I’ve been testing the Vers 2x iPod speaker system. This system is one of the most energy efficient and sustainable products I’ve come across. The casing is crafted out of wood (either cherry, bamboo or walnut). The wood comes only from plantation forests, and each speaker system is hand-finished. This is a refreshing change from the usual dull plastic that is used to house electronics.

The Vers 2x is also RoHS compliant, which indicates that the electronics are free from particually hazardous components (lead, cadmium, mercury, hexavalent chromium, polybrominated biphenyl (PBB) and polybrominated diphenyl ether (PBDE) flame retardants).

The Vers 2x uses energy efficient components, such as a low-draw class D amplifier (see Class D Amplifiers Are Shrinking and Greening Your Electronics). I’ve tested it with a Kill-A-Watt electrical usage monitor, and the speakers draw 2-3 watts while playing music, while idle it draws virtually zero watts.

The Vers says the system uses 50% less than comparable products.

The sounds performance is good — the wood casing helps to produce bass tones, and the system can easily fill a room with music.

It also comes in 100% recycled packaging.

It’ss available from Amazon for $149 – 179.

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.

Update: See our newer post The Best Flashlights Of 2009

What are the most efficient flashlights available today? We think LED-based flashlights are the only ones worthy of consideration. LEDs will shine longer than other bulbs, and can withstand shocks and temperature extremes. The best LED flashlights incorporate bright, high-quality LEDs with regulatory circuits that insure a consistent, long-lasting light.

Here are some of the top rated flashlights, based on the reviews at the comprehensive (but complicated) Flashlight Reviews site, and reviews by Amazon buyers.

If you want to run your flashlight on rechargeable batteries, check out our review of the Best Rechargeable Batteries of 2008.

Fenix L2D-CE Flashlight

FlashLightReviews Rating: 5/5 Stars (In-Depth Review)
Amazon Buyer’s Rating: 5/5 Stars
Price: $53-59
Website: Fenix Light
Summary: Waterproof, impact resistant, good battery life, bright, easy battery change, lightweight, stands up, multiple output modes.

Fenix makes great, versatile flashlights. The L2D-CE incorporates the Cree XR-E high output, high efficiency LED (about double the efficiency of earlier Luxeon LEDs) as a light source. It’s powered with easy-to-find AA  batteries including rechargeable cells, or high output L91 Lithium AA cells. These flashlights are small and lightweight and have a type III anodize hard coat finish. The circuitry adjusts to the use of either one or two AA cells which can be either alkaline, NiMH or lithium.

Fenix has now released the Fenix L2D-CE Q5 Premium (Cree Q5 Edition LED). This model is exactly like the L2D-CE with the same battery runtime, but it runs brighter in all modes.

Available from Amazon: L2D-CE Fenix and Fenix L2D-CE Q5 Premium (Cree Q5 Edition LED) ($53-59).

Surefire L4 Digital LumaMax Flashlight

FlashLightReviews Rating: 5/5 Stars (In-Depth Review)
Amazon Rating: 5/5 Stars
Price: $156
Website: Surefire
Summary: The L4 Lumamax boasts superb design and LED brightness. It has a bulb that should never fail, and is small enough to fit in your pocket.

This high-end flashlight is made by Surefire. It is one of the first production lights to utilize the new Luxeon V LED. This amazing LED is capable of output better than traditional high pressure xenon incandescent bulbs without the worry of the bulb blowing. Inside the head is a regulator circuit that will drive the 5W LED for 1 hour at full brightness with diminishing output thereafter. Output is much whiter than that of a standard incandescent bulb and the beam does not turn yellow as it dims like normal incandescent bulbs. The L4 Lumamax uses two 123a lithium batteries for power.

The Surefire L4 Digital LumaMax LED is available from Amazon.

Inova X5 LED Flashlight

FlashLightReviews Rating: 5/5 Stars (In-Depth Review)
Amazon Buyer’s Rating: 5/5 Stars
Price: $33
Website: Inova

Summary: Waterproof, impact resistant, good battery life, good brightness, easy battery change.

The Inova X5 LED Flashlight has been advertised as being an “LED floodlight for extreme conditions”. Based upon the durability and general overall quality of the light, I would have to agree. It is a great light that should last for many years even under harsh conditions.

Available from Amazon: Inova X5 LED Flashlight ($33)

ARC AAA Premium Flashlight

FlashLightReviews Rating: 5/5 Stars (In-Depth Review)
Amazon Buyer’s Rating: 5/5 Stars
Price: $40-50
Website: Arc

Summary: Regulator circuit, near-constant brightness, brighter than normal LED, extremely hard protective anodize, easy-to-grip bezel and body, watertight, uses inexpensive batteries, recessed (protected) LED, good beam, great manufacturer support

This keychain-sized flashlight is the ARC AAA Premium from ARC. These lights use the new brighter Nichia CS white 5mm LEDs. The head includes a patented Arc step-up inverter as well as a voltage regulator allowing the ARC to run on a single AAA battery at near full brightness for about 5 hours before switching to a low light level known as “moon mode”. The body includes a split ring attachment point at the end and a small split ring allowing the ARC to be attached to a keychain or lanyard. The head is sealed with an O-ring, creating a watertight seal. The electronics in the head are embedded in epoxy and are not susceptible to water damage. The inside of the head of the light includes a foam ring to minimize battery rattle when off. The light is turned on by twisting the head until the inside of the head contacts the battery.

Available from: Arc ($40-50)

Mag Instruments Mini Maglite

FlashLightReviews Rating: None
Amazon Buyer’s Rating: 4/5 Stars
Price: $27

Mag Instruments have made great quality flashlights for decades, and I am happy to see they are now incorporating LEDs into their designs. The Mini Maglite seen here has a 3 Watt LED and runs on 2 AA batteries. The light output from this flashlight is clean, focusable, artifact free, has good color and is about 5 times brighter than the non-LED version. The light still supports “candle mode” too. The flashlight is about 1″ larger than the non-LED version. Light output is fairly consistent and strong for a over 3 hours.

The AA Mini LED Maglite available from Amazon.

Streamlight Propolymer 3C Luxeon Flashlight

FlashLightReviews Rating: 5/5 Stars (In-Depth Review)
Amazon Buyer’s Rating: 5/5 Stars
Price: $37
Website: Streamlight

The Streamlight ProPolymer Luxeon series is proving to be a really fantastic set of lights. The Streamlight 3C Propolymer Luxeon Flashlight uses the luxeon star LED to produce a long range brilliance and smooth uniform light pattern.

The bezel/head area consists of a black plastic shroud, a polycarbonate lens with scratch resistant coating, and a lamp assembly with a deep, smooth reflector. The lamp assembly contains the reflector, the Luxeon I LED and a regulator circuit that does a very good job of driving the LED at constant brightness for several hours. The lamp assembly is made mostly of metal to absorb waste heat from the LED. The assembly also contains two catalyst pellets to remove waste hydrogen which may form inside the battery compartment.

The Streamlight Propolymer 3C Luxeon Division 1 light case is “O” ring sealed and water proof. Powered by three C alkaline batteries, not included, it runs up to four hours.

Available from Amazon: Streamlight 3C Propolymer Luxeon Flashlight ($37)

This waterproof casing goes on top of a iRiver. There is also another waterproof MP3 player by Finis that uses bone conduction to produce sound underwater.

Available from: H2O Audio