Electric bicycle sales are on the rise worldwide, and nowhere is this phenomenon more apparent than in the Netherlands, where revenue from e-bike sales recently surpassed revenue from city bike sales.

The Netherlands was the first nation to enact an official national bicycle policy, and the country has thousands of miles of bicycle paths and lanes. Bicycle parking is plentiful and new developments are designed with cyclists in mind. It’s no surprise that the Dutch have a robust cycling culture and that industry innovations are embraced quickly.

A case in point is the electric bicycle market, which has exploded in popularity in the Netherlands. While city bike sales volume maintains a margin over e-bike sales volume every year, in 2009 the Dutch spent more money on e-bikes than on any other category of bicycle. Because the prices of e-bikes are significantly higher than the prices of the average city bikes, this doesn’t mean more e-bikes were sold; it means that Dutch riders interested in spending more money on bikes are gravitating toward e-bikes and away from city bikes.

Today, city bikes account for a little less than 50% of all new bikes sold in the Netherlands, while e-bikes account for around 15%. The gap is rapidly shrinking. Total Dutch bike sales in 2011 are forecast to top 2010 sales, reversing the downward trend that started in 2008. Fueled by sales of quality e-bikes, significant growth is expected in bicycles costing $1,200 or more.

See our article on the Best Electric Bikes Of 2011.

Right now, I’m investigating a new travel technique, which I’m calling “Slow Daily Travel”. By going slow (traveling 1o to 100 miles per day), your journey can often become more intriguing and enjoyable. My technique involves traveling as far as you like each day, and then staying overnight in a hotel. The next day you repeat, until you reach your destination. If you pack minimally enough, and you are not in a hurry to get anywhere, this techniques works quite well.

You can use any efficient type of transportation you like to travel. You can walk, cycle, kayak, sail, ride a bus, or ride a train. Electric vehicles are also ideal for this kind of travel because you can recharge your batteries overnight, and have them ready for the next day. You can use electric vehicles like electric bikes, electric kayaks, electric catamarans or dinghies (see the book Sustainable Sailing for more info on electric boats). You can also make use of solar chargers with these vehicles (I’ll be examining solar charging in detail in an upcoming article).

In conjunction with this, I’ve been investigating car-free routes around my home. So far, I’ve discovered a surprising number of car-free routes from my local area, Northern Virginia. Some of the routes include: the WO&D Trail (biking trail from Washington, DC to Purcellville, VA) the C&O Canal Trail (biking trail from Washington, DC to Cumberland, MD), the Great Allegheny Passage (biking trail that goes from Cumberland, MD to Pittsburgh, PA), the Intracoastal Waterway (an inland waterway that goes from Norfolk, VA to Miami, FL). The Chesapeake Bay is also a huge car-free region that you can explore for months in a small boat.

By investigating car-free routes, I’ve actually become more aware of the terrain around my home, and this has made me think differently about my vacation plans. I’ll be going into the details of my slow travel in upcoming articles.

Here are some book I found useful while investigating slow, car-free travel:

Books On Electric Vehicles

• Sustainable Sailing: Go Green When You Cast Off  by Dieter Loibner
• How to Live Well Without Owning a Car: Save Money, Breathe Easier, and Get More Mileage Out of Life by Chris Balish
• Bike Touring: The Sierra Club Guide to Travel on Two Wheel by Raymond Bridge
• Build Your Own Electric Vehicle by Seth Leitman
• The Electric Vehicle Conversion Handbook by Mark Warner
• Build Your Own Electric Bicycle by Matthew Slinn

Mid-Atlantic Biking Books

• Rail-Trails Mid-Atlantic: Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC and West Virginia
• Bicycling The Atlantic Coast by Donna Ikenberry Aikenhead
• Linking Up: Planning Your Traffic-Free Bike Trip Between Pittsburgh, PA and Washington, DC  by Mary Shaw and Roy Weil

Mid-Atlantic Boating Books

• The Intracostal Waterway, Norfolk to Miami: The Complete Cockpit Cruising Guide by Jan and Bill Moelier
• Cruising the Chesapeake: A Gunkholer’s Guide by William H. Shellenberger (Hardcover)
• Guide to Cruising Chesapeake Bay 2011 Edition by Staff of Chesapeake Bay Magazine
• Sea Kayaking Maryland’s Chesapeake Bay: Day Trips on the Tidal Tributaries and Coastlines of the Western and Eastern Shore by Michael Savario
• Sea Kayaking Virginia: A Paddler’s Guide to Day Trips from Georgetown to Chincoteague by Andrea Nolan

See also this Wikipedia article on Slow Travel, and the Rails-to-Trails group.

