Electric bicycles might seem like cheating to cycling purists, but to riders exiting a makeshift track Sunday at Liberty Station, trying out the pedal-assisted vehicles was guilt-free fun.

Hundreds of people, young and old, strapped on their helmets to test some of the more than 100 models of electric bicycles available from more than 20 makers and vendors at the 2016 Electric Bike Expo. Senior citizens paced teenagers as they climbed the ramps that formed a “hill” in the fenced-in track, with assisted pedaling making up for any difference in the riders’ physical ability.

“It’s so fun when you go up the hill and it’s, like, nothing,” said Vicky Lee, a San Diego resident who tried out one of the high-tech bikes Sunday afternoon. “You don’t even notice it’s (assisting you).”

× Bike expo draws curious crowd


In a way, electric bicycles are like wings for people, said Ross Evans, inventor and CEO of Xtracycle, a company that makes pedal-assisted cargo bikes. Riders still have to pedal, but the electric assistance gives them extra ability to conquer whatever physical or mental hill has been keeping them from bicycling wherever they want to go -- and enjoying the ride.

“I call it the electric smile,” Evans said. “You feel like you’re flying.”

Xtracycles are designed to help riders carry more cargo than they could on a normal bicycle, or even a regular electric bicycle, so they can cycle to the grocery store instead of having to drive. The extra space is also great for carrying passengers.

The bicycles typically cost about $5,000.


Evans said there are bicycles that can move without the rider’s help using throttle-controlled electric motors, but self-propelling bikes scare some people, and it’s off-putting to cyclists who want to stay active. Many people want to pedal -- but with a little electrically-powered help.

“I don’t like the idea of the bike riding itself,” said Maribel Bradberry of San Diego. “I want to pedal, but I want pedal-assist.”

Richard Mills, a long-time electric bicycle-rider who lives in San Diego, said he likes to pedal, but he also likes that his bike can move itself without his help. It’s especially convenient for commuting to work.

“I’m not sweating, not tired, I can go right to work and do my job,” Mills said.


And while he’s a work, he can plug in his bike to charge for the ride home, he said.