The US military has projected that basic infrastructure in the USA will be collapsing throughout much of the country in less than twenty years. It’s hard to see how ebikes will be practical under those conditions.

The Modern War Institute articles are not official US positions as stated in their own disclaimer. Here is the disclaimer straight from the link:

The articles and other content which appear on the Modern War Institute website are unofficial expressions of opinion. The views expressed are those of the authors, and do not reflect the official position of the United States Military Academy, Department of the Army, or Department of Defense.

The Modern War Institute does not screen articles to fit a particular editorial agenda, nor endorse or advocate material that is published. Rather, the Modern War Institute provides a forum for professionals to share opinions and cultivate ideas.

That noted, yes US infrastructure is aging and will need more funding. It is not like the US infrastructure will just suddenly become feral ghoul territory in 20 years, funds (likely not enough) will be used to replace/update/maintain infrastructure. Will US cities become feral? I’d bet an exceedingly safe wager is no, not at all. That podcast references 3 other articles dealing with cities mostly in war torn areas of the world, not US cities.

It’s hard to see how ebikes will be practical under those conditions.

If the worst outcome occurs and some cities turn into Fallout style wastelands… bikes will work MUCH better than large vehicles that require more maintained roads, service stations, and generally more infrastructure/logistics than a bike or ebike would ever require.