{"id":246663,"date":"2010-01-29T12:25:11","date_gmt":"2010-01-29T17:25:11","guid":{"rendered":"http:\/\/green.yahoo.com\/blog\/ecomii_healthy_living\/79\/not-in-the-mood-to-pedal-that-s-ok.html"},"modified":"2010-01-29T12:25:11","modified_gmt":"2010-01-29T17:25:11","slug":"not-in-the-mood-to-pedal-that%e2%80%99s-ok","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/mereja.media\/index\/246663","title":{"rendered":"Not in the mood to pedal? That\u2019s OK"},"content":{"rendered":"
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(Photo: Sanyo Eneloop)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n


\n\u201cWe like our bike.<\/em>
\nIt is made for three.<\/em>
\nOur Mike sits up in back, you see.<\/em>
\nWe like our Mike and this is why:<\/em>
\nMike does all the work when the hills get high.\u201d
\n—<\/em>Dr. Seuss\n<\/p>\n

Most trips we take are less than 3 miles from our home. With our cities and streets becoming more bike-friendly, and bikes becoming more pedal-friendly, you may want to give bikes another look. While they may not include Dr. Seuss\u2019 \u201cMike,\u201d the new wave of electric bikes (e-bikes) includes some impressive battery power.<\/p>\n

At the Consumer Electronic show last week, Sanyo unveiled its new Eneloop Electric Bike <\/a>which looks like your typical bike, but will take over for the hard stuff (or if you just aren\u2019t in the mood to pedal). With the battery neatly tucked away and weighing only a few pounds, you can ride the Sanyo as you would any other bike whether you\u2019re in the city or the suburbs. And when the going gets tough, the battery gets going.<\/p>\n

While the price tag of $2,300 may seem high for a bike, when you consider it could replace your second car (or only car), it\u2019s a steal. Here are some other options customized to your lifestyle, or wallet.<\/p>\n

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Find the right e-bike for you:<\/h3>\n
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(Photo: Urban Mover)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

City Dweller:<\/strong> UM USPRITE – $1,699<\/p>\n

Light and agile, this e-bike is perfect for commuting. Glide through the tightest gridlock without breaking a sweat.<\/p>\n

Visit Urban Mover<\/a> for more details.<\/p>\n

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(Photo: Pedego)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Cruiser:<\/strong> Pedego Classic Cruiser – $1,695<\/p>\n

Cruise around town on this retro-inspired, electric-powered bike. Form and function are combined to provide a cool-looking electric bike that is comfortable for riding to work, getting exercise, or just having fun.<\/p>\n

Check out all the great colors at pedegoelectricbikes.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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(Photo: Currie Technologies)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Trike:<\/strong> Izip Tricruiser – $1,099<\/p>\n

This tricruiser is a great alternative for running quick errands and short trips. The large, rear-mounted basket combined with the three-wheel design provides the ultimate stability for safely transporting bulky and cumbersome items.<\/p>\n

See the specs at currietech.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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(Photo: E+ Electric)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

All-Terrain Bike: <\/strong>E+ Electric Bikes, Elite Mountain Bike – $4,094<\/p>\n

The E+ Elite Mountain Bike offers the toughness of a mountain bike with the exhilaration of a high-performance electric bike. Climb the steepest hills with ease and reach speeds up to 30 mph on this powerful and durable bike.<\/p>\n

Visit E+ Electric Bikes<\/a> for more details.<\/p>\n

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(Photo: eZee)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Folding Bike:<\/strong> eZee Quando – $1,500<\/p>\n

This fold-and-carry electric bike will squeeze into a lot of tight places. Riders using the public transportation system no longer have to wait for special hours or vehicles to bring their bikes with them.<\/p>\n

Visit ezeebike.com<\/a> for more details.<\/p>\n

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(Photo: Pedego)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

E-Bicycle Made for Two:<\/strong> Pedego Electric Tandem Bike – $2,300<\/p>\n

This fun two-seater operates much like a regular tandem but uses a parallel electric drive system that includes a 750 watt motor and 48 volt lithium manganese battery.<\/p>\n

Visit pedegoelectricbikes.com<\/a> for more details.<\/p>\n

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(Photo: <\/em>Currie Technologies<\/em>)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

Economical Option:<\/strong> Izip Trailz – $499<\/p>\n

Izip\u2019s Trailz is one of the more affordable e-bike options currently on the market. The Trailz can travel 15-22 miles with normal pedaling or about 10-15 miles with no pedaling at all at speeds of 15+ mph.<\/p>\n

See the specs at currietech.com<\/a>.<\/p>\n

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(Photo: Optibike)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/div>\n

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High-End Option:<\/strong> Optibike OB1 – $13,995<\/p>\n

Optibike\u2019s OB1 can easily be considered the Ferrari of e-bikes. Made from ultra-light carbon fiber and featuring a GPS navigation system plus a wireless PDA, it’s equipped with a lithium-ion battery for over two hours of travel. This fully loaded bike is leading the way in e-bike design and function.<\/p>\n

Visit optibike.com<\/a> for more information.<\/p>\n

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Reference: Seven Wonders for a Cool Planet, by Eric Sorensen and the Sightline Institute (Sierra Club Books, May 2008)<\/em> <\/p>\n

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More from ecomii:<\/strong><\/p>\n