The past year has seen an abundance of bike manufacturers entering into the electric bike arena with slick, lightweight and powerful bikes. Despite misconceptions, electric bikes allow commuters to increase their range safely and arrive to the office smelling fresh, while still getting exercise (yes, you still have to pedal an electric bike) and reducing their carbon footprint. They also continually beat cars in commuter races. An efficient electric bike may be just the push one needs to make the decision to give up the car and commute by bike. Electric bikes are also efficient for running errands, towing things (like kids), and for the elderly or for those with physical ailments. It can be difficult to navigate your way through all the options and styles available in an electric bike so we’ve done it for you. By studying forums and sites such as NYCeWheels, A to B Magazine, BikeForums.net, and Electric Bike Report, we’ve come up with a list of the best electric bikes for 2011.

What To Look For In An Electric Bike

The choice of an electric bike is quite personal, depending upon budget and the intended use. In it’s simplest definition an electric bike is a basic traditional bike with 3 things added to it: a motor, a battery, and a controller that administers the power. There are 2 different types of controllers: throttle and pedal-assist. The throttle-based system will give you the option to ride without pedaling. The pedal-assist is activated by pedaling, but you can control the level of assistance you get through a control panel on the handlebar. Some people find the pedal-assist more simple to use and more true to being a bicycle, while others prefer the throttle and like the idea of having moments where you don’t have to pedal. The best advice is to try each one out at your local bike shop to see which type you prefer.

When it comes to price the thing to keep in perspective is what you’ll be using it for. If you’re looking for an efficient commuter, then in comparison to a car, an electric bike is a bargain, not to mention all you’ll save in gas. If you’re looking for something strictly for recreation, then cost may be more of a consideration. It is also suggested that you purchase a high quality lock or three if you’ll be leaving it out and about and if the battery is removable bring it with you though some come with their own battery locks.

Kalkhoff Electric Bikes

Kalkhoff Pro Connect Sport 300

Made in Germany, Kalkhoff Bikes are perhaps the Mercedes of electric bikes. Kalkhoff has been providing European cyclists with high quality bikes for years and now they are available in the U.S.  NYCeWheels says the Pro Connect is “one of the most efficient electric bikes on the market”. Kalkhoff uses the Panasonic Pedelec brushless motor, the highest rated electric motor currently available. A to B gives the Kalkhoff 5 out of 5 stars. The integrated maintenance-free motor offers 3 levels of pedal-activated assistance using 300 watts with a top speed of 25 mph. At the moderate setting, you can expect to get 50 miles from a full charge. Bicycle purists like that the Kalkhoff looks like a regular bike. With a lightweight aluminum frame, Shimano components, and Continental puncture-resistant tires, the motor isn’t the only thing that’s top notch about this bike. Other features include a hydraulic braking system, on-board computer with speedometer, and front and rear integrated lighting.

So what’s not to like about the Kalkhoff? How about the price. A true case of if you want the best, you’re going to pay for it, the Pro Connect Sport 300 is listed at $3,899.00. However, this is their most expensive model. Other e-bikes in the Kalkhoff fleet go for around the $3,000 mark and the Pro Connect Sport 250 2009 model is currently on sale for $2,899.00. Kalhoff does offer free shipping and a 2 year warranty.

Check out the Kalkhoff line of electric bikes here or for information on trying one out click here.

eZee LiV Electric Bike

eZee LiV Electric Bike

The eZee LiV offers an affordable, yet reliable option for a lightweight, simple to operate electric bike. It has a range of 15-30 miles and a top speed of 20 mph. With a 200 watt brushed motor, it may not be the most powerful machine on the electric bike block, but it beats the others at a price of $1,199.00. NYCeWheels recommends this bike as best value for commuting or recreational riding if you have moderate hills and don’t plan on pulling anything or carrying a large load. eZee has a full line of throttle activated electric bikes priced under $2,000. The eZee LiV uses more basic components than the other bikes in the eZee line. It features a 3 speed drivetrain, front and rear lights, and mudguards.

