There has been much discussion in the media lately (including a fair amount of misinformation) regarding the phase-out of traditional incandescent light bulbs in the United States.  Read on to separate the reality from the hype, and to learn more about efficient lighting technologies that will save energy and cut your power bills.

What Exactly Are These New Guidelines For Light Bulbs?
Well, first of all, they’re not really new – they’re provisions of 2007′s Energy Independence and Security Act, but they’re just now beginning to take effect.  They aren’t requiring any overnight changes either – the regulations call for a gradual phase-out of the most inefficient bulbs between 2012 and 2014.  The 2012 restrictions will begin by phasing out old-style 100-watt incandescent bulbs, and by 2014 they will limit 40-watt bulbs.

It’s worth noting that the guidelines will NOT actually ban incandescent bulbs – they simply require that any bulb (incandescent, fluorescent, or any other type) meet an improved level of energy efficiency.  Also, specialty bulbs like those for appliances and floodlights will generally be exempt from the restrictions.

Out With Watts, In With Lumens
Wattage used to be the simplest standard for judging a light bulb’s brightness, but no more.  Alternative lighting sources like LEDs and fluorescent bulbs produce light while using far less power, and even incandescent bulbs have improved in their efficiency.  So it’s time to stop comparing apples and oranges, and instead focus on a consistent measure of how much light is being produced:  lumens.

Lumens offer a standardized measure of light output, and as manufacturers begin to list lumens instead of wattages on bulb packaging, consumers will be able to more accurately compare the performance of different products regardless of their energy usage.

New Labels Will Make It Easier To Compare Lighting Products (image: FTC)

New Federal Trade Commission guidelines for light bulb packaging will further assist buyers:  by mid-2011 other information in addition to lumen output will also be clearly labeled, including annual energy costs and a bulb’s typical lifespan.

What Will Replace Old Incandescents?
There are a number of technologies on the market that will let consumers meet the new EISA guidelines, and save money as well:

Compact Fluorescent Lights (CFLs)

Compact Fluorescent Lightbulbs (CFLs) offer substantial energy savings, and they are fairly inexpensive.  The quality of light they provide has improved markedly in recent years as well.  Their biggest drawback is their mercury content, which means that broken bulbs must be carefully cleaned up and CFLs must be properly disposed of when they burn out.

MetaEfficient’s Pick:  Check out GE’s Energy Smart compact fluorescent bulbs, available in a range of models including Bright Daylight ($8.20 for two) and Soft White ($19.16 for six).

Light Emitting Diodes (LEDs)

Zetalux LED Light Bulb

Bulbs that use solid-state light emitting diodes (LEDs) are continuing to evolve and improve.  Although they are still relatively expensive, they are the longest lasting and most energy-efficient bulbs available, and they contain no toxic materials.  For more details, check out this recent MetaEfficient post about LED lighting.

MetaEfficient’s Pick:  The EarthLED Zetalux LED Light Bulb was recently profiled in this article.  It’s available for $30.60 at Amazon.

Electron Stimulated Luminescence (ESLs)

Electron Stimulated Luminescence (ESL) Bulb By Vu1

Electron Stimulated Luminescence is the new kid on the lighting block.  Phosphors within a glass bulb are electrified to emit visible light, and the result is a light source that’s up to 70% more efficient that incandescent bulbs while using no toxic chemicals like mercury.  This recent MetaEfficient article about ESL bulbs takes a closer look at the new technology.

MetaEfficient’s Pick:  Right now, the only ESL bulbs on the market are produced by Vu1 Corporation.  You can learn more or place an order at the Vu1 website.

Better Incandescent Bulbs

Halogena Light Bulb From Philips

Although they still can’t match the performance of some other technologies, some next-generation incandescent bulbs are far more energy efficient than those of a few years ago (thanks largely to redesigned filament components).  For example, the Halogena line from Philips claims 30% better efficiency and three times longer life compared to traditional incandescent bulbs.

MetaEfficient’s Pick:  The Philips Halogena Light Bulb is available from Amazon ($16.99 for a 2-pack).

Which new types of energy efficient lighting are you using in your home?  Leave a comment below and let us know.

World's Largest Solar Roof To Power High Speed Rail Station in China

Efficiency abounds in China as the world’s largest building integrated photovoltaic project prepares to power the railway station where some of the world’s fastest high speed trains pass through. China Sunergy, a solar cell and module manufacturer based in Nanjing, China, has recently signed a deal with CEEG (Nanjing) Solar Energy Research Institute to supply the 7MW solar modules for the Nanjing South Railway Station. When it’s finished, the Nanjing South Railway Station will be one of the most energy efficient public buildings in China.

Solar Powered Nanjing South Railway Station

Mr. Stephen Zhifang Cai, CEO of China Sunergy said of the BIPV project, “We are very happy to see our high-quality solar panels being used in this landmark project, which will certainly raise public awareness and appreciation of renewable energy. We look forward to playing an increasingly bigger role in building China’s eco-friendly projects.”

Solar Powered Shanghai Hongqiao Station

This isn’t the first evidence of China’s commitment to reducing carbon emissions and developing renewable energy. The Shanghai Hongqiao Railway Station went on the grid in July 2010 with a 6.7 MW solar roof integrated into the building’s awnings. Yu Hailong, general manager of the China Energy Conservation and Environmental Protection Group (CECEP), the project’s developer, said in July that the BIPV technology will “help stimulate the development of solar energy in China and promote the construction of more environmentally friendly railway stations”. Yes, his prediction is coming to fruition.

Meanwhile, here in the U.S., many of our railway stations have been destroyed or are wallowing in urban decay, such as the Michigan Central Station in Detroit.

Michigan Central Station in Detroit

Perhaps pictures such as this could inspire decision makers in Washington to take a few notes on China’s use of both renewable energy and efficient forms of transportation.

[Via: Clean Technica]

VU1 ESL Light Bulb

Retailers are gearing up to meet deadlines for the incandescent light bulb ban. Ikea has already stopped selling the inefficient bulbs. And California has pulled the plug and is letting current supplies run down. Many incandescent lovers are shedding tears and hating on the mercury-containing CFLs and the more expensive (though infinitely more efficient) LEDs. So here come the ESLs. The VU1 Corporation has developed a light bulb using Electron Stimulated Luminescence that the company claims to be more efficient than incandescent, CFL, and LED bulbs.

Though using this patented technology in lighting is new, the science itself is by no means cutting edge. It works in the same way that a cathode ray television works- electrons stimulate phosphors inside the bulb to make them glow. The VU1 Corporation is marketing their bulbs as having the same light quality as an incandescent, yet up to 70% more efficient. They’re taking on the LEDs with a cheaper sticker price. And by not containing any mercury, they are a safer option over the CFLs.  They also have dimming capability and come on instantly, fit into a standard socket and have a similar shape to the Edison bulbs. Here is a comparison photo from the VU1 website:

VU1 Light Quality

Energy efficiency compared to an LED though is still in question. The VU1 bulb produces 30 lumens per watt, the equivalent of a 65 watt incandescent. LED technology continues to advance rapidly with some LEDs producing 3 times that many lumens per watt. And the LED holds the top spot when it comes to longevity. The VU1 bulb lasts 10,000 hours, while LEDs average 40,000-60,000 hours. Check out our guide to LEDs here.

Nevertheless, the ESL is an energy efficient and environmentally friendly lighting option and VU1 could find a nice slice of the light bulb market, especially as the incandescent bulbs leave the building. As stated in this report on Bloomberg, VU1 is in talks with two major retailers in the U.S. to begin selling the ESL bulbs. The bulb, which received UL certification in October, currently sells on the company’s website for $19.95.

[Via: Technology Review]

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.

Electric Cars Making A Comeback in 2011

2011 is being heralded by auto industry insiders as the “year of the electric car”. Though we here at Metaefficient endorse a life free of dependency upon cars, 100% electric vehicles are certainly more fuel efficient than internal combustion vehicles and may be on their way to becoming user-friendly as well.

For 2011 consumers interested in electric vehicles will have an array of options to choose from.Currently, the biggest news makers are Nissan with its’ 100% electric powered Leaf and Chevrolet with the Volt, while other major car companies have electric vehicles in development. Since sales of hybrid cars have increased while new car sales overall has decreased, manufacturers are confident that people are ready to embrace electric vehicles. Forecast predictions are optimistic. Executive Vice President of Nissan, Carlos Tavares, anticipates that “electric vehicles will account for 10 percent of all cars sold globally by 2020″. Though with the cost of an electric car still hovering above the $30,000 mark, other industry experts disagree. Here’s an overview of what’s available and what to look for in the coming year.

2011 Nissan Leaf

2011 Nissan Leaf

The 2011 Nissan Leaf launches the official beginning to mass market production of a 100% electric powered vehicle. Powered by an 80 kilowatt electric motor using a 24 kWh lithium-ion battery, the Nissan Leaf boasts swift acceleration with an ultra-quiet cabin and speeds up to 90 mph. On a full charge, the Leaf has a range of 62-138 miles depending upon driving conditions. The EPA rating on the Leaf is 106 mpg city, 92 mpg highway, and 99 mpg combined with an estimated driving range of 73 miles. Recharging the battery at home will take around 4-8 hours. A commercial charge station can charge it in 30 minutes. The standard navigation system will display charging stations available along your route. Nissan says the average life of the battery is 5-10 years depending on usage. With the $7,500 federal tax savings applied, the cost of the Nissan Leaf comes down from the MSRP price of $32,780 to $25,280.

2011 Chevrolet Volt

2011 Chevrolet Volt

Though technically a hybrid, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt is being included in the electric vehicle category because it is able to operate in an electric-only mode. After traveling about 40 miles on a 111 kilowatt, 149 horsepower electric motor, the onboard gasoline powered generator kicks in to supply the electricity needed to travel another 300 miles. The most advance hybrid vehicle, the 2011 Chevrolet Volt has been named by Motor Trend magazine as the car of the year. Edmunds states it may be the most fuel efficient car on the market. The EPA rating on the Volt is 93 mpg equivalent using the all electric mode and 37 mpg when the gas is on. What you save in fuel economy though will be paid for at the dealership. The MSRP on the 2011 Chevy Volt is $40,280. Apply the federal tax credit and you’ll still be looking at a sticker price of at least $33,000. Also, the lithium-ion battery can only be charged at home.

2011 Tesla Roadster

2011 Tesla Roadster

So maybe you don’t have an extra 100k lying around and probably you’re name isn’t George Clooney, but there’s no denying the fact the 2011 Tesla Roadster sends a lightning bolt of sexy into owning an electric vehicle. With 288 horsepower, the carbon fiber Roadster reaches 60 mph in 3.7 seconds with a top speed of 125 mph. It can go for 245 miles on a full charge. A 2011 Tesla Roadster will set you back $109,000. But as Tesla boasts unrivaled performance and the industry’s best battery, we can only hope that the advanced engineering of Tesla will trickle down to other car companies.

Still to Come in 2011

Ford Focus eV

Ford is set to unveil its’ electric version of the Ford Focus at the 2011 Consumer Electronics Show. The car pictured has been featured on the Tonight Show with Jay Leno’s “Green Car Challenge”. Ford is set to release an estimated 5,000 lithium-ion battery-powered vehicles over the next couple years with an estimated range of 100 miles. BYD Auto has a line of electric vehicles manufactured in China and backed by investor, Warren Buffet. They are set to debut an all electric crossover and a plug-in hybrid SUV at the 2011 Detroit Auto show, though they may face obstacles breaking through the made in China label with U.S. consumers.

Toyota is set to release a plug-in hybrid version of the Prius in 2012. It will work similarly to the Chevy Volt, but is anticipated to cost as much as $10,000 less at a cost of $29,900 before tax incentives. Mitsubishi could beat Toyota to the under $30,000 price point though as it plans to start selling the 2012 Mitsubishi i in the U.S. beginning fall 2011. The Mitsubishi i is currently the best selling electric car in Japan and the U.S. version will be more powerful with an average 85 mile range. Honda will enter the green car price war with the electric version of the Honda Fit in 2012, also expected, perhaps optimistically, to be priced under $30,000.

Bottom line: the electric vehicle industry is knocking on the door to tomorrow, but to gain entry the cost to consumers may need to come down by developing even more efficient battery technology or by embracing the battery switching ingenuity of Better Place to appeal to a larger market. Should be interesting to watch as the auto industry battles for the electric vehicle customer. In the meantime, if you’re not ready to take the EV plunge, then you can always take the train.

Reverse Osmosis Water Filters

Reverse osmosis for the home is a water purifying method in which tap water is forced through a semi-permeable membrane that prevents bacteria and minerals from passing through to produce a more pure form of drinking water. The choice of a water filtration system depends on if you’re looking to rid of a specific contaminant or if you’re generally looking for cleaner tasting water. For a full description of home water filter choices see our Best Rated Water Filters of 2010.

Advantages of reverse osmosis include removal of a substantial amount of unwanted contaminants including lead, mercury, iron, chloride, and even fluoride. Reverse osmosis is a greener and ultimately more affordable alternative to purchasing bottled water due to waste as well as potential harmful chemicals found in plastic bottles. Also, not all bottled water is treated with reverse osmosis, with many brands containing mere tap water. Though reverse osmosis is more energy efficient than other water filtration systems, one disadvantage is that it uses water to make water with approximately 3-8 gallons of water used to make 1 gallon of pure water. However, it’s still considered an efficient way to get contaminant-free drinking and cooking water in your home. Most systems come with an installation kit and instructions for home installation. The following are our picks for home faucet reverse osmosis water systems.

Watts WP5-50 Premier Five-Stage Manifold Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment System

Watts WP5-50 Premier Five-Stage Manifold Reverse Osmosis Water Treatment System

This under the counter reverse osmosis system by Watts offers 5 stages of filtration. The first stage traps particles such as dirt and sediment. Stages 2 and 3 are both carbon block which is important in removing chlorine from drinking water and will also protect the next filtering stage from the harmful effects of chlorinated water. The fourth stage is the reverse osmosis itself which will remove arsenic, lead, salt, parasitic cysts, and other harmful contaminants. The fifth stage uses a GAC filter which polishes the water as it leaves the tank and makes its’ way up to the included water dispensing faucet. The Watts system uses a 3 gallon water tank and comes with a 3 year limited warranty. The filters last for a year and are replacement filters are reasonably priced at $40.00 Amazon reviewers have given it a 4.5 star rating. This unit is NSF certified.

Sells for $183.68 on Amazon.

Purenex 5 Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System

Purenex 5 Stage Reverse Osmosis Water Filter System

This system sold by Purenex uses the 5 stages of filtration similar to the other under the counter systems. The Purenex refills twice as fast as other systems, making an impressive 100 gallons a day of pure drinking water. The automatic shut-off valve kicks in when the tank is full to prevent excess waste. Comes with a lead-free faucet for water dispensing. High-quality filters are recommended to be changed once a year and are similarly priced at around $40. The Purenex comes with a one year warranty excluding the filters and membrane and is NSF certified.

Sold on Amazon for $155.99.

Watts 500315 Counter-Top Drinking Water Filter

Watts 500315 Counter-Top Drinking Water Filter

In comparison to under-the-sink models, counter-top reverse osmosis filters are less expensive and have the added benefit of being portable. They are easy to install by attaching to the main faucet and sit next to the sink, which frees up space under your cabinet, but do take up that counter space. They don’t have the extensive filtration process as the bigger ones, but they still remove sediment, chlorine, and lead for a cleaner tasting drinking water. You’ll still want to make sure it has a carbon block filter and the the Watts 500315 does, accepting any 10-inch replacement filter, which are inexpensive and only need to be changed out yearly. The Watts has received a 4 out of 5 star rating by Amazon reviewers and is NSF certified.

The Watts 500315 sells on Amazon for $38.84.

