The below are improvements over the years. One thing to remember that a HUGE % of the energy the rider puts into moving forward is used to overcome wind resistance.

In terms of motion….

Lighter overall. Lighter bikes overall, lighter wheels - easier to spin up and keep rolling.

More efficent bearings all around/ wheels cranks, etc.

Better design of frames/bars, etc. Positions the rider better on the bike to convert his energy into forward motion Also - better positions the rider on the bike to cut the wind better - lower rider resistance.

better tires, skinner tires - Less rolling restiance -

Bicycles have improved aerodynamic frames. Different speed settings enable the rider to adjust quickly based on body strength and comfort. Always wear a helmet for protection.

Low resistance tires, clip in clipless pedals, suspension, fairings.

There are 4 aspects to a human-electric hybrid powered personal vehicle. I am not counting electric skate boards as they seem to be only electric, but also a neat idea for portability. I am thinking of a an electric bike, an electric recumbent bike, and electric recumbent trike and a velomobile. Many of the newer motors are hub motors that allow for regenerative braking and various levels of assist from 0 to 100%. They are light and the batteries are getting lighter. They make a compact package. On lower assist levels and making best use of regen braking some models will give over 100 miles on a combined human electric power.

They are a very popular alternative in China with over 30 million in use. For these people it is a step up from walking or a normal bike. Countries other than the USA also have more popular use of bicycles and these hybrids are becoming more popular. In the Netherlands there is even a push to make using a combined ebike/train the dominant commute.

But in the USA we have a car culture. It was bought and paid for in the 20’s and 30’s when a combination of interests bought out the electric light rail lines, put them out of business and sold off the assets. This was to ensure that the ICE (internal combustion engine) busses would be the major commuting vehicle along with cars. As a result we do not have nor have we put a lot of serious effort into other forms of transportation. Without the morning commute you are left with a small market for ebikes that is only a part of the recreational use of bikes.

Mopeds/scooters are both ICE vehicles. Having more power they fit in with the USA style of commuting. But they all suffer from limitations imposed by weather.

Almost as an aside, bikes are limited in their human powered speed to around 30 miles per hour due to wind resistance. The recumbent is better because it offers less wind resistance. The velomobile is even one step better as it has a complete shell allowing the operator to avoid both wind and rain, but it is a little heavier and the electric assist is very helpful up hills. This configuration makes a lot of sense. Local laws and custom (so you wouldn’t be run over by a car) would have to allow these vehicles on the roads for them to be more popular.

I almost bought one last christmas….but it was really heavy because of the batteries….

I don’t think it would be worth investing in the electric bicycle online just yet. The moped/scooter will be more popular still for a while. Especially if gas price keeps going up people will buy mopes, scooters and motorcycles before they will electric bicycles. Although I would take a quiet electric bike over a noisy mopeds. It will take a big change for the electric bike or even a regular bike to take precedent over a gas powered vehicle.