It is all about increasing cycling traffic. For each obstacle or perceived obstacle that is removed from the thinking process of potential cyclists, the greater will be the penetration of the potential cycling market. The greater will be the daily cycling traffic.
For some, the ordinary bicycle, no matter the design, will not do for reasons that may range from personal energy levels to personal preferences. E-bicycles reduce some of these obstacles for not cycling for part of the potential cycling market, the customers.
Electrically-Assisted Bicycle
Vancouver BC
©Photograph by H-JEH Becker, 2013
When it comes to discussions on e-bicycles, we should be clear to all as to which type we are discussing:
Type 1 – The type that have normal bicycle frames and have an electric motor and battery attached.
Type 2 – The type that looks like mopeds and have pedals, which qualifies them as e-bicycles providing the maximum speed does not exceed 32 kph in North America.
Over the past few years, TransLink, the local transportation authority in Metro Vancouver, has been approached a few times for allowing the bicycle-framed type of electrical bicycles on transit vehicles.
Third Wave Cycling Blog 