Electric cycles: stepping up pedal power

Munich. Once upon a time, motorized bicycles were only for pensioners. Today, however, their popularity is soaring as electromobility develops into a major issue. The cycles, known as pedelecs (Pedal Electric Cycles), have taken on the status of trendy, eco-friendly alternatives to cars for city-dwellers, and the market is booming. While around 150,000 cycles with electric auxiliary drives were sold in Germany in 2009, sales for this year will significantly exceed 200,000 units. E-bikes are also a prominent theme at Eurobike, the trade show held in Friedrichshafen from 1 – 4 September. But what should powered pedallers watch out for when choosing their purchase? The experts at TÜV SÜD have assembled a list of tips.

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