The battery power travels discreetly through cables along the down tube and back to the rear hub.

A chain guard keeps pantlegs out of the front chainring, but it rattles a bit and makes it harder to remount the chain if it bounces off the gear.

The Pedego City Commuter bike has an adjustable stem for positioning the handlebars in a lower, aerodynamic position or a more upright stance.

It comes with beefy 2.15-inch Schwalbe Big Ben tires that handle sketchy roads with no trouble. This model uses 26-inch heels but Pedego also sells a smaller folding commuter bike and a traditional model with 28-inch wheels.

Traditional cyclists won't like the wide, spongy Pedego City Commuter bike seat, but ordinary folks probably won't mind sitting atop it.

One perk of electric bikes: Big batteries mean bright headlights. This one is built in.

With a starting price of nearly $2,600, the Pedego City Commuter bike is a serious investment, but it's a lot cheaper than a car if it fits your lifestyle.

You'll appreciate the Pedego City Commuter bike's kickstand when parking the bike.

The Pedego City Commuter comes with effective and nicely modulated SRAM Avid BB7 disc brakes.

One option for the Pedego City Commuter is sparkling iridescent paint.

For a continuous power boost, twist the throttle in your right-hand grip. A traditional rear derailleur shifter controls gearing.

The Pedego City Commuter bike has a quick-release seatpost adjustment to set the seat hight at the right length. Careful in theft-prone areas, though.

The Pedego City Commuter packs its taillight-equipped battery on a built-in rear rack. You can remove the battery or charge it in place. Batteries are available in 36- and 48-volt options with 10- or 15-Amp-hour capacities.

Pedego drops power-plug references into its logo.

At 57 pounds -- 59 pounds with the longer-range battery -- you'll feel it lifting the City Commuter up stairs or onto a train.

The Pedego City Commuter has a speedometer and odometer, but the best use is the + and - buttons to change the pedal-assist power boost level.

The Pedego City Commuter builds its motor into the rear hub. Also included is a 7-speed derailleur, useful on steeper hills and to find the right balance of leg and battery power.