Riding electric bikes – cheating?

Along with the rising profile of electric bicycles as a useful form of transportation – the question is never far away; Is electrically assisted cycling cheating?  Taking results achieved from a study in England, and realising the potential benefits increased bike use can have on individuals, communities and local economy alike, it would appear that cheating is not part of the equation, but merely a stigma attached to it by cycling purists.  

If ebike use can increase an individuals mobility, encourages reduced dependence on large footprint transportation, is an effective alternative to purchasing a second car, and offers electrically assisted cycling as a means to become more active – the new kid on the block will weather the storm.