Hillsborough TPO staffer’s car-free experiment 

When Hurricane Milton struck, Plan Hillsborough’s Ben Gordon evacuated to Melbourne, Florida, for safety. He also had a personal goal: assembling an electric bicycle with a family friend. E-bikes have been around since the late 19th century, but recent battery improvements have made them more popular than ever. In 2023 alone, 40 million units were sold worldwide. As an Active Transportation Planner, Ben wanted to experience this trend firsthand. 

Ben had to decide which type of e-bike to buy. He knew that there were different choices. The safest option is purchasing from a local store; you have the ability to take test rides and receive expert help. Another approach is using a conversion kit to upgrade a regular bicycle. A riskier option is ordering a low-cost imported model online and assembling it at home. Ben, with help from his mechanically inclined friend in Melbourne, tackled the challenge of a confusing assembly manual. Despite a lost ball bearing causing a slight rattle, the bike was safe to ride. 

The e-bike quickly became a game-changer. It could reach speeds of 22 miles per hour and had multiple riding modes: full throttle for effortless travel, pedal-assistance for extra speed and exercise, and a manual mode for traditional cycling. After returning home from the storm and finding no major damage, Ben took his first ride around the neighborhood, feeling like a kid with a new toy. 

The bike’s versatility stood out. It could fold for easy transport on buses and in car trunks. Switching between manual pedaling and electric assistance made it useful in different situations. Ben felt safer riding on local roads since the extra speed made him more visible to drivers. With less effort required, he could focus more on his surroundings. 

Soon, the e-bike replaced many of our planner’s car trips. He rode it to the pharmacy, grocery store, restaurants, and downtown area. Along the way, he discovered hidden gems in his community, like a scenic brook near his pharmacy. 

Inspired by this new lifestyle, Ben decided to go car-free for three weeks. He drove to Melbourne and lent his car to a family member, then he took a Greyhound bus back to the Bay area. Since then, he has relied on public transit, cycling, and rideshares. This shift required more planning and social coordination, but it also brought a sense of independence and savings on gas and maintenance. 

Living without a car in a suburban area has its challenges, especially for those with family obligations or limited infrastructure. Still, this experience strengthened Ben’s commitment to advocating for better trails and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure. What started as a three-week experiment on January 26th has now lasted beyond a month, proving that a vibrant, car-free lifestyle is possible—even in Florida’s suburbs. To celebrate? Ben took a well-earned bike ride to Taco Bell.