Test-Drive an E-Bike

E-bikes can't be beat for short hops around town.
Also see America's 10 Most Walkable Cities and our Gallery of Electric Bikes

Photo: Corey Radlund / Schwinn

By The Daily Green Staff

For short hops around town, to run errands or to just enjoy the countryside up close, ditch your car for an E-bike: The boost your pedaling will get from an electric motor, when you want it, gives you the freedom to get around town unencumbered, get some exercise and enjoy the outdoors. You can bike 15-20 miles before you'll need to recharge the batteries.

You can buy an E-bike ready made, or purchase a retrofit kit for your current bike. Prices vary (for instance, Schwinn carries a line priced from $1,499.99-$1,999.99).

While they cost more than a conventional bike, they are cheap compared with other motorized options. (And when it comes time to dispose of the batteries, enter your zip code into a tool on Earth911.org for your nearest recycling center.)