In its simplest form an electric, or power assist, bicycle is a conventional pedal-powered bicycle that has had an electric motor attached to it. Early assist bicycles had a self contained gas or electric motor with a drive wheel that rubbed against the tire to help propel the bike. Modern electric bicycles are designed ground up to house motors and batteries to be far more efficient.

As the price of fuel has increased over the past few years, so have the available electric bike options. Bikes on the market today range from conventional bikes modified with kits, to hybrid commuting machines, to futuristic designs that are more motorcycle than bicycle.

How does it work?