[dTal]

E-scooters might be a way in. They're not as fast or as safe (to the rider), but they're practical in way e-bikes aren't due to portability. You can carry one into the office and charge it under your desk. And they lack the cultural baggage of cycling. And it's possible to look suave on one in a way that bicycles make difficult.

[Scroedingershat]

They're horrifically expensive, but something like an electric brompton as most of those same advantages. You can also usually take them on a bus or train.

I'd disagree on the looking suave bit, it might just be because so many riders are clueless (and this perception being reenforced by selection bias), but someone on an escooter always looks far sillier to me than someone on a dutch style or folding bike, or even someone in lycra.

[dTal]

It's a little rich to criticise on grounds of cost and then suggest an electric brompton in the same breath - they're nearly 10 times as expensive as the cheapest bikes/e-scooters. You can spend that much on an e-scooter, but you don't need to. E-scooters are about as affordable as bicycles.

Regarding lycra - we can disagree on whether you look suave while riding, but a huge advantage of the e-scooter is that you don't need special clothing - don't even need to tuck your pants leg into your sock. You wouldn't turn up to a date clad in lycra - but you can ride an e-scooter to one.

[Scroedingershat]

> It's a little rich to criticise on grounds of cost and then suggest an electric brompton in the same breath.

Apologies, I was trying to say that the brompton was the horrifically expensive option.

Upsides is they are a bit better for carrying cargo, can handle slightly rougher terrain, are a little more comfortable at long range and are a little more compact than the more capable escooters.

Both have their place, I was just trying to mention another option that hadn't been included.

[SyzygistSix]

Yep. I keep my eyes out for the well-dressed people on Dutch style bikes.

[mackrevinack]

i didn't know it was possible to look suave on one of those scooters but it's subjective i suppose!