Check out eZee bikes here.

2011 Kona Electric Ute Cargo Bike

2011 Kona Electric Ute Cargo Bike

Kona has added a 250 watt Pedelec motor with a 24 volt Samsung Lihium-Ion battery to it’s popular Ute cargo bike offering up one of the first electric-assisted bikes for utilitarian use. This would make a great bike for long distance touring, those who want to ditch the car to run errands, or family bike rides. In full power mode the Kona Electric Ute supplies an 18 mile range, 35 miles in normal mode, and 62 miles in economy mode.  It offers quality Shimano components, an acacia wood deck, Kona pannier bag, fenders, and a lifetime warranty on the aluminum butted frame. For a detailed review see MyCargoBike.net where criticisms include the use of a front v-brake as opposed to a disc brake and a small, but continuous electric whine of the motor. Pros included a well-proportioned, lightweight design and a conveniently integrated battery that can be removed for charging. At $2599.00, the Kona Electric Ute is considered to be competitively priced for an electric cargo bike.

For a Kona dealer near you, click here.

Schwinn Electric Bike: Tailwind

Schwinn Electric Bike: Tailwind

The Schwinn Tailwind flaunts a feature that the other electric bikes don’t have: the Toshiba battery designed specifically for this bike can recharge in an astounding 30 minutes as opposed to the usual 4 hour recharging time. The 6 pound battery can be removed easily from the rear fender rack and features the latest in lithium polymer technology. According to NYCeWheels, the lithium polymer Schwinn battery pack has about 1.4 times the power to weight ratio than lithium ion, discharges at a more consistent voltage, and has a longer life expectancy. It offers a range of 25-30 miles, depending on riding style and conditions.

The sophisticated brushless motor is designed to assist the rider, not take over. The motor kicks in after pedaling begins and shuts off when the brake is applied. Schwinn designed the Tailwind to offer a longer range for the traditional bike rider, yet still remaining true to the classic bike design. It does not offer regenerative braking, but it may be the perfect transition for those who prefer the old school look as opposed to the futuristic appearance of some of the other electric bikes. The Schwinn Tailwind MSRP is $2,679.00.

For a Schwinn dealer near you, click here.

Sanyo Eneloop Electric Bike

Sanyo Eneloop Electric Bike

An entry from last year’s list, the Sanyo Eneloop continues to be a solid entry for a high-tech electric bike. Eneloop means that the regenerative brake system recharges the battery, so pressing on the rear brake lever actually generates energy. The 250 watt brushless motor supports 2 modes of pedal-assist plus an auto mode. Standard mode output matches the energy output of the rider. Power-Up mode doubles the energy output (for hills), while the auto mode automatically switches between these 2 modes depending upon riding conditions. The Sanyo Eneloop may appeal more to the female commuter because it’s, well… pretty. Similar to the styling of a Dutch city bike, the step-through frame makes it easy to get on and off. Range is 17-35 miles depending on the mode. Customer reviews on the Sanyo Eneloop are glowing, raving that the bike is quiet, smooth, and doesn’t feel like you’re riding an electric bike. Check out NYCeWheel’s review here.

The Sanyo Eneloop currently sells on Amazon for $1,499.99.

Dahon Boost Folding Electric Bike

Dahon Boost Folding Electric Bike

For commuters who need to lug their bikes up stairs or maneuver it onto public transportation, a folding electric bike such as the Dahon Boost would be a good choice. It offers all of the advantages of an electric-assisted bike at a weight of only 43 pounds. Dahon is a leader in high quality folding bikes. The Boost folds down to the same size as their 20″ folding bike in 15 seconds. The 250 watt brushless motor offers up 3 pedal-assist modes. Features an integrated rear rack, front and rear lighting, and a control panel on the handlebar. It can go about 30 miles on a charge. With a step-through frame and adjustable seat and handlebars, this bike serves as a versatile commuter bike.

The Dahon Boost sells for $2,499.00 on Amazon or at NYCeWheels.

