Hacker News new | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submit login

From what I've seen, scooters and electric bikes aren't competition for cars, but for public transport.



Also light transport works great for for single people and dinks. Once people have kids they likely would want a car. By that time you don’t want to do daily shopping and you don’t want to carry four bags of groceries on a bus, plus on average a couple of times a month you need to transport bulkier items -yes you could rent a car for that each time, but people like ad hoc convenience, they don’t like planning things in advance, if they can avoid it.


Also an e-bike in the snow or pouring rain is miserable if it even works at all. There are some situations where they're great, but cars are just a lot more flexible. One vehicle that does everything.


Not at all. Transport is great for families. Get your groceries delivered.

Cargo bikes exist as well.


Delivered groceries are more expensive, not everyone can afford the prices plus the expected tip. A beater auto is affordable for most families.

People with dough won’t mind the extra expense, that’s usually a given.


A cheap car costs around 300€ per month (including taxes, repairs, loss of value, etc.), or way more if you drive a lot or if you have a car that is new-ish. I don't think that 4-8 deliveries per month would cost more than 80€ per month in delivery cost. Also, what's keeping you from going shopping by bike? We do it all the time.


I really don’t think you can argue that buying a car for groceries is cheaper than getting them delivered every once in a while. Even just in terms of gas and taxes it’s already more expensive.


not in the UK. its an extra couple of quid for the delivery.


Where I live public transport allows you to take your bike, ebike or scooter onboard. I think this is the future (maybe not subways but lightrail/bus)




Join us for AI Startup School this June 16-17 in San Francisco!

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: