At the other end of the spectrum from the $13,000 Optibike that I wrote about a few weeks back is the E-Zip 2008 Trailz Hybrid Electric Bike. The E-Zip is built by Currie Technologies and uses a DC motor with a 24-volt sealed lead acid battery pack that locks onto the rear rack. The bikes are being sold through a number of retailers, including Walmart! (gasp!)
From reports I’ve read online, (Treehugger, for one) the bike is a bit on the heavy side, but its performance is pretty decent, especially considering the price. Range is about 15 miles or so, top speed of about 20mph… Sounds a lot like my e-bike, but with a lot less hassle involved in getting it on the road.
Heck, if I’d known about these things before buying mine, I probably would’ve gone that route instead. If only it weren’t for the Walmart connection…