Some Amish communities are beginning to embrace electric bikes, shifting away from the traditional horse and buggy. This might seem surprising given the Amish reputation for holding onto their customs, but it's essential to recognize that different Amish groups have the autonomy to make their own decisions regarding technology use. According to a report by Forbes, certain forward-thinking communities now recognize e-bikes not as a threat to their lifestyle but rather as a helpful tool that enhances it.
David Kline, who serves as a bishop for an Old Order church in the vicinity of Mount Hope, Ohio, clarifies that the Amish do not inherently reject technology; rather, they are cautious about its potential disruptive impacts on their close-knit communities. Kline explains, "We're fairly open to technology. We use modern medicine. We go to the dentist. We donate blood. The car was really the first piece of technology that the Amish said: 'Whoa. What will it do to the community?' And as we know, Henry Ford's Model T destroyed thousands of small communities."
This perspective sheds light on why the iconic horse and buggy remains prevalent in many rural areas. Contrary to common misconceptions, Amish communities do not completely shun advancements. In fact, many individuals contribute to contemporary businesses in ways that align with their values. For instance, Janus Motorcycles hires Amish craftsmen to create various parts, such as frames and gas tanks. Likewise, Keim Lumber in Charm, Ohio, provides a place for hundreds of e-bikes to recharge while their owners engage in work inside the facility, as pointed out by Ideastream Public Media.
One notable example is Abe Troyer, an Amish man who holds the position of executive director of sales at Keim Lumber. He shares how his e-bike has significantly improved his quality of life by reducing his commute time by 45 minutes, which allows him more moments with his family. "[It's] basically 10 miles a day, but I do a lot more than just work," Troyer elaborates. "In the last year and a half, I've covered 3,400 miles on my bike."
Interestingly, bicycles are gaining acceptance as a legitimate mode of transportation among the Amish. A standard e-bike typically has a maximum speed of either 20 or 28 mph, depending on its classification, making them comparable in speed to a pedal bike ridden by a strong cyclist. E-bikes are particularly favored in locations like Holmes County, Ohio, where the hilly landscape presents challenges for traditional cycling, unlike flatter regions such as Indiana.
Although many Amish families live without connecting to the grid, some do utilize limited electrical systems, primarily powered by solar energy. This capability enables them to charge e-bikes and operate essential household items like lights, water pumps, and small appliances.
Currently, approximately two-thirds of Amish churches have sanctioned the use of e-bikes; however, there remains a significant one-third that opposes this shift. Their resistance is less about the technology itself and more about the perceived negative consequences it may bring to their way of life. David Kline alluded to the historical impact of the Model T, while Mart Miller, a retired farmer and bishop from an Old Order Amish church near Mount Hope, expressed his concerns to Forbes, stating, "My biggest worry is that they are trading the traditional Amish travel for faster options that will inevitably lead them toward cars. We have numerous families where parents no longer own a horse and buggy, meaning the next generation won't learn how to manage one."
While some may consider this viewpoint extreme, it parallels the concerns voiced by car enthusiasts who lament their children’s inability to drive manual transmission vehicles due to their declining prevalence. This situation reflects a broader conversation about technological evolution and cultural preservation. Even if the Amish do not fully embrace cars like mainstream society, they continue to innovate, incorporating ideas such as solar power into their lifestyles.