Trek Valencia

Trek Valencia

Trek has thrown it’s hat into the electric bike ring and maybe just the catalyst to bring the lycra set and the commuters together. They’ve turned their standard Valencia commuter bike into a electric assist hybrid with a 350 watt brushless BionX rear hub motor and regenerative braking. Trek has added electric motors to some of their other bikes as well, such as the FX and the Transport- you’ll notice a plus sign next to these to indicate the hybrid model.  Four different pedal-assist modes vary from 25% assistance to 200% assistance. In regenerative mode, you can add on average a 10% increase in battery capacity. There aren’t many reviews out yet on the Trek e-bikes, but you can read specs about them here and some first impressions by users at bike forums here.

A2B Electric Bikes by Ultra Motor

A2B Metro

Don’t be fooled by it’s size. The A2B electric bikes by Ultra Motor pack a powerful punch with a 500 watt motor, 7 speeds, and high torque for hill climbing. Treehugger says it has “the heart of a bicycle and the soul of a scooter”. You can read their full review here. The lithium-ion battery is fully integrated into the downtube. The range is 20 miles on a single charge, but that can be extended to 40 miles with the purchase of an optional second battery. Top speed is 20 mph. The throttle is on the handlebar, meaning you can pedal or not. It does weigh in at a hefty 72 pounds so it may be better for short commutes, recreational fun or a cool option for college students to get around campus. The A2B Metro sells for around $2,700.00.

NYCeWheels is an authorized dealer or you can find a dealer near you here.

IZip Metro

2011 IZip Metro Electric Bike

Now wouldn’t this be fun to zip down to the grocery store? It features a 500 watt brushless hub motor and lithium-ion battery with a top speed of 20 mph and a range of 20-35 miles. It uses both pedal-assist and throttle power and weighs in at 55 pounds. The IZip Metro retails for $2,299.00.

Other Electric Bike Manufacturers We Like:

Ohm Cycles- pictured at the beginning of this article, Ohm Cycles is a Canadian company that makes high end electric bikes.

Giant- Giant made the ever classic Lafree electric bike, which has since been discontinued, but they continue to make the Twist Freedom and Twist Express.

EcoBike- Using both a pedal-assist and manual throttle, the EcoBike is one of the easiest electric bikes to operate. They offer 3 models around the $1,500 range.

You can also purchase electric conversion kits, which is especially helpful if you already have a bike that you’re comfortable with. The BionX conversion kit is considered to be the highest in quality and can be purchased at NYCeWheels. We also like AmpedBikes, which you can read about in this post.

Go-Ped

So what’s a Go-Ped? Go-Ped is a line of scooters, electric, gas and human powered, designed and manufactured by Patmont Motor Werks. With their award winning technology, Go-Ped scooters are geared for the short distance commuter interested in reducing their carbon footprint. Manufactured in Nevada, the founders of Go-Ped are dedicated to providing jobs for Americans and supporting domestic manufacturers wherever possible to create high-quality products. With zero emissions, Go-Ped electric scooters are an energy efficient option for those short rides to work, to and from the train station, local errands, or zipping around your college campus. They are also great for kids who want to scoot around the neighborhood.

All of the Go-Ped electric scooters are made with airplane grade materials, strong enough to carry up to 250 pounds, feature an easy to maintain chain drive system, and boast a reliable electric motor power, capable of producing over 1 HP and able to tackle hills. Go-Peds are the only electric scooters equipped with a computerized variable-speed controller which allows the user to perform on-board diagnostics and customize performance. Riders can choose between economy or turbo mode. The platform deck is made of lightweight Latvian birch plywood and offer the perfect compromise between low height and safe ground clearance. All Go-Peds fold easy for transport and storage. They also offer a trade-in program for up to a $350 value if you trade in your old Go-Ped for a new one.

Go-Ped ESR750Ex Electric Scooter

Goped ESR750Ex Electric Scooter

The Go-Ped ESR750Ex Electric Scooter runs on sealed lead acid batteries. In economy mode you can go for 8 miles with a top speed of 12 mph or hit the turbo for a top speed of 20 mph with a 5 mile range. Weighing in at 59.5 pounds, this model offers the best power to weight ratio of any other electric scooter in its’ class. Other features include an on-board “smart charger” that plugs into any household outlet, an auto-adjusting chain tensioner, and a front disc brake with optional rear brake kit. This model is also available with a lithium-ion battery with several battery configurations to choose from. This particular technology offers greater energy savings and reduces the weight of the scooter by 15-20 pounds, however it also doubles the price, retailing at $2208. You can learn more about the ESR750 Li-Ion here.

