loading . . . Amish communities are using a surprising kind of vehicle to travel long distances: 'They can just hop on' In a surprising twist that blends tradition with technology, some Amish communities in Iowa are embracing electric bicycles as a practical and sustainable way to travel longer distances — no horses required.
For generations, the Amish have been known for their reliance on horse-drawn buggies and their cautious approach to modern conveniences. But in places such as Kalona and Bloomfield, e-bikes are quietly joining the mix, offering a simpler, faster, and more accessible way to get around without compromising core values.
According to the Iowa Capital Dispatch, e-bikes are gaining traction among New Order Amish, a more moderate sect within the community that allows limited use of modern tools. Local residents say the change has been gradual but significant: What began as a few bicycles rolling down the road has grown into a small movement of Amish riders zipping among farms, markets, and neighboring towns.
The appeal is clear. E-bikes make it easier to navigate Iowa's hilly terrain and gravel roads, reducing dependence on horses while saving time and energy. Riders can cover miles more efficiently, especially for errands, family visits, or work in nearby towns. Some have even added baskets or trailers to carry groceries, tools, and children — a modern twist on the classic buggy.
"In Indiana, they can just hop on their bikes and zip down the road," the Amish have lamented over the years, per the Capital Dispatch. The Hoosier State is seen as the California of the Amish world, and this e-bike adoption has moved the needle in the Hawkeye State.
Beyond convenience, the shift also carries environmental benefits. E-bikes produce no direct pollution and use only a fraction of the energy required to power a car or small tractor. As rural communities adapt to changing transportation needs, the Amish's embrace of low-impact technology offers a reminder that sustainable progress doesn't have to mean abandoning tradition.
|
# FROM OUR PARTNER
# Find the best HVAC solution to heat and cool your home more efficiently
Mitsubishi Electric’s efficient heating and cooling HVAC solutions can help you stay comfortable no matter the weather or region. You can even regulate temperatures in each room with individually controlled all-electric heat pump systems. With an energy-efficient, all-climate system from Mitsubishi, you can reduce the amount of energy needed to heat and cool your home, receive up to $2,000 in tax credits, and get peace of mind knowing you’re choosing rigorously tested, high-quality products. Get Started
---
Local businesses have taken note, too. Small shops are now selling and repairing e-bikes, while local governments have added charging outlets in town centers. For many Amish residents, the change means newfound freedom — and a cleaner, quieter way to move through the countryside.
Everyday commuters are also increasingly hopping on the trend, making their travel times to work faster, cheaper, and greener.
In an era defined by high-speed tech, the Amish e-bike movement shows that even the most tradition-rooted communities can find balance between the old and the new — one quiet ride at a time.
**Which factor would most effectively motivate you to use an electric scooter-sharing service?** ** Saving money 💰 ** ** Avoiding traffic and parking 🛴 ** ** Reducing pollution 🌎 ** ** Not interested in e-scooters 🚫 ** Click your choice to see results and speak your mind. Join our free newsletter for weekly updates on the latest innovations **improving our lives** and **shaping our future** , and don't miss this cool list of easy ways to help yourself while helping the planet.
## TCD Picks » Upway Spotlight
💡Upway makes it easy to find discounts of up to 60% on premium e-bike brands
### These city bikes are perfect for daily rides
Starting at $599
### Tackle any climb with these rugged mountain bikes
Starting at $849
### Go farther and faster with this road collection
Starting at $1,119
### These adorable bikes fold up for convenient storage
Starting at $749
### Snag limited-time price drops on these top models
Starting at $849
* share
* __ Facebook
* __ Twitter
* __ Link Copied!
## Cool Picks
#### How the Expedia of solar panels helps homeowners save money and avoid a common trap: 'Giving you confidence in the systems'
#### This innovative company will install solar panels on your roof with no upfront costs — here's how its business model works
#### Startup turns grocery shopping into an adventure with 70% discounts: 'A fun experience akin to a treasure hunt'
#### New analysis reveals next-gen HVACs can save homeowners over $10,000 — here's how to buy one with government incentives https://www.thecooldown.com/green-tech/amish-e-bike-community-iowa/
