2021 was a year of change for me. I moved to a new place, I had a longer transit commute, I broke my foot and I joined TikTok. These changes led me to discover the joy of e-bikes.
My physical therapist suggested I try an e-bike to recover from my injury. I used Portland’s bike share program, Biketown, which had all-electric bikes. I loved it so much that I bought an e-bike from a friend who was selling hers.
The e-bike made my commute much faster and easier. It cut my 90-minute walk-train/train-walk trip to 45 minutes of bike-train/bike. It also made me more confident and happy on the bike. I could ride anywhere without worrying about hills, sweat or fatigue. I also started riding different bikes for fun and variety.
Biking to work has improved my mental health and connected me to my community. I often see friends, coworkers and fellow bikers on the way. Sometimes we chat or ride together, sometimes we just wave. I also share my bike life on TikTok as JennaBikes. I love answering questions and helping others overcome barriers to biking.
Products that make my commute better
People often ask me what products I recommend for commuting by bike. Here are some essentials:
• Lights: Rechargeable lights are good, but dynamo lights are even better. They are powered by your bike’s movement, so you never run out of battery.
• Locks: Kryptonite u-locks are classic and reliable, but chains are more secure for e-bikes.
• Carrying capacity: Panniers or baskets are great for carrying your stuff. Banjo Brothers bags are affordable and high quality, while Ortlieb bags are more expensive but very durable and versatile.
• Rain gear: A Cleverhood Rover rain cape is a must-have for rainy days. It’s easy to put on over any outfit and keeps you dry and comfortable.
There is no wrong way to bike to work. Just get on a bike, enjoy the ride, and happy biking!
