“… electric bikes belong in a category of their own because they’re more than just a fun tech fad. They could actually be the future of transportation.”
I think the Verge is correct, ebikes will be (and are in Europe/Asia), the future, a whole new transportation mode. I can make it downtown and at my destination from the eastside (~3 miles) in less time than in a car, averaging 15 mph. Of course cars can travel 25-30 mph in town, but with all the traffic lights, stop signs, traffic and parking, the actual door to door time is about equal. On the ebike I am getting exercise, fresh air, and learning about my city; I am gazing at the clouds, lowering my carbon bootprint, and helping create a more humane vibe on our largest community space, our streets. (IMHO the streets belong to the people, not the cars!)
More bikes/ebikes, less cars/noise, better air, safer streets and healthier citizens, these are the goals I am working towards, one ebike at a time!