With a varied riding background, we know what it takes to build two wheeled riding competence, as well as some of the downfalls  that can arise with increased risk. There are plenty of patches of Australia where I've left some skin as I pushed to tackle a new challenge. There are some things that are fundamental in designing a safe, yet challenging riding experience. Here's our must-haves, with some examples of patterns and anti-patterns that we've seen in different riding facilities. 

As toddlers, we learn to crawl before we walk, walk before we learn to run. Riding skill development is no different. Learning to balance, learning to pedal, learning how to turn without a front wheel washout, or wheelie, or jump. All of these are skills learnt in a competency progression, but all need foundation skills to work from. Having riding facilities that support riders at each stage in their skills progression sequence means attracting a much wider cohort of potential riding families. It's one of the reasons Stromlo Forest Park absolutely nails it in terms of attractiveness as a riding destination, supporting riders of all skill levels with challenges suitable for skill level across a broad range over 50km of designed trails. 

Locally, on Central Coast NSW, we've seen two great examples, but at each end of the challenge spectrum:  

Pattern: Saltwater BMX Park, for beginner riders, adjacent to a well designed and popular cycleway, picnic facility and playground, with free WiFi, where families are going to naturally congregate and create memories;

Anti Pattern: San Remo Xtreme Sports Park, where 66% of the available lines are Black runs, viable for maybe 5% of overall riders skills levels to tackle safely. The one Green line for beginner riders is on a downslope, with double jumps and bitumenised jump faces/landing zones, guaranteed to shred exposed skin, faces and risk fractures for new riders.

Riders of any skill level and any age are going to make mistakes as they challenge themselves to take on a new skill, whether it be riding a berm, looping out on a wheelie, or jumping high/longer, or more extreme challenges like backflips. Inevitably, that's going to involve some injury risk, so we need to consider how to let kids fail safely, using techniques like: motile track surfaces (gravel vs hard/immobile bitumen); differential heights (set landing zones higher than take off in jump-ups), gap-handling (using a table-top style double jump to handle landing short, instead of a jump face that will cause a trip over the bars when landing short); realistic and achievable gradings (make sure Green is beginner friendly).

Here's a simple Compare+Contrast experience. Imagine you're a junior rider, off training wheels, with established balance and pedalling strength, looking to tackle new obstacles. 

Would you rather:
a) Learn on a gravel track, with manageable slopes and perhaps a bit of gravel rash  (Exhibit A) or;
b) Learn on a downhill slope track, with bitumenised jump faces and landing ramps where you're going to lose a lot more skin when you make a mistake (Exhibit B)?

Designing a Bike Park is the sort of thing that's best tackled by using a Service Design driven approach to create experiences that evoke joy, rather than drive people away with a bad experience. 

Design for Delight. 
Create Joy. 
Support SafeFail.

We are all too aware of the population health challenges of the Hunter region, with spiralling obesity rates and transport modes that do little to encourage human movement and active transport. The need to rethink how we move has never been more urgent, in the face of spiralling rates of chronic disease, mortality and morbidity rates associated with lifestyle risk factors. In the face of this, cycling is well proven as a form of lifestyle medicine that can positively impact health at a whole of population scale when it's convenient, affordable and safe. A large scale epidemiology research case (http://www.nhs.uk/news/2013/04april/pages/hard-times-in-cuba-linked-to-better-national-health.aspx) confirmed the impact cycling had in needy times on the Cuban population, with obesity, heart disease and diabetes rates plummeting as the country took up cycling in the 90's economic crisis.

The recognition of our innovation themed offering comes on the back of our Land Forces 2014 (APAC Region Defence Industry Conference) Agile Logistics entry, recognised as an SME Innovation Finalist, where we combine a high capability, Australian designed off-road electric bike with smart portable solar generators from our alliance with Laughing Mind as a Goal Zero dealer. 

We've built on that work, with recent partnering alliances with other local innovators like New York TropFest Winner Jason Van Genderen's Pocket Film Academy, using a CargoCycles trike as a "Pocket Film Academy on Wheels", which we plan to have roaming through the upcoming LumenMotion festival in Tuggerah Lake and Newcastle.

