In a world obsessed with upgrades, speed, and tech-enhanced everything, e-bikes have become the poster child for modern convenience. But for me—a minimalist who rides a used BMX—they’re the embodiment of excess. My BMX is raw, simple, and unapologetically analog. It doesn’t need a motor to matter. It’s proof that joy, freedom, and function don’t require a battery pack.
The Beauty of Bare-Bones
My BMX is stripped down to the essentials. No gears, no suspension, no dashboard. Just a frame, wheels, and pedals. It’s a machine that invites you to engage, not just sit and cruise. E-bikes, by contrast, feel like over-engineered solutions to problems I don’t have. I don’t need assistance to ride—I need connection. My BMX gives me that in spades.
Minimal Cost, Maximum Value
I picked up my BMX secondhand. It’s scratched, scuffed, and perfect. It cost a fraction of what an e-bike would, and yet it delivers everything I need: mobility, exercise, and freedom. As a minimalist, I reject the idea that more money equals more value. E-bikes come with price tags that include motors, batteries, apps, and warranties. My BMX comes with character.
No Charging, No Worries
E-bikes demand attention. You have to charge them, monitor battery health, and worry about range. My BMX? It’s always ready. No cables, no outlets, no anxiety. That’s the kind of simplicity I crave. Minimalism isn’t just about owning less—it’s about worrying less. And nothing says “worry-free” like a bike that runs on leg power alone.
Sustainability That Lasts
E-bikes are often marketed as eco-friendly, but their production tells a different story. Lithium mining, electronic waste, and short lifespans make them far less green than they appear. My BMX has already lived a life before me—and it’ll keep going long after. It’s the ultimate in reuse and resilience. That’s real sustainability.
Mindful Movement
Riding a BMX is a full-body experience. You feel every bump, every turn, every push. It’s not about coasting—it’s about control. E-bikes remove that effort, and with it, the mindfulness. As a minimalist, I value presence. I want to feel the ride, not be carried by it.
E-bikes might be the future for some, but they’re not my future. I choose simplicity over circuitry, effort over ease, and soul over specs. My used BMX may not be flashy, but it’s everything I need—and nothing I don’t.
I have a colleague who’s bought nearly a dozen e-bikes over the past few years. Most of them are now broken down and gathering dust in his garage—a graveyard of good intentions and wasted tech. That scene really struck me. It says something unsettling about the promises these machines make and how quickly they fall apart, both literally and figuratively.
