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The newest way to add electric-assist to a bicycle is to use a motor built into the hub of the rear bicycle wheel. The hub motor' s shaft is stationary and the outer casing spins, turning the rim and tire to which it is spoked. The EVSkeeter, a recumbent bike design by Mike Saari (pictured at right), uses an 800-watt Heinzmann hub motor, a 40-pound, 24-volt sealed lead-acid battery pack, and Heinzmann's specialized cruise-control system. A thumb switch activates the motor, aiding or entirely replacing pedal input from the rider. The EVSkeeter has a 25 mph top speed, a range of 30 miles, brisk acceleration, and is classified as a motorized bicycle, bypassing the need for a driver's license, vehicle registration and insurance in most states.

The hub motor is quiet and simple, has few parts, and avoids interfering with the stock chainworks, making it easier to maintain and service. Heinzmann retrofit motor kits are priced from $1,100. [Both the Panasonic E-hybrid and Heinzmann hub motor kits are available from Electric Bikes Northwest; (206) 547-4621; www.electricvehiclesnw.com .]

Electrified recumbent bicycles, like the EVSkeeter Model 20 ($2,995), combine a comfortable chair seat with the speed and range to create a practical substitute for most car trips. Because the bike is lower to the ground, which greatly reduces wind-drag, a rider of an electric recumbent bike covers the same ground in about three-quarters of the time that it takes a standard-bike rider. [The EVSkeeter is currently only available in California. For more information, visit www.skeeterEV.com or call (650) 493-7633.1

Widely used in Europe, scooters and mopeds are ideal for zipping around town. Electric scooter and mopeds avoid the pollution, noise and reliability problems of most gasoline-engine mopeds.

Scooters range from the Zappy Turbo, a folding electric scooter with a range of 5 miles and top speed of 18 mph [$399; (800) 251-4555; www.zapworld.com ], to the mid-size EGo, which will cover more than 20 miles at a speed of 16 to 21 mph [$1,599; (800) 979-4346; www.egovehicles.com ]. For commuters who have farther to travel, the Voloci can travel 50 miles at speeds up to 30 mph [$2,000 to $2,500; (888) 353-4464; www.voloci.com ].

Electric motorcycles offer distinct advantages over their gas-powered relatives. The Viento A5 wraps stylish plastic body parts around a strong sheet-metal frame, fully enclosing its 6-horsepower Briggs E-Tec electric motor and 12-volt, 70-amp-hour battery pack. Licensed as a moped, the Viento A5 is speed-limited to 30 mph and has a range of 30 to 50 miles [$3,500; (310) 475-0381; www.theelectriccyclecompany.com ].

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