To find out more about the detail of what we're looking to bring to the Hunter, you'll need to come along to their Smart Ideas breakfast briefing on 14July 2015 to hear our 90second pitch ;-)

The following content is posted on behalf of the upcoming Smart Future Cities conference, which Quiet Rush is participating in behind the scenes effort to bring to Newcastle.

"The University of Newcastle’s Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment, NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and The City of Newcastle have joined forces to deliver the Hunter region's first Smart Future Cities conference and exhibition, which is to be held from 1 - 3 October 2015 at Newcastle City Hall. 

Smart Future Cities 2015 is the first of its kind to be held in Australia and will bring together international and national experts, researchers and businesses to present their latest findings on how to grow a Smart City. The conference is being held on 1 and 2 October 2015 and will address the importance of renewable energy technologies with a focus on future transport, innovation and emerging technologies in the built environment, electric vehicles and driverless cars.  It will culminate in a free public event at Newcastle City Hall showcasing Newcastle's Smart City Initiative.  

On day three (3 October 2015), an Electric Vehicle (EV) and Clean Energy Expo will be held in Wheeler Place and on the ground floor of City Hall.  The EV and Clean Energy Expo will showcase electric vehicles and associated technologies as well as clean energy technologies.  Now in its fifth year, the EV Expo was recognised in 2014 as the largest electric vehicle show in Australia attracting attendees from manufacturers such as Renault, Tesla and Nissan. The expo will be open and free to the public.
 
Professor Tim Roberts, Director of the Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment, says that: "The Institute is extremely excited at the opportunities Smart Future Cities 2015 will generate.  We will have some of the brightest minds from across Australia and the world here in Newcastle for three days, helping to promote Newcastle and the Hunter region as at the forefront of planning for a renewable energy future, and indeed a Smart City future." 

"Research will be showcased at this event from locally and internationally recognised experts in the coming era of electric vehicles, renewable energy, autonomous electric vehicles, and the Internet of Things.  The presentations will impart valuable skills and knowledge to our local researchers and businesses and industry, which are on the ground solving the problems of the future."

Newcastle Lord Mayor Cr Nuatali Nelmes says: "Councils across Australia must take a leadership role by embracing smart city technology and the opportunities it provides for our communities and businesses. Council acknowledges the role we must play in making our city a smart city and we are extremely proud to have launched our Newcastle Smart City Initiative, in partnership with Newcastle NOW and Cisco.  This conference provides a unique opportunity for us to talk as a community about what it means to be a smart city and to embrace the opportunities it will provide."

The conference is an initiative of the Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment at the University of Newcastle in partnership with the Regional Clean Energy Program of NSW Office of Environment and Heritage and The City of Newcastle.  An estimated 50+ speakers will bring the latest information in their fields to delegates through presentations and networking sessions and this will aid in business development and growth within Newcastle and the Hunter Region.

Details of the Conference and Expo can be found at www.smartfuturecities.com.au

For interviews or further information please contact the UON Media Team on 02 4921 5577 or email media@newcastle.edu.au"


We're delighted to see this important evolution of the Industry aspect of the HunterEVFestival, which is still happening for 2015, see www.hunterevfetival.net for details.

With the 2014 Hunter Electric Vehicle Festival now done and dusted, capped off with a 1500 Class win and Energy innovation award, Quiet Rush have started to reach out to new regional destinations to see if we can bring a taste of electric riding action a little further south. The proposed new facility at CASAR Park represents a great option for motor sports enthusiasts of the Central Coast, with the potential to become something more than just a motor-sports venue and broader appeal for boosting already healthy regional tourism numbers. 

What we've seen and proven in the Hunter EV Festival is that motor-sports are evolving and innovating in new directions, with exhibitors showcasing cutting edge vehicles in Electric Superbikes, Electric Motorcycles, Solar Racers, Electric Bikes (for On and Offroad action) and Electric Cars. The great example being set by Newcastle based ELMOFO as they redefine racing with their own vehicle, drivetrain and power source systems is a shining example of what's possible, leading to results that see them thumping its petrol powered competitors. Within our own modest racing class, we've experienced the thrill of seeing what its like to ride a bike that blends the best of human and electric performance to create a unique racing format, done at human-scale speed where you can still chat away with competitors whilst racing elbow to elbow in a clean, emissions free racing format. 

