Does the idea of stepping into a crowded subway right now make you shudder? You aren’t alone: Many Americans are ditching public transportation in favor of other ways to commute. And for many, that means using two wheels as opposed to four. Electric bikes sales are skyrocketing, said Nate Nielsen, REI’s general manager for cycling, as consumers look for more environmentally-friendly, healthy ways of getting around.To get more news about mountain rims, you can visit zpebicycle.com official website.

“In some areas, our sales have just quadrupled in the past few months,” Nielsen said. “It’s growing faster than any other category. It’s inspiring to see how people are embracing them.” Electric bikes, known as e-bikes, are regular bikes with an electric motor and battery attached to the back of the bike. The motor assists in pedaling the bike, but it’s not like a motorized scooter or motorcycle: You’ll still have to pedal, and you can’t go as fast. In fact, you don’t even need to use the motor if you don’t want to — "most models allow you to easily turn it on and off," said Nielsen. “E-bikes really only provide an extra boost to your own pedal power, allowing you to ride longer distances, tackle tougher climbs, and maintain a faster pace,” explained Andy Levine, founder and CEO and Duvine Cycling and Adventure Company, a bicycle tour company.

While electric bikes are faster and more powerful than traditional bicycles, they’re also heavier.Yes, said Nielsen: Electric bikes are for everyone, no matter their lifestyle. Maybe you’re an avid cyclist who wants to go on longer rides. Or maybe you’re a bit older or are rehabbing an injury and want to keep up with your friends and family. Or maybe you’re a commuter that wants to avoid public transportation but not show up to work sweaty, added Levine. For a company like Duvine, electric bikes have proven much easier for travelers to enjoy destinations otherwise might be too challenging to bike. “Electric assist gives you a fallback: more gain for less pain,” Levine said. “I feel the stigma surrounding e-bikes is swiftly disappearing and they’re beginning to be rebranded as the cool new tech in the cycling world. We’re calling them ‘The Great Equalizer.’”