Leg muscles push pedals, a chain spins, and gears rotate to move a bike ahead. But what if you had some help?
Electric bikes are equipped with motors that add power as you pedal. They have been around for years, but with advances in technology and big companies like Shimano jumping onboard, 2015 could be a tipping point.
I took one for a ride last fall and its quick acceleration and hill-climbing help made me feel like Superman. (See our test of the Haibike Xduro FS RX.)
Strong, silent motors give a boost to your physical effort, letting an average biker cruise comfortably, and possibly sweat-free, at 20mph for extended periods on a path or road.
From city commuters to people compromised with physical conditions, the thrill and utility of e-bikes is making the category more popular.
Skepticism abounds with bikers who have always relied on physicality, not rechargeable batteries. But new technology and wider industry support has stamped more validity on the category as of late.
This week, I caught up with Claudia Wasko, the director of Bosch Ebike Systems North-America. She answered my list of questions, from trends to misconceptions around e-biking in 2015.
![Bosch E-Bike motor](https://s3.amazonaws.com/images.gearjunkie.com/uploads/2015/04/Bosch-E-Bike-700x370.jpg)