Electric bikes offer a wide variety of benefits, ranging from increased mobility and lower gas costs to improved health. They also make a great alternative to driving for daily commuters, provide a fun way to travel during the weekend and help fight air pollution. Here are some of the most compelling reasons to consider an electric bike:

* More efficient travel – With an e-bike, you can cover a larger distance on less energy than with a traditional pedal-assist bicycle. And since you can switch between different levels of assistance, you can adjust your power output depending on where you’re riding and how much charge is available.

** Improved health – Electric bikes are a great way to incorporate some exercise into your regular routine. This is especially true for people who have limited physical ability or suffer from chronic health conditions, like joint pain, heart disease, or obesity.

*** More enjoyable cycling experience – A good electric bike can deliver a thrilling and exhilarating ride. With a motor’s additional boost, you can zip up hills without tiring, plow through headwinds and tackle obstacles on your way to work or errands with ease.

As with any electric vehicle, electric bikes come in a range of sizes and features. These factors will all affect your biking experience, so it’s best to get a feel for what you need before making a decision on which model is right for you.

Battery capacity and charging speed are two of the most important aspects of an e-bike’s performance, so it’s worth spending time researching these before you buy. The higher the battery capacity, the longer you’ll be able to go on a single charge and the quicker you’ll return to cruising mode when you need a recharge.

Batteries are often recharged using a plug-in wall socket, but some models also come with a wireless charger that’s easy to use and requires no external power source. This can be helpful if you’re traveling or are away from home, and allows you to keep your bike charged up at all times.

With the advent of a wider range of electric bikes and more affordable batteries, many Americans have realized that they can ditch their cars and enjoy a healthy and environmentally friendly form of transportation that’s fun to ride. One Denver couple, Crystal and Brianne Williams, have even gone so far as to trade in their cars for a pair of custom electric bikes that are now their sole means of personal transport.

While the pros of e-bikes are undeniable, there are some potential downsides to using them as your primary mode of transportation, too. For example, while they are cheaper than cars, they don’t yet offer the same safety benefits.

The lack of infrastructure for e-bikes is another major concern. As a result, many advocates are calling for a national e-bike network that would create shared lanes and routes. That would reduce the need for drivers to constantly drive on the same side of the road and could also help cut down on congestion and improve air quality by encouraging people to avoid rushing into traffic.