The e-scooter isn't new – London was zooming around on Autopeds a century ago

Historical Autopeds & Technology

• Several commenters stress the Autoped was petrol-powered, not electric, so the article’s “e-scooter” framing is seen as misleading.
• Discussion of engineering: early Autopeds used relatively large 4‑stroke 155cc engines over the front wheel, surprising some who expected lighter 2‑strokes; tradeoffs in weight, efficiency, noise, and emissions are noted.
• Some recall later ICE stand-up scooters and mopeds (e.g., 1970s–80s) as common, fun but unsafe and smelly, underscoring that small powered scooters are not new.

Urban Space, Cars, Bikes, and Scooters

• One major thread argues modern cities allocate too much space to cars, leaving little for bikes/scooters; pavements are often narrow and further encroached on by street furniture and advertising.
• Others counter that logistics (trucks, vans, last‑mile delivery) and service access make roads for motor vehicles essential; complete bans on cars in residential areas are viewed as impractical.
• Examples of partial rebalancing are cited: Barcelona’s “superblocks,” London’s low‑traffic neighbourhoods, Vancouver’s bike lanes, New York’s growing protected bike network.
• There is tension between benefits for most residents (safer streets, walkability) and burdens on drivers, tradespeople, and deliveries.

Self‑Driving Cars vs. Bike‑Centric Futures

• One lengthy comment predicts self‑driving cars will “win,” turning roads into on‑demand logistics and mobility networks, potentially replacing much public transit and marginalizing bikes.
• Others push back, invoking Dutch cycling culture, geometry/throughput constraints on car lanes, costs per mile, and likely regressive outcomes (wealthy consuming more road space, worse congestion for everyone else).
• U.S.–Europe differences (sprawl, distances, culture, health, climate) are debated; some claim the European bike model doesn’t scale to the U.S., others blame car‑driven planning.

Crime, Safety, and Regulation

• Some argue low‑traffic and pedestrianized zones inadvertently aid criminals using powerful illegal e‑bikes as getaway vehicles and are frustrated by perceived weak enforcement.
• Others respond that the core issue is unsafe vehicles and inconsistent regulation, not the removal of cars.

Alternative Delivery Infrastructure

• Historical and modern ideas surface: Chicago’s underground freight tunnels, split‑level roads, cargo e‑bikes, smaller trucks, and micro‑delivery solutions.
• There’s dispute over whether expensive underground systems are “insane” overkill or a rational tradeoff versus surface road deaths and land usage.

AI‑Altered Images & Media Trust

• Multiple commenters notice the lead photo has been AI “outpainted” (obvious perspective glitches, missing details like an oil spot).
• This triggers broader concern about creeping loss of trust in visual media; some think audiences already had weak standards of evidence, so AI mainly amplifies an existing problem.
• Several criticize the site for not just showing the original historical photo.

Economics, Accuracy, and Presentation

• Commenters challenge the article’s inflation conversion for the scooter’s price, arguing it significantly understates how luxury‑class the device really was relative to wages.
• The headline is criticized as implying early electric scooters and widespread pavement clutter that the article doesn’t substantiate.
• Old British currency notation (£2 12 0) prompts an explanatory side‑thread on pre‑decimal money.

Web UX and Content Access

• Some refuse to read the article because of popups, cookie walls, and intrusive design, proposing cleaner alternative sites about Autoped history.
• Others point to Hacker News guidelines discouraging meta‑complaints about page formats.

Continuity of Ideas & Terminology

• Several note that many “new” mobility ideas (scooters, powered luggage, etc.) have clear precedents; lithium batteries are the main novelty today.
• Some prefer reviving the term “Autoped” over “e‑scooter,” finding it more distinctive and appealing.