You can get the SLS powered Goped ESR750Ex for around $1,006.00 on Amazon.

Go-Ped ESR750H Hoverboard Electric Powered City Scooter

Go-Ped ESR750H Hoverboard Electric Powered City Scooter

Go-Ped transports us to the future by presenting the Hoverboard as their “Cadillac” of electric scooters. The Hoverboard comes equipped with an adjustable suspension system that offers 2.7″ of travel in the front and 3.5″ in the back that can be tweaked from plush to firm allowing the rider find the perfect balance. Features both a rear and front fender for protection. The economy speed will take you 12 miles with a top speed of 12 mph, while the turbo mode goes up to 20 mph for a range of 8 miles. The “Flux-Capacitor”, located on the ergonomically designed handlebar, keeps the rider informed of their charge status to eliminate guesswork, though all these scooter will still glide with human power. The Go-Ped Hoverboard weighs 67 pounds.

Sells for $1,230.88 on Amazon.

Go-Ped I Ped 16 Scooter

Go-Ped I Ped 16 Scooter

Powered by a lithium-ion battery, the Go-Ped I Ped 16 is a lighter weight option that still offers an impressive 18 mile range in economy mode with a top speed of 18 mph. The lighter weight Li-Ion battery technology allows for easier transporting and stowing options. Features both the on-board smart charger and also comes with a 6 amp off-board charger and conditioner that will re-charge the battery in under 2.5 hours. Go-Ped says this is their sleekest and most maneuverable option.

Retails for about $1900 and can be purchased through Amazon.

Go-Ped I Ped 8

Go-Ped I Ped 8

The I Ped 8 is Go-Ped’s entry level commuter scooter and lightest in weight. At 22 pounds, it’s light enough to carry up stairs or stow on a bus or train or under a grocery cart. The I Ped 8 is Go-Ped’s most affordable Li-Ion powered scooter. Can go 9 miles in economy mode with a top speed of 18 mph and a 5 mile range for turbo. Just like the I Ped 16, the I Ped 8 offers both on-board and off-board charging options.

The Go-Ped I Ped 8 sells for around $1,551.49 on Amazon.

Go-Ped Know-Ped Push Scooter

Go-Ped Know-Ped Push Scooter

If you’re looking for a recreational scooter designed for adults, check out the Know-Ped Push Scooter, made from the same high end materials as the electric scooters and folds easy for storage. Weighs 13 pounds and can hold up to 400 pounds. Features front and rear brakes for an ultra-safe design. The Go-Ped Know-Ped has received an average 4 star rating on Amazon and a 4.7 star on Buzzillions. Reviewers raved about the sturdiness, while some were surprised by it’s size, complaining that it was too big and bulky. The Know-Ped is designed for adults and you can compare the size with their smaller version for kids here. Comes in blue, pink, red, or green.

The Go-Ped Know-Ped Push Scooter sells for $159.04 on Amazon.

Now that the e-bike market is maturing in the U.S., I think we’ll be seeing some sophisticated electric bikes released this year. Here are three intriguing e-bikes that have become available so far:

The Eneloop E-Bike by Sanyo

Eneloop E-Bike

Sanyo has introduced an electric bike called the Eneloop. This pedal-assist bike has a barely noticeable 250 watt motor that is designed to help the rider pedal without effort. It has a step-through frame and large tires — recalling classic three-speed Dutch bikes.

The bike also has regenerative braking that charges the battery. When you use the rear brake lever while riding downhill (over 5 mph) and you’ll start to recharge the battery.

This bike sells for $2300, which is a nice price for a bike of this type. The electric motor integration looks to be first-rate.

Available from Amazon.