Within adventure seeking always comes a compromise between adrenaline (proportional to perceived and actual risk) and survivability in the event of adverse outcomes - it's why GP riders often start out racing 125's, before progressing through 250s to higher power machines, honing their race craft, riding and racing skills. With a rehabilitation and human factors background highlighting for us the downside risk potential when things go wrong, we think there's ample space in the adventure sports space to innovate and create a new racing class for introducing new riders, using new zero-emissions machines such as our Stealth Fighter, racing at what we call human-scale speed. We use this to describe a speed that is fast enough to create the perception of risk, induces adrenaline and requires focus, but still occurs within an acceptable risk envelope where the risk to the rider is mitigated by modest power, with lower top speeds, lighter machines and nimble handling. You can read about what it's like to race a Stealth Fighter on a GoKart track to get a bit more background on why it's such enjoyable format, or take a look at others impressions.

With an initial orientation ride offered to Brad Wilson from CASAR Park to get a feel of what its like to ride one of our Australian made Electric Off-Road bikes from Stealth Electric Bikes, we're entering into more detailed discussions to see how we might be able to jointly create an entirely new riding experience, where novice riders can take part in a socially inclusive venue, getting a chance to try powered riding in a low risk riding and racing format. With plenty of sunshine, the CASAR facility is ideal for running an electric race format, powered by solar options, with people able to get a taste of how energised riding can boost their own riding skills and confidence. It can also be a place to participate in non-racing formats, where people of all ages might wish to experience an electric bike, ranging from mild to wild, build their skills and confidence with graded challenge areas (see this example of the The Playground Bike Park at Mt Stromlo to get an idea of what's possible). By combining the option of motorsports and family based activities achievable for all ages, with a road safety and competence building focus, places like CASAR park can help ensure cyclists and motorists leave after days fun at the facility with mutual respect and enhanced road safety behaviours. 

Quiet Rush are delighted to have won the 2014 Hunter EV Prize 1500 eBike class amongst a diverse team of entries, including converted motorcycles and high powered eBike kit bikes, racing a standard Stealth Fighter as part of our range of Australian designed and made Offroad Electric Bike range from Stealth Electric Bikes. Whilst not designed specifically for tarmac racing, their versatility and leading-edge performance and reliability made the race thoroughly enjoyable, backed up by the knowledge that they can be ridden just as hard in off road settings. The bikes truly are a unique vehicle, developed from Australian ingenuity into an internationally recognised export, regarded by many as the worlds best electric bikes. We relied on quality products from Kali Protectives and Troy-Lee Designs to keep us safe whilst racing.

Quiet Rush was also recognised as an innovator for energy-autonomy, taking 3rd place in the National Science Week Cup-Sparking Innovation in EVolution Prize. Our in-vehicle solar charging system, built with Goal Zero products from Laughing Mind (http://www.laughingmind.com/energy-autonomy.html) attracted a lot of interest over the 2 days, showcasing the possibility of running grid-independent, portable eBike charging systems using solar power as our primary energy source. This makes powered adventure possible wherever you are, providing clean, renewably sourced power for charging a wide range of digital devices and recreational products. Whilst not at the grade of 1st place winner Elmofo with their world-leading electric race-car charging system, we are delighted to be recognised for effort in this category, using consumer products available from Laughing Mind as a Goal Zero dealer committed to innovating in new markets.

QuietRush wishes to acknowledge our sincere thanks to the Hunter EV Festival sponsors for making the event possible, with particular mention of the hard work of the event organising team at the Tom Farrell Institute for the Environment at the University of Newcastle. 

Quiet Rush particularly want to thank the following parties: 

• The University of Newcastle - International and Advancement Division for their sponsorship of the 1500 class - as a UoN Alumni of their Health professional courses, we're delighted to see this level of engagement in driving strategic innovation within the Hunter region;
• The Australian Governments Inspiring Australia program, NSW Resources and Energy as sponsors of the National Science Week Cup-Sparking Innovation in EVolution - putting focus onto the viability of alternative, renewable power sources for transport;
  
• NBN News for allowing us to work as on-track camera.  This provided a first-person point of view of the on-track perspective of the riders, in an exciting, stimulating and rewarding event. Their highlight reel is available at http://www.nbnnews.com.au/index.php/2014/08/16/bright-sparks-show-off-their-rides/
• Mr Bill Collison for his outstanding photographic coverage of the event again this year, visible at https://www.flickr.com/photos/billcollison/sets/72157646098252257/
• TJM Hunter for our massive Rhino Rack platform for mounting our Goal Zero equipment from Laughing Mind, giving us a spectacular event viewing platform - it's like an outdoor patio on the roof of our much loved T3 VW bus, proved great for ogling Tesla Motors display area from up on high;
• All the attendees and competitors of the 2014 Hunter EV Festival for their level of interest in this growing regional event, the volunteers and other exhibitors attending to help make the event extraordinary, showcasing the best of the region and the possibilities in Electric transport and renewable power innovation. We look forward to seeing you all again in 2015 and encourage you to spread the word, commit to helping make 2015 a possibility

Since writing our last post on eBike charging off grid using renewable sources we thought it was time to give a bit of an update of our current approach. Our partner company, Laughing Mind, is now a dealer for Goal Zero portable power products which gives us ready access to an awesome range of portable power products from Goal Zero. People might have caught a glimpse in some earlier posts from Stealth, appearing on Pinkbike.

Our two favourites from the GoalZero Product range from Laughing Mind so far include the Guide 10 kit and Yeti 1250 Solar Generator.

We use a Goal Zero Guide10 Kit for slinging across our backpack, providing power on the go for charging up smartphones and our camera batteries, or giving us power on the days when we're exhibiting. We'll be using this setup at the 2014 NSW EV Festival later this year, along with a range of other upcoming shows - we think its perfect for athletes and adventurers on the move who need power in the field. It powers iPads, smartphones, cameras and keeps some market stall based friends of ours juiced up through the day, supporting them in mobile retail and image creation.

A Goal Zero Yeti 1250 Solar Generator (shown under the front wheel of the blue Fighter) provides power for the heavy lifting, keeping a fridge running, recharging our Fighter and occasionally customer Bombers as well as providing solar sourced power for mobile office duties when the Guide 10 Kit is occupied- laptops, iPads, smartphones, cameras and our lights. 

We're able to keep the Yeti1250 charged up as a backup power source, using either grid sourced power from the wall or using the Goal Zero Boulder 30 Solar Panels in a portable array. No more need for carrying fuel or dealing with  buzzing petrol powered generators. Just silent, clean charging.

With more products coming up for release in Australia later in 2014, we're going to enjoy acting as a test lab to help refine the ideal product mix for Laughing Mind's Energy Autonomy initiative, as well as bike owners looking for clean, portable, rugged power products. If you want to take a closer look at them, just get in touch, or be sure to schedule the NSW Electric Vehicle Festival into your calendar for 16-17August, 2014 where we'll have them on show.

One of the interesting aspects of running an eBike is the extent to which you can eliminate fossilised fuel dependence out of your riding - as the folks at Shrinkfoot have identified, your EV power source does matter.  We get quite a few enquiries from people living offgrid, disconnected from electricity mains and running self-sufficiently with their own power generation. 

The bikes are well suited to being used in these kinds of settings, but we need to address some of the issues of equipment specification to make it clear for owners and prospective customers what sort of capacity is required. Of course, an EBike is going to have a larger footprint than a standard bicycle, but that footprint can still be minimised.

The Stealth Bomber has the largest battery capacity in the Stealth range, which requires at least the following:

1. 150Ah battery (provides enough juice for 1 charge);
2.  Minimum 1000 watt inverter to drive the bike charger;
   
3. Your choice of charging source for the 150Ah battery - can be either renewables or direct from grid through your home/business power outlets and a battery charger

In our case, since we're mainly using a Stealth Fighter as our preferred demonstrator, we've opted for a middle of the road, RV-style configuration that consists of the following:

1. 150Ah battery (see http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=SB1822 for one option) ;
2. 1500w Charger/Inverter (see http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=MI5260 for an example);
3. 120w Portable solar PV pack  (see http://www.jaycar.com.au/productView.asp?ID=ZM9134 for an example)

Whilst there are nicely prepackaged RV style kits such as this, they do take up a fair bit of space. In our case, we wanted a bare-bones setup that minimised space requirements and could be transplanted readily between fleet vehicles. So, we opted for an alternate inverter/charger and portable PV as the main changes from this example prebuilt bundle. 

Other options that we considered on the way through this exercise were some of the products available from GoalZero, including their Yeti off-grid generator and panels (shown below). We'll be taking a closer look at that setup over the next few months.

This means that when we're attending ebike or sustainable living events, we're now power independent and have plenty of juice on hand for running a mobile office from our van, along with capacity to do a replenish charge in the event we drain the battery of one of our demonstrators. 

A setup like this provided us with ample power to recharge at the recent 2013 HunterEVPrize race between qualifying practice and race time. It also forms the basis of our mobile office for the work we do at Laughing Mind, providing us with a high level of flexibility for working anywhere, anytime.

You'd think that there would be a lot in common between groups of people who share:

• a love of being outdoors, exploring open spaces, across a variety of terrain ranging from easy to wickedly hard;
  
• a belief in the value of human powered transport using pedals, 2 wheels
• a need for heart-rate boosting activity whilst getting out and about.

Sadly, it's just not the case. 

It's interesting to observe the comment threads for articles like the following:

• http://reviews.mtbr.com/the-angry-singlespeeder-electric-mountain-bikes-friend-or-foe
  
• http://www.vitalmtb.com/videos/member/Ronnie-Renners-Stealth-Electric-DH-Bike,19679

It seems from reading through the comments that people fit into roughly three camps: Deniers, Integrators and Challengers

- Deniers take the line that anything with a motor is definitely not a bicycle - human effort alone is what counts, getting to the top of a hill can only be done by the applied use of personal sweat and determination (never mind if you've got a health condition that might compromise your ability to do so); 

- Integrators take a more open view, noting that there is merit in giving some level of assistance to riders who need it or desire it, who might be happy to share a trail with an assisted rider, but it's not quite their cup of tea;

- Challengers are open advocates for mixed trail use and wanting to question why they might not be allowed to share trails, seeking well supported evidence to demonstrate why they should be excluded.

The thing is, they also have a lot in common: 

• they all have hearts that need to be exercised, lungs that need to puff, muscles that need to move;
• they all have families and loved ones;
• they all need to be able to play safely in their chosen recreation;
• they share a population health burden characterised by rising levels of obesity, inactivity;
• they all have a health-future that is determined in a significant part by how much they remain active;
• they all share a planet that is deeply challenged by global warming and which needs people to be making modal switches from emissions generating vehicles.

Granted, building effective trails takes time, volunteer effort and sweat-equity. But it can be done. 
Getting those trails endorsed and supported by land managers takes advocacy effort, time, clearly expressed positions and goodwill between the groups. But it can be done. 
Using a multi-use trail in a way that endangers any other user risks the viability of that resource for continued use by anyone on two wheels. That too, can be done. It's a shared problem.

IMBA have made their position clear at the present moment, through:
http://www.imba.com/blog/mike-van-abel/electric-mountain-bikes-coming-trail-near-you
http://www.imba.com/sites/default/files/motorized%20position-IMBA%202010.pdf

Here's an extract from the first IMBA link

I wonder if advice like this would be given if the writer had bothered to actually try an eBike. Once you do, you very quickly realise that they're a long way off being a motorcycle. Especially at the lower end 200W output bikes. 

Whilst the two tribes are recognised, their ability to play together nicely is not supported. It seems a little sanctimonious and elitist given the scale of the challenges our planet faces and the extent of population health issues. Which would you prefer: seeing an overweight relative die an early death, or making the modal switch from car-use with a bike that makes the transition easier to going completely unpowered?

I'd ask you to consider, when we have so much in common, why this should continue to be the case when the world needs a combined, urgent and relentless focus on getting onto a lower emissions trajectory - two wheeled transport is a big part of the solution opportunity for doing that. Especially when bikes such as these are fully capable of being charged in offgrid setups.

There's been some pretty disturbing news coming out in the Hunter recently as Hunter communities opt for vigilante responses to dirtbike rider problems, with tales of wire traps strung across local Hunter trails (shudder). See here:

1. http://www.theherald.com.au/story/1291855/video-poll-call-for-trailbike-safety-action/?cs=305
2. http://www.theherald.com.au/story/1290986/editorial-riding-commonsense/?cs=303 (The Herald editorial)
3. http://www.theherald.com.au/story/1291848/trailbikes-losing-ground/?cs=391
   

Seeing the sorry tale told of a Cessnock area 16yr old nearly getting beheaded by a vigilante wire trap can't help but make a person sit up and take notice. As a long time rider of dirtbikes, I know very well why they're fun to ride. As a mountain bike rider, bushwalker and parent, I also know what a pain in the neck they can be if ridden in the wrong place, at the wrong time in a reckless way. 

Cessnock and the Hunter have been the birthplaces of some of Australia's best riding talent - it's easy enough to understand how they're heroes to local kids.

I still remember very well what it was like to experience my first motorbike rides at mates places on their farms, on a mix of old farm bikes, kids bikes and arm-stretching motocross bikes. I still also remember how much thrill there was in buying disassembled motorbikes in tea-chests for a song, to have a go at putting them back together and getting them running. I remember the pester power I would muster to have some time on those farms, in order to have some riding time. I'm lucky my parents took the time to do it. Not every kid is.

I've never lost the appetite for riding, having a string of powerful enduro bikes and off-road riding experiences, but my outlook on adventure riding has changed. I've spent enough time picking up broken people to know the impact of speed and unforgiving terrain, or having the weight of a motorcycle pin you down. I've been fortunate to only lose skin, or break a rib. Others have not been so lucky. If I'd had the option of a lighter bike, lightly powered, that could be ridden quietly, I'd have snapped it up. But it didn't exist. Until now.

As a kid, I was fortunate enough to grow up in a small town with crown land available, not too far away. Like many kids of my day, we took our chances to go into the bush, far enough away from town to not annoy the living daylights out of people. Not all kids have that chance though. Eventually, I was old enough to get my license,  buy a registered bike and adventure away, legally.

I've taken my registered bikes into National Parks, state reserves and found some amazing country which I've since taken family back to. I might never have discovered those if I'd never ridden or gone exploring. 

I've ridden in dedicated off-road facilities, experiencing thrills, spills and camaraderie, where even experienced riders can fall and break themselves just as badly as a remote National Park.

I've also lived in the ACT for the last 13 years, where we have a world class racing and off-road riding facility  at Stromlo Forest Park in close proximity to the suburbs, where off-road riders of all ages and stages can mix together and learn, bench-race or play-race, or just hone skills in new terrain. Dirtbike riders there have had the same challenges of riding trail access, feeling like the poor cousins to their mountain bike riding brethren. But that's changing.

The thing I know now, looking back, is how much noise and erosion the bikes make, and how wearing that can be on a persons psyche, testing a persons patience to the limits of their sanity and reasonableness. It's enough to drive desperate people to desperate acts, as unlawful as they are. I can see how it happens. I sure as hell don't support it or condone it - trap setting is just as likely to seriously injure a licensed, insured rider, or family mountain bike rider, as it is the undesired rider. 

I can't help but wonder what a difference might take place if the bikes being ridden were silent, electric, incapable of tearing the ground up in the same way, or going as fast. Whether the local community would back having a dedicated riding facility nearby, where kids could be supervised, or ride their bikes in risk controlled environments, not too far from home, mastering their skills on progressively more complex tracks, on silent, agile, adrenaline inducing but lighter, slower bikes. It's been done elsewhere. At MtStromlo Playground. At DarkGreen Motorsports. At Rays MTB parks in Milwaukee and Cleveland. At Whistler. It's why many of our customers are switching from dirtbike riding to a different option, a halfway point between a mountain bike and a dirtbike. Having a bike with a bit of modest power allows you to create terrain where you no longer need huge downhills to build momentum, within acceptable risk margins.

It can happen here in the Hunter as well. If you want to help me make it happen, let me know.

I've been following a conversation about eBikes occurring over at https://theconversation.edu.au/electric-bikes-at-250-watts-the-view-has-opened-up-nicely-10465 and seeing a pretty interesting stream of comments rolling in, with the full spectrum of inspirational stories through to trenchant trolling and cynicism. I was curious to see the cynics observing that there was no way an ebike would provide an observable benefit to fitness, nor make much of a demand upon a rider for effort. Having a background in exercise science meant that it was time to gather some data and bring some evidence into The Conversation. I know just how hard I work riding off-road, so thought it was time to back this up with a little rigour.

I've done three tests now under reproduced conditions - standardising clothing (smart business clothes, flat shoes), weight of extras (bike lock, helmet), terrain (5km local off-road loop with a steady sustained climb, noting that 5-10km is an ideal car-replacement ride distance) and varying only the bike with the following changes:
Test 1: Unpowered mountain bike (PACE RC200 - my old race bike converted to commuter duties) 
Test 2: Stealth Fighter @200w limit, with a 40km/h limited hi-torque motor
Test 3:  Stealth Fighter @3kw, with the same motor

For each test, I used Strava (http://www.strava.com) to track my HeartRate, speed, elevation and overall ride length, with a Wahoo Fitness BlueHR heart monitor hooked up (yes, we sell them). For each test, Strava generates a nice plot of elevation, speed and heartrate, which I've included in the result sets. Across all results, I've highlighted the highest values in red.

Note: I'm 44, so have a theoretical maximum heart-rate of 176bpm (using the least objectionable formula of HRmax = 205.8 − (0.685 × age) listed at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heart_rate). For an indication of the intensity of riding effort used based on average and maximum HeartRates, I've included the following guide:

Results
Heart Rate: Avg=167 Max=182

Results
Heart Rate: Avg=158 Max=171
AvgHR % of (theoretical)MaxHR: 90%

Time: 11m:40s 
(1m13s quicker over 5km than Test1)

Max Speed: 47.9km/h
Avg Speed: 25.2km/h

Results
Heart Rate: Avg=157 Max=172
AvgHR % of (theoretical)MaxHR: 89%

Time: 8m:24s
4m29s quicker over 5km than Test1
3m16s quicker over 5km than Test2

Max Speed: 49.8km/h
Avg Speed: 36.2km/h

Conclusions
Yes, I can get a great workout on an eBike - in Tests 2 and 3, I was within 1bpm average sustained at a fairly level output throughout the ride, working at 85%MaxHR or higher, but not as high as I have to when riding unpowered (see Test 1). 

Test 2 and 3 showed negligible difference in peak speeds on a downhill section of this 5km loop, but a marked difference in average speed. This is a clear demonstration that the average speed is most impacted by the use of power when climbing, which is the sort of terrain where the benefits of an eBike are most noticable and where maximum assistance is provided. To see the magnitude of difference, look at average speeds in the 2-3.5km stage of the ride. 

Interestingly, I was fastest on the test loop downhill on my old MTB. 

Also interesting was that I was only marginally faster in terms of average speed on a 200w limited eBike over 5km than I would have been if I'd stayed unpowered on my old bike. However, I'd have taken 4min20s longer to arrive at my destination than if I'd been allowed to use a speed limited eBike of higher output. By the time you extrapolate that out to a longer trip of 5-15km, clearly the gap in elapsed commute time would start to stretch out further. 

Also consider that these tests were done unladen - in commuting practice, I usually need to also be carrying a backpack with food, laptop - spare shoes/clothing if I'm unpowered, as I'd ride in cleats - to a range of different destinations. As a consultant, my workplaces are a little more diverse and transient than a standard 9-5 role. The role of power-assisted riding when dealing with a load, especially when climbing, should be considered in that.