I have zero issues with this retro scooter-inspired, runabout e-bike - Russell Eich / Immediate Media
Vintage Electric makes a range of stylish e-bikes that reach back to mid-20th century motorcycles - Russell Eich / Immediate Media
E-bikes are coming, including the road variety - Russell Eich / Immediate Media
Yamaha's new e-bike battery and motor have been fitted to all sorts of bikes - Russell Eich / Immediate Media
The Yamaha system consists of a mid-drive motor and down tube-mounted battery - Russell Eich / Immediate Media
Fat bikes are a smart application of electric motors - Russell Eich / Immediate Media
Utility and urban bikes make a lot of sense for electric assistance - Russell Eich / Immediate Media
If you have a big, heavy battery, you might as well have a cool light - Russell Eich / Immediate Media
Raleigh's urban e-bike is smartly spec'd with fenders, rack, front and rear lights and a kickstand - Russell Eich / Immediate Media
Have some ideas? Options are waiting in the Asian section of Interbike - Russell Eich / Immediate Media
Can you see me? - Russell Eich / Immediate Media
This brand name might be a tough sell in English-speaking countries - Russell Eich / Immediate Media
Even without a motor and battery, this retro moto cruiser would still be a heavyweight with the fat wheels, springer fork, monster saddle and large headlight - Russell Eich / Immediate Media
Moto bars and a springer fork. Yes and yes - Russell Eich / Immediate Media
How many niches can you hit? Folding, fat, electric, mountain bike - Russell Eich / Immediate Media
Is that RealTree, bro? - Russell Eich / Immediate Media
Your bike can be electrified with the not quite correctly-named Hidden Power system - Russell Eich / Immediate Media
The battery straps to the top tube, the powering arm pivots off of the seat tube, and a tiny throttle controls it all - Russell Eich / Immediate Media
This little knob controls the Hidden Power system - Russell Eich / Immediate Media
Tern's GSD is a foldable cargo bike with dual batteries for a huge range - Russell Eich / Immediate Media
Tern and other companies offer accessories to make the GSD a viable car alternative - Russell Eich / Immediate Media
Cargo is easily hauled in the optional basket or panniers - Russell Eich / Immediate Media
Like mountain bikes in the 1990s, the current state of the bicycle industry is like the wild west when it comes to electric bikes. Within the battery-powered realm, all styles and niches could be peeped throughout the halls and booths of Interbike: road, mountain, hybrid, urban, folding, fat, cargo, cruisers, kids, you name it.
Vintage Electric makes a range of stylish e-bikes that reach back to mid 20th century motorcycles - Russell Eich / Immediate Media
Retro and stylish
A fine-looking and useful implementation of electric power are the classic motorcycle-inspired e-bikes. They avoid the sometimes bulbous and tacked-on looks displayed by certain e-bikes through the use of swoopy, decorative frame tubes that hinting back towards their styling cues.
These bikes rely more on their looks and vintage aesthetic, than on sheer performance or low weight. Along those perimeters, the seating position is typically low, with the pedals slung forward, built for cruising and easy rolling rather than speed.
Cargo and utility
The other standout application of electric power on display at Interbike was cargo bikes. With a range of bags, kid seats, panniers and more, these unique bikes are aimed as viable alternatives to the daily car drive.
Tern and other companies offer accessories to make the GSD a viable car alternative - Russell Eich / Immediate Media
Like it or not, e-bikes are coming, and right now the bike industry is casting a wide net, encompassing every discipline, including a few that are proprietary to the electric bike market itself. Check out the gallery above to get an idea.
Russell Eich is BikeRadar's former technical writer. Before joining BikeRadar he worked as a cycling industry salesperson, bike mechanic, and professional guide.
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