Kalkhoff Electric Bikes

Kalkhoff E-Bike

A company called Greenlight Bikes has started importing Kalkhoff e-bikes into the U.S. from Germany. Kalkhoff bikes are well known in Europe as great commuter bikes. They use a center-mounted motor that applies power directly to the drive train. They also come with features commuters need on a daily basis including a powerful lighting system, great fenders, chain guards and solid racks.

The bikes are priced from $2500 to $3400, depending on sizes and configurations.

OHM Electric Bikes

Ohm 2010 Electric Bike

Based in British Columbia, OHM Cycles specializes in high-end electric bicycles. They’ve updated their bikes for 2010. The bikes feature 37V 10Ah lithium-magnesium batteries, regenerative braking and 350W BionX motors. Another nice feature is an LCD command console that displays speed, remaining battery charge, and level of assistance or regeneration.

Price ranges from $3300 to $3800.

Available from OHM Cycles.

Sales of electric bikes have spun into high gear this year — some merchants like Amazon are reporting a 6000% increase this summer from last year. This is good news, because, for short trips, the efficiency and convenience of electric bikes is hard to beat.

Here are some statistics that still amaze me: 40% of all trips are made within two miles of the home, and 50% of workers commute five miles or less to work.

I recently heard about an inexpensive electric bike conversion kit that appears to be of good quality. It’s offered by a family-run company called AmpedBikes.

The founder, Danny L. Ray, was unhappy with the quality of the kits he was getting from China, so he visited China and found a company that were willing to build a kit to his specifications, using the parts he chose. The result is a $360 kit that he sells from his website. By comparison, other conversion kits such as the Crystalyte, the Wilderness and the Bionx cost between $500 and $1800.

The AmpedBikes kits incorporate a brushless 36V 500W electric hub, and can be installed on almost any bike with 26″ wheels. Ray says the kits can be installed in about 20 minutes, and he an installation video on his website to show how it’s done.

You will have to provide your own batteries — here’s a FAQ page with some suggestions for finding them (scroll to the bottom).

A company called Ultra Motor has released a new electric bike called the A2B. This bike looks great – I like the functional, minimalist style. The A2B is designed for urban or suburban commutes. According to Ultra Motors, the A2B offers unassisted power on demand for up to 20 miles at a cruising speed of 20mph. At that speed it’s still categorized as a bicycle as opposed to a scooter, moped or motorcycle. No special license is required.

You can double the range by carrying an optional (and more visible) $399 secondary battery pack. You can increase its carrying capacity with the addition of baskets and rear carrier bags.

The 73-pound bike is constructed with aluminum, and it features full suspension, and a 500-watt motor. The lithium-ion battery is well-concealed under the down tube. It will retail for $2500.

The CEO of Ultra Motors, Chris Deyo, says this about the A2B’s price:

If you compare the one-time price of the A2B to the ongoing costs of commuting by car, moped or motorcycle–given the cost of gas, insurance, maintenance, parking, and parking tickets–it’s not so steep. “We found, in talking to folks, that (at) $2,500, it’s a considered purchase, but it’s of value to them,” Deyo said.

Ultra Motor’s design team is in Germany, and manufacturing is in Taiwan. The company’s global headquarters are in London, with the US operation is based in San Francisco, California. Ultra Motor offers two other electric bikes, the Europa and the Portia.

The A2B is expected to be available in September, most likely from bicycle, scooter, and motorcycle dealerships.

Home Page: Ultra Motor

Link: Press Release

The Street Enlightened electric bike from IZip is a good example of a “stealth” electric bike –the batteries are concealed inside the bike’s frame (in the down tube), and the DC motor is integrated into the rear wheel. You don’t have to mention this fact to your fellow cyclists! The bike has a three hour charge time and an electric-assisted range of 23 to 30 miles (38 – 48 Km) with normal pedaling. The battery pack contains twenty 1.2V NiHM (Nickle Metal Hydride) cells, delivering 24V total.

The iZip Street available from Walmart.Com (select “Electric Bikes”) and Amazon.

See also our review of other IZIP bikes here.

Today, electric scooters or electric mopeds are just as powerful as their gasoline-powered counterparts, with the added advantage of being virtually silent, clean machines that can plug into a standard electrical socket to recharge. Typically, a charge will give you enough juice to travel 20-60 miles, depending on the scooter and battery system. Most scooter comes with lead-acid or nickle-metal hybrid (NiMH) batteries, but they can usually be upgraded to the more expensive lithium-ion batteries, which are lighter and last longer. A scooter’s top speed is usually limited or “governed” to 25-28 mph in the U.S. in order to be classified as a “moped”.

