London, Ontario - Power-assisted bicycles, more commonly called  e-bikes, are gradually becoming more popular in Canada, and indeed, around the world.

Transport Canada added a legal definition for e-bikes to the Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Regulations in 2001. Since then, seven provinces - including B.C., Quebec, Nova Scotia and Ontario - have created a special class of low-powered motorized vehicle that is exempt from licensing, insurance and registration.  (In Alberta, only bicycle-style e-bikes weighing less than 50 kg are covered under the exemption. Be sure to check the rules for your location.)

While e-bikes are still considered a bit of a novelty in Canada, they make up a significant portion of the transportation mix in Europe (an estimated 3 million e-bikes on the road) and China (80 million e-bikes are in use).

E-bikes can also be used in a number of commercial applications. One British grocery chain recently replaced all of its delivery vans with e-bikes. The Dutch postal service uses e-bikes exclusively for deliveries.

In addition to saving gas on those short shopping trips, riders enjoy that  e-bike give them greater access to nature.

"For people who can't peddle a regular bicycle, e-bikes provide a great opportunity to be outside and enjoy the fresh air," she said. One of the nicest things about e-bikes is that they are almost completely silent. No frightening the birds and the bees until you are almost upon them.