From its start as a novelty in the 19^th century, biking today is an easy way for people to stay physically and mentally fit, as well provide a relatively inexpensive alternative to cars. Whether it’s the issue of burning pollutants, getting caught in heavy traffic, or paying for expensive parking in city centers, some traditional commuters are looking for better ideas to get to and from their jobs.

While traditional biking may appeal to many, there is an even larger group of potential bike commuters who are put off by the idea of “getting sweaty” during their commute. For those people, the world of electric bikes (e-bikes) may be the answer.

“I don’t care what kind of bike you’re on; it’s a better way to see the world,” said Patrick Brady (pictured), publisher of the long-running “Red Kite Prayer” biking blog.

Brady spoke with Jeff Frick (@JeffFrick), host of theCUBE, SiliconANGLE Media’s mobile livestreaming studio, during the InterBike Marketweek event in Reno, Nevada. In addition to the benefits of e-bikes for consumers, they also discussed how motor technology for e-bikes has advanced.

Making e-bikes fit into the traffic flow

Even some cities that are running successful traditional bike-sharing programs are adding e-bikes into the mix. In addition to the “no-sweat” appeal, the motor on e-bikes can help riders navigate hills with ease, as well as make biking more accessible to riders who are older or who aren’t in great physical shape.

Additionally, e-bikes are much easier to ride for bikers in high-traffic situations. Whether it’s keeping up with the traffic flow or starting back up after waiting at a traffic light, motors make it easier for riders to integrate their bicycles into the roadway and also help bicyclists to be seen as “part of the traffic” by people in cars, not as a burden that is slowing down traffic.

Bosch, an international engineering and electronics company, has invested in a big way into the electric motors that power e-bikes by creating the Bosch e-bike system. This investment had led to electric batteries that last longer and motors with higher torque, helping to move a bike’s rear wheel with power and ease.

“[Biking is] a good time, so effective for transportation. If I can keep my car parked and have a bike that gets me around … [that’s] easy to park, easy to lock, why wouldn’t you use that?” Brady concluded.

Watch the complete video interview below, and be sure to check out more of SiliconANGLE’s and theCUBE’s coverage of the InterBike Marketweek event.

Photo: SiliconANGLE