Cycling has taken the world by storm. Now the electric bike is sweeping Brisbane. They cost as little as $20 a year to run, and are congestion busting.

Alice Sinclair reports.

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They can boost pedal power with up to 250 watts of energy so pedalling around Brisbane’s hilly landscape has never been easier.

And the concept is quite simple.

Owen McLeod, Marketing Manager 99 Bikes: “Sure well e-bikes have a motor and battery built into them so when you’re cycling you can be pedalling along and the motor will be applying more power on top of whatever you’re riding.”

Riders say the benefits are evident.

Owen McLeod, Marketing Manager at 99 Bikes: “So it means you can ride for a lot longer and go a lot further without really breaking into a sweat at all.”

Bicycle Queensland says demand for what are called e-bikes has been steadily on the rise. Starting at around $1,000, people are picking them up for fitness, fun and savings.

Kim Ryan, Media Manager at Bicycle Queensland: “If you’re looking at the benefits in terms of reducing pollution, getting more cars off the road, not paying registration it pays you back.”

The rider can determine how much the motor helps and they can be ridden by anyone.

Kim Ryan, Media Manager, Bicycle Queensland: “So we expect more people to take up riding because technology like e-bikes means people of all ages, abilities and fitness levels can enjoy the enjoyment of riding. It opens it up to those people who might otherwise struggle to take part in cycling.”

If you’re looking to be more active in your daily commute, avoid terrible city parking and traffic and get to work without being drenched in sweat, e-bikes might be your saving grace.

Alice Sinclair, QUT News.