.
Gradually Changing Perceptions
Manual bikes still dominate the cycling scene. No doubt about that. And that’s better than nothing, especially in this car-centric megapolis.
But e-bikes are slowly gaining visibility, mostly among everyday commuters and delivery riders. However, among the more traditional roadie groups, e-bikes still carry a bit of stigma. There’s this idea that it’s “cheating the system” so it doesn’t count as cycling.
“You’re better off buying a motorcycle than an e-bike,” some would even quip.
And I used to have that mindset until I found myself loving cycling even more because of e-bikes. I’m also more appreciative of my own manual bikes and their specific use cases.
Fortunately, that mindset is changing, albeit slowly. As more people see e-bikes in action, they’re starting to understand the freedom and flexibility they offer. They also provide an opportunity for long-term savings while having a somewhat enjoyable commuting experience (I say somewhat because careless drivers ruin the fun of commuting).
Democratizing the Ride
What people need to realize is that both manual bikes and e-bikes, in their own ways, help democratize cycling. They welcome more people of varying fitness levels to ditch the car, go out there, and pedal.
They make places more accessible, and the journey less intimidating. They get people outside. They encourage exploration. They help people reclaim the city.
Most importantly, they challenge the idea that cars are the only practical way to get around.
E-bikes, in particular, make riding more accessible for parents with children, senior citizens, women, or people with mobility concerns.
It was never a “manual bike vs. e-bike” debate. One isn’t more “legit” than the other. They answer to different needs. And as a cyclist who has varying requirements, having both manual bikes and e-bikes gives me even more freedom to do the things I want and need to do.
E-bikes help make cities feel more alive as much as manual bikes do. That’s the bigger picture, and it’s one we will all benefit from.
Myta Santiago is an urban and long-distance cyclist who advocates for safer, more inclusive cities. She also enjoys watching anime and photographing urban life.