There is no denying the popularity of e-bikes, and anybody who has ridden one will tell you what an amazing experience it can be.

Whether you are tackling the rolling hills of Western Pennsylvania or simply riding the 5-mile loop around the lake at North Park, the electronic assistance turns a strenuous journey into a peaceful sightseeing opportunity.

At ASR North, on East Ingomar Road in McCandless near the North Park entrance, adventurers can try an e-bike for a few hours.

E-bikes come in a few different classifications. All the bikes rented and sold at ASR are Class 1, which means they are pedal-assist, reaching up to 20 mph. Class 3 e-bikes are throttle-assist, like a moped or motorbike.

“We sell, service and rent regular bikes and e-bikes here at North Park, as well as our location in Bridgeville,” said Garvin Bixler of ASR.

North Park is an optimal location to rent a bike and have a picnic.

“Yeah, many people here will grab a couple bikes and take a few laps around the lake, and then maybe grab a drink at the bar back here, or get something to eat and make an afternoon or an evening of it,” said Bixler.

The rental location at North Park can serve as a testing site for those interested in purchasing an e-bike.

“That’s what is great about the rentals,” Bixler said. “People can come here and try out a few bikes before they decide which one they want to buy.”

When exploring North Park on an e-bike, it is easy to see the many choices that riders have when selecting a bicycle. The most notable advantage to the Class 1 bike is how much less wear and tear the riding puts on the joints, hips and back. Many older adults and previously injured people enjoy being able to climb back on a bike and get exercise.

Earl Brooks of Pittsburgh’s North Side neighborhood was out for a ride in North Park with his wife. They are both owners of Class 3 e-bikes.

“We bought these about four years ago. They make it nice because we have so many hills around here,” said Brooks.

He also found that the bikes were great because over time he has seen the benefits to his joints and back.

Even though the Class 3 bikes have a full throttle, they can also be pedaled in an assist mode.

“Most of the time, we ride with an assist mode because of the terrain. But it’s nice to have the throttle, if need be,” said Brooks.

Husband and wife Michael and Joanie Rispano of Franklin Park were out on their “regular” bikes cycling, as they normally do at least two times per week. Neither had ever ridden an e-bike but both had some interest in them, Joanie more than Michael.

They are also avid runners, and even though Michael was a little skeptical of the e-bikes, Joanie said that while on a trip to a national park, her 72-year-old mother rode an e-bike and absolutely loved it. Her mom’s enthusiasm was enough to spark a little curiosity in Joanie.

Although Michael and Joanie aren’t planning to buy an e-bike soon, it is on Joanie’s mom’s short list of things to purchase.

Copyright ©2025— Trib Total Media, LLC (TribLIVE.com)