Pure Water Products Countertop Model 77

Pure Water Products Countertop Model 77

Pure Waters Products is a company based in Texas who specialize in water filtration. Their counter-top model 77 is their best seller and they’ve been perfecting it since the late 80s. Pure Waters offers a lifetime guarantee and stocks all replacement parts. The model 77 is portable or can be converted to use under the sink. Filters need to be replaced yearly. They also offer a variety of styles and colors. You can also choose between their stainless steel standard gooseneck faucet or a long reach spout. Though it’s not the cheapest or the most expensive, Pure Waters uses high quality components to make what they claim to be the best water filter. All Pure Water Products are NSF certified.

You can order the Pure Water Products Model 77 here.

Countertop Superior Water Filter System

Countertop Superior Water Filter System

The Countertop Superior Water Filter easily installs onto your faucet with a diverter valve and uses a 1 micron carbon block filter which needs to be replaced yearly with standard 10″ filters. One advantage of a clear casing for your filter is you can see what’s being filtered. However, for some, this can also be a disadvantage. Flow rate is .75 gallons per minute. Amazon reviewers have given this model by Superior an average 4.5 stars out of 38 reviews. And as the others, the Superior is NSF certified.

Sells for $43.38 on Amazon.

Zetalux LED Light Bulb

Update: See our latest post on LED Light Bulbs For The Home.

I recently had the chance to test two state-of-the-art LED light bulbs from EarthLED. LED bulbs have many advantages over incandescents and compact fluorescent: they use very little power, they last 10 years or more, and they contain no hazardous substances. They are also tough: they can be dropped and turned off and on repeated without damage, they can operate in very cold or warm temperatures.

LED bulbs can also save you money in the long term, because an incandescent bulb requires about $300 worth of electricity over ten years of use. The LED bulbs cost $40 (for the 60 watt equivalent Zetalux) and $50 (for the 100 watt equivalent Evolux), and their cost to run over ten years is about $38.

The Zetalux

The first EarthLED bulb I tested was the ZetaLux LED (pictured above). This bulb produces a pleasing warm white light.

Until recently, LED bulbs were only capable of producing a stark, cool white light, so I was happy about the color temperature of this bulb (it’s rated at 3000K). The bulb didn’t need to warm up like a compact fluorescent, and there was no flickering at all.

The Zetalux uses a CREE LED engine and features a high CRI or Color Rendering Index (75 for cool white and 80 for warm white). The bulb is rated at 7 watts. However, when I tested it with a Kill-A-Watt meter it was drawing only 5 watts.

The warm white version of the Zetalux produces 350 lumens, and the cool white produces 450 lumens. Comparing LED bulbs and other bulb solely on lumens is tricky because LED bulbs tend to make better use of their lumens in recessed fixtures (see this page for more details). EarthLED says the bulbs are equivalent to a 50-60 watt incandescent bulb.

The Zetalux LED Bulb illuminating my hallway.

The Zetalux currently sells for $40. The bulb costs about $2 per year to run, assuming it’s left on 8 hours a day and the cost of electricity is $.10 per KWh.

The Evolux

The second bulb I tested was a cool white Evolux. This 13 watt bulb produces 1075 lumens, and according to EarthLED is equivalent to a 100 watt incandescent. This bulb is definitely bright — it illuminates my garage quite well.

EarthLED says the Zetalux and Evolux will become the first FCC and Underwriter’s Laboratory (UL) listed LED light bulbs on the market at the end of 2008. Both bulbs are RoHS compliant.

EarthLED will be releasing a dimmable version of the ZetaLux, and a new version of the Evolux in early 2009.

These bulbs are available from GoGreenSolar

Koncept has released a new series of their I-Tower LED floor lamps. It’s good to see LED floor lamps becoming widely available. These lamps use the latest generation of high-power LEDs, which means they are brighter than the older I-Tower lamps, but they actually uses less power (8.8 watts). There are two models: a daylight version (~5500 Kelvin) and a warm white version (~3500 Kelvin). The lamps have a built-in 4 step dimmer. Koncept says the lifespan of these lamps is “at least 40,000 operating hours”. They are available from Amazon for $195.

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)