Best Buy has made a good decision betting on the future of the electric bike but certain things have to happen for them to win both short and long-term.

In the short-term a spike in gas prices or a “new worsening” in the broader economy could increase the sale of low-end e-bikes. In the long-term and if they expect to sell more e-bikes and high-end models, they will have to follow the lead of Trek and others in campaigning for an overhaul in the attitudes of the American consumer with regard to the bicycle as a convenient and comfortable form of transportation.

The majority of Americans still can’t comprehend commuting by bike. They just don’t see a bike as a means of getting from point A to point B. But get them to ride an e-bike and the mind and heart begin to open up to the possibility.

If Best Buy and others can convince enough prospective buyers that bicycles aren’t just for exercise anymore then their early bet on the future of the electric bike may pay big dividends.