Pick up just about any outdoor lifestyle or cycling magazine and you’re bound to find an article on Ebikes, search the Web, log into forums and the conversation continues.

Some hate them and others love them. So what is the Ebike and why so much talk about them?

Ebikes are Electric Assist Bicycles. They’ve been around for years; in fact I got one several years ago for running errands around Pittsburgh during the years I lived there part time.

Over the years they have advanced and are now found in almost every cycling discipline. Road, Hybrid, Commuters and even Mountain bikes now come in an electric assist model.

What makes a bike an Ebike? In the earlier days they laced an electric motor into the hub of the rear wheel, some wiring and a rechargeable battery were added. When you pedaled the bike, the motor would sense torque being applied and would multiply that, making it feel easier for the rider.

These bicycles had limited distances and since the rear wheel would “drive” the bike, there were times it would spin out on slippery surfaces, making it tricky in some situations. Today’s Ebikes have advanced to mounting the motor between the cranks. Therefore, it drives a sprocket, not the wheel itself, and its technology is much more advanced.

It senses speed, crank RPM (known as cadence) and torque. As you pedal you drive the internals of the motor and it assists or multiples the output to make it easier. The batteries have gotten better and with more efficient motors the distances these bikes can now go on a full charge have grown into the range of 40-plus miles, depending on the level of assistance you set when you ride.

Battery mounting has moved forward to the downtube of the bike, which along with the center mounted motor makes for a much more stable riding bicycle.

I’ve used the word assist a few times now and to clarify that, they do not have a throttle and will not accelerate or propel themselves forward without the rider pedaling the bicycle. Ebikes do have a limitation on speed and the two that I have tested both topped out around 24 mph.

Once you go above that, the assist doesn’t do anything and you’re pedaling on your own. As your speed drops back to the 24 mph, the assist seamlessly picks back up.

So why the interest in an Ebike? Since an Ebike is easier to ride, more users ride more frequently. They enjoy those rides more especially when they are less concerned with the climbing they encounter. A big benefit is they equalize physical levels, giving a rider the chance to ride with someone a little more fit or go a little farther than they would normally be able to go.

Over the past 12 months, I have tested two different styles of Ebikes each with a different motor system. My first test bicycle was the Trek Conduit, which is a commuter style flat bar bike utilizing the Shimano Steps assist. I logged three or four weeks of daily commuting to a construction job carrying two pannier bags with lunch, coffee and work clothes.

The bike was comfortable, had full fenders for the sloppy days and the Shimano Steps system would get me an easy 30 miles of riding before a recharge was necessary. The Shimano Steps was a little noisy and not as smooth as the second system I’m currently riding, but it worked very well and never gave me any problems.

The most recent Ebike I’ve been testing is a pre-production commuter style with drop bars. It also has fenders, but instead of the Shimano Steps system, it utilizes the Bosch Performance Speed Ebike motor and battery.

It feels a little more powerful and probably gets me closer to a 26 mph top speed while also being somewhat quieter and smoother.

Both of the commuter style bikes have integrated lighting front and rear for better visibility on the roads increasing your safety. In addition to these two pavement style bikes, I have also spent an afternoon riding trails on an Ebike Mountain bike which also utilized the Bosch system.

I was amazed at the power and agility of the mountain bike. Years of research and engineering have gone into these newer Ebikes, making them more stable and easier to ride. They are not just a current bike model with an electric motor mounted on them.

If you’re someone concerned with the hills or you want to increase your distance or time riding, then look into an Ebike.

A very good friend of mine rode often, but his wife wanted nothing to do with cycling until he bought her an Ebike. The Ebike gave her the confidence and ability to keep up with him and they now ride together weekly.

Research their uses at your local trail system prior to purchasing because Ebikes are not authorized in some areas, especially on several Rail Trails, but like anything newer it takes time and understanding for their acceptance.

We believe they are helpful in putting more people outside enjoying the freedom of a bike ride just like when they were kids.

Google Ebikes for more information. There are a few companies making Ebikes and lots of options, so take time to research or check out our webpage www.travissaeler.com for updates and photos.

Travis and Julie Saeler are cycling columnists for the Butler Eagle.