• With rising fuel costs and increasing public consciousness regarding energy efficiency and carbon footprints, many people are turning to alternative transportation. One of the most inexpensive transportation options available is the bicycle. However, many people refrain from commuting by bicycle because they must travel long distances or take routes that include steep hills. The electric assist bicycle was created to solve this problem.
  
  

Less Sweat

• Electric assist bicycles employ small electric motors to reduce the amount of effort necessary when pedaling, especially up hills. This means that electric bicycle users will sweat much less than those riding a conventional bicycle as substantially less exertion is involved when using an electric bike.
  
  

Hill Climbing

• Some cyclists are less inclined to ride their bikes if the route involves steep hills. The electric motor assist provided by an electric bike makes climbing even long, tough hills much easier. Instead of having to pedal harder, the electric motor simply supplies the additional force and allows the rider to maintain a casual effort.
  
  

Fitness

• It would seem counterintuitive that a bicycle with electric assist would lead to greater physical fitness. However, people who own electric assist bicycles tend to use them more frequently than those who own conventional bicycles. 81 percent of electric assist bicycle owners use their bicycles at least once a week, compared with only 46 percent of conventional bicycle owners, according to the Leeds University report "The New Generation of Private Vehicles in the UK. Should their use be encouraged and can they attract drivers of conventional cars?"
  
  

Speed

• Another key advantage of electric bicycles is speed. With an electric bicycle, riders simply get there faster. Electric bikes allow riders to enjoy speed advantages over a traditional bike but not have to deal with the legal issues and vehicle registrations involved in moped or motorcycle ownership.