Electric Bikes
Northwest+California

An Appropriate, Safe, and Enjoyable Level of Effort

The bicycle may be humankind's finest machine. Its ingenious two wheeled design, its remarkable ability to leverage human power, extraordinary capability to carry loads many times its own weight, amazing durability, low price and just plain fun to ride has made the bicycle the foremost vehicle in the world—whether for basic transportation, recreation, exercise or World Cup racing.

Pedalling a bicycle at modest speed on a level smooth surface, in the absence of headwind, is as enjoyable as it is "rigged": It is simply too easy for many riders. On the other hand hills become quickly and exponentially a draining and dreaded experience, as is arriving at one's destination in a less than crisp and presentable condition.

Pedalling assuredly provides a healthy and safe level of exercise—provided the course ridden never strays too far from home, the speed is moderate and the terrain not particularly hilly. However, finding ourselves exhausted far from home or still with significant hills to crest may not merely be unpleasant but can put undue strain on our bodies (depending, of course, on age, health and fitness).

For those in particular who, be it at first glance only, may find the electric bike a contradiction in terms we'd like to suggest that the electric bike is above all about assuring the appropriate and enjoyable level of exercise.

As help is needed it is instantaneously delivered on a continuum. This feature should be as useful for the fit, healthy and unimpaired rider as for the rider being less so.

If you can imagine bicycling as if there were no significant hills and no headwind then you can imagine what riding an electric or human power augmented bike is like.

Copyright © 2007 Folding Bikes West

November 2007