Now the availability of affordable electric bikes is making it more accessible for longer commutes and people who may have low to average fitness. 

For many, the help of a battery to power their bike means they can ride to work without breaking a sweat. 

Buninyong residents Sue Nunn and Jill Clarke invested in electric bikes around two years ago and said they have saved money by cutting down on car use. 

Both use their bikes to get around Buninyong, shop for groceries and sometimes to travel in to Ballarat. 

"I do like getting out and riding bicycles, but in Buninyong it is hilly. The electric bike was an incentive to get out more for recreational purposes, riding around my neighbourhood and into Ballarat," Ms Nunn said. 

An electric bike, also known as an e-bike, is a regular bicycle with an electric motor that assists pedaling, particularly when riding up hills. 

In many cities around the world electric bikes are becoming the main mode of transport for five to 15km trips that were traditionally the domain of cars. 

Cycling advocates say they have the potential to help achieve active travel and greenhouse gas reduction targets, to improve the health of community and environment, and to transform the way we live and move around our cities.

Ms Clarke said her electric bike had helped her achieve fitness goals and the confidence to take on a challenge. 

She rode 50km across the West Gate Bridge as part of the Around the Bay ride last year. 

"I always thought it was going to be hard to achieve for me to get to a fitness level where that first two kilometres of hill out of Buninyong wouldn’t wipe me out," she said. 

"But I am getting fitter, you still do have to pedal, but the hills don’t frighten me and you can drop the amount of assist you are getting as you get fitter."

Ms Clarke said she could imagine a time where there were less cars and more bikes on the road, but it would need improved cycling infrastruture. 

READ MORE: Council finally reaches a decision on contentious cycling plan

"We need to continue to lobby for a better bicycle plan. I don’t want to ride on roads at all. I am much better on bike paths and shared paths," she said.

"The more shared paths we have so we can navigate our way around Ballarat and not have to go out onto the busy roads, the more I’m likely to say yes, I can go to that location and take my bike instead of the car."

City of Ballarat has previously said it was 'actively promoting Ballarat as a cycling city' and passed the Ballarat Cycling Action Plan in February last year. 

The plan aims to identify and create safe, predominantly off-road or quieter routes which are suitable for families and children or individuals. 

A number of electric bicycles will be on display at the Smart Building and Living Expo at Royal Park in Buninyong from 10am on Sunday. 

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