Electric bicycles: 10 reasons you should try one

4. Style
Riding an electric bike doesn't have to involve a run-in with the cool police. Many models are just as hip and sleek as trendy conventional bikes. Take the Wisper 905se City above, for example. I didn't want to give it back.

The joy of the Wisper is that it's very, very powerful. I whizzed up hills in fourth or fifth gear rather than the first gear I'd use on my push bike. It climbed a steep 1 in 11 hill without the need for any pedalling. In other words, this is an electric bike where -- if you want -- you really don't have to cycle. Obviously, add your pedal power and you increase your speed and extend the battery range.