Electric bikes aren’