There’s a certain freedom in driving — at least that’s what we’re told. But somewhere between insurance renewals, MOTs, parking charges, and the endless stream of traffic, that freedom began to feel more like a trap. For me, reducing my reliance on the car wasn’t just about saving money — it was about simplifying life, reconnecting with my surroundings, and rediscovering a slower, more intentional way to move.
Why I Started Using the Car Less
It began as a small experiment: could I replace a few short car trips each week with the bike? My commute is around twelve miles each way — all on 30 mph roads — perfectly doable, but not exactly appealing in rush-hour traffic. Yet, the more I rode, the more I realised how much calmer my mornings became.
There’s no radio noise, no queue of red brake lights, no endless crawl behind another impatient driver. Just me, the rhythm of pedalling, and the familiar route that gradually revealed small details I’d missed for years — the morning mist over the canal, the changing leaves, the occasional fox darting across the road at dawn.
The bike wasn’t just transport; it became space to think.
Building My Own e-Bike
The real turning point came when I decided to build my own electric bike — part curiosity, part necessity. Off-the-shelf e-bikes are great, but I wanted something custom — practical for commuting, powerful enough for hills, and built from a bike I already loved.
The base: a Giant Escape City 2, a sturdy hybrid I’d been using for local rides.
The upgrade: a Bafang BBS02 48 V mid-drive kit paired with a 20 Ah battery.
The installation was surprisingly straightforward, and the first ride was transformative. Smooth acceleration, silent assistance, and a range that easily handled my daily rides without anxiety. I kept the bike’s clean, commuter-friendly look — mudguards, rack, and lights — but underneath, it had become something else entirely: a silent, efficient machine built for everyday life.
The Subtle Joys of the Bike Life
Cycling changes the way you experience your world. You start to measure distance not in miles or minutes, but in effort and satisfaction. Every hill conquered, every detour explored — they all add a sense of ownership to your journey that driving can’t replicate.
Financially, it’s liberating too. The running costs are tiny: a few pence to charge the battery, no tax, no insurance, no parking fees. And mechanically, maintenance is simple — a few chain cleans, brake pad replacements, and the occasional tyre check. The simplicity is refreshing.
But perhaps the greatest reward is mental space. Driving often feels like rushing from one obligation to another. Riding — even with motor assistance — slows everything down just enough to reconnect you to your surroundings. You feel the weather, you notice the day. It’s less about speed and more about presence.
Towards a Decluttered Commute
For me, using the car less wasn’t about giving it up entirely — it was about right-sizing my transport to match my values. An e-bike like mine bridges the gap between convenience and consciousness. It’s fast enough for a daily commute, practical enough for errands, and light enough to enjoy on a weekend ride.
Every mile I ride instead of drive feels like a small act of decluttering — from my schedule, from my expenses, and from the mental noise of modern transport. And in a world where everything feels over-engineered and over-complicated, that’s a simplicity worth holding onto.
Trading Four Wheels for Two: My Journey Toward a Simpler Bike Life