In terms of price, basic electric scooters start at $350, and even at this price level you can find a good electric scooter that will serve you well for neighborhood trips. At the high end, $11,000 will buy you the Vectrix (pictured above) which is really an electric motorcycle  — it has top speed of 62 mpg and range of about 60 miles (see more information below).

Let’s start by taking a look at electric scooters that are available for under $1000:

IZIP HG-1000 Hybrid Electric Bike

IZIP HG-100 Electric Hybrid Bike

The IZIP HG-1000 is a popular electric bike from IZIP that sells for around $750. The HG-1000 is called a “hybrid” because has a scooter-type frame, but it can includes pedal for human-assisted power. It has a range of 30-35 miles on a single charge and a top speed of 18 mph. It comes with lead-acid 36 volt batteries and a 240 watt motor. This bike is designed with commuters in mind — it comes standard with an integrated rack, lockable rear trunk, front basket and removable battery box. It also has a keyed power switch, a light, a horn and a battery gauge.

IZIP Sereno Hyrbid Electric Bike

This year, IZIP re-released this bike as the Sereno Hybrid Electric Bike. It has slight variations on the frame and accessories, but the specs are identical.

The IZIP HG-1000 electric bike is available from Amazon for around $750. The IZIP Sereno Hybrid bike is available from BikeMania for $750.

E-Zip Trailz 2008 Electric Scooter Bike

I’ve been testing the E-Zip 2008 Trailz bike. I’ve found that the range of a fully-charged battery is about 10 miles — that’s if you make liberal use of the electric assist. If you just use it to go up hills, the charge will last for about 20 miles. The battery detaches so that you can charge at a cafe or an office. You can also add a second battery for $120 from Currie Technologies, that will double your range (but it will also increase the bike’s weight).

If you use this bike for a commute that is 20 miles or less, you could definitely arrive at the office without breaking a sweat. I was pleased by the power of the motor. It was easy to achieve speeds of 25 mph while pedalling lightly.

The E-Zip Trailz Bike available from Amazon for $370. The women’s version of this bike is available here.

eGo Electric Scooter

The eGo is a stylish, electric scooter, that is well-liked by its owners. It’s built on an anodized aluminium monocoque chassis, and some that bicycle-like design features.

The eGo has a range of 20-25 miles, with a top speed of 23 mph. Twising the throttle will engage either of two operating modes (“Go Far” and “Go Fast”), letting you tailor your ride for either greater distance range or maximum speed.

The eGo’s regenerative braking system captures your momentum as you ride, charging the battery. The built-in 5-amp charger plugs into any standard AC outlet for an 80% recharge in just 3 hours – and a full recharge from empty in 4 to 6 hours.

A built-in rear rack holds briefcases, picnic baskets and extra gear; optional folding rear baskets each hold a full bag of groceries; and optional front basket converts to shopping basket; optional cargo trailer attaches in a snap, folds flat for storage, can haul additional 100 lbs., and keeps brake light visible.

There are three models of the eGo: a classic model which sells for about $1400, and a LX model which has more accessories for about $1900, and a limited “special edition” LX model that features alloy wheels for $2000.

Available from Real Goods for around $1400.

I-Zip EZgo Electric Scooter

Here’s a folding electric bike that can be used as a scooter: the I-Zip EZgo. You can ride it without pedalling for about 10 miles, or you let the motor assist you with pedaling, and go for 18 to 25 miles with speeds up to 18 mph. The I-ZIP EZGo weighs 53 pounds, including the motor.

The bike’s ability to fold makes for easy storage. The EZgo has a simple twist throttle with a battery gauge. The wheels are 16″ heavy duty alloy with stainless steel spokes. The bike includes an integrated rear carrier for storage.

It’s available from Amazon for $649. The bike’s home page is here.

EZip 900 Electric Scooter

Currie Technologies makes an range of electric scooters branded as I-Zip or E-Zip. These are my favourite sub-$1000 brand of scooters. They have a decent build quality, and they can offer you enjoyable trouble-free travel for years. The I-Zip 900 (pictured above) features both a deck for standing and a removable seat for comfort on longer rides. When you need to go a farther distance than a comfortable walk, the I-Zip 900 will get you there and back quickly thanks to its 12-mile range (depending on rider weight) and top speed of 15 MPH.

The I-Zip 900 Electric Scooter is available from Amazon for around $319.

Zapino Electric Scooter

Just about everyone seems to like the Zapino electric scooter by ZAP. Owners like its performance and its well thought-out design (see reports here, here and here). Strangely, ZAP has not marketed the Zapino much. It has a powerful 3000-watt brushless DC hub motor, which, according to ZAP, makes it the most powerful scooter in its class. It has a maximum speed of 40 mph, and its range is “up to 30 miles per charge”.

The hub motor in the rear wheel creates more room on-board for additional batteries. According to ZAP this eliminates the need for belts, or chains, resulting in a more enjoyable ride with less vibration and noise, and a smoother acceleration while reducing overall maintenance.

The Zapino comes with silicon gel batteries, but it will soon be possible to extend the range of the Zapino to 65 miles per charge, with an optional 60V 40AH lithium-ion battery.

The Zapino sells for about $3000.

Available directly from ZAP.

The Vectrix Electric Scooter

The Vectrix is a 100% electric vehicle which is more like an motorcycle than a scooter. The Vectrix goes 62 mph, has a claimed range of 68 miles, and it accelerates faster than most cars at the stoplight. The Vectrix is powered by a low-mounted, 3.7 kilowatt NiMH battery pack that recharges to 80 or 90 percent of capacity in two hours. Three hours is usually enough for a full charge, four if you start from flat empty.

The V is For Voltage forum for the Vectrix is here.

The Vectrix sells for about $11,000.

Update August 2008: The price has reduced to a much more reasonable $8,795 for the 2007 model, and $9,395 for the slightly improved 2008 version. They hope to launch a more modest $5,000 bike in 2009 featuring a “next-gen” NiMH battery that should boost the range by ten miles for a total of 70.

See our full review of this scooter for more details.

Available from these dealers

e-Moto Electric Scooter

The e-Moto Classic is a reto-styled scooter with a range of “up to 50 miles” and a governed top speed of 28 miles. The e-Moto Classic run on a 2000 watt motor, powered by a 48-volt silicon battery pack.

The e-Moto Classic sells for about $3000. A similar moped, the e-Moto Retro sells for about $2200.

Available from NeoScooters.

Skeuter Condor Electric Scooters

The Condor is an attractive, retro-styled scooter by a California distributor called Skeuter. It has a 1500W electric motor that is powered by a 48V Sealed Lead Acid battery pack or an optional lithium ion battery pack, It can be charged from a 110V or 220V outlet in about 6 hours using the 3 amp charger and range is quoted as 40 miles although I would expect more like 15 miles in real world riding. The Condor includes front disk brakes and rear drum brakes. It seat two people.

The Skeuter web site gets my Award for the Ugliest Web Site of The Year.

A commenter below points out an upgraded version of the Skeuter Condor is available here.

Available from these dealers.

The Zapino scooter, made by ZAP, in a company better known for their electric cars, has been getting rave reviews. Many Zapino owners report that this scooter performs really well and is quite reliable (see here and here). It’s also relatively inexpensive, being sold for just under $3000. It has a powerful 3000-watt brushless DC hub motor, which, according to ZAP, makes it the most powerful scooter in its class. This motor is so powerful it can win drag races against gas scooters, with speed and acceleration that leaves the polluters in their own dust. It has a maximum speed of 30 mph, and can it’s range is “up to 30 miles per charge”. It will soon be possible to extend the range of the Zapino to 65 miles per charge, with an optional 60V 40AH lithium-ion battery.

The hub motor in the rear wheel creates more room on-board for additional batteries. According to ZAP this eliminates the need for belts, or chains, resulting in a more enjoyable ride with less vibration and noise, and a smoother acceleration while reducing overall maintenance.

This scooter has some nice storage areas for grocery runs.

Available from: Electric Scooter Galore

Zapino images via Maxdunn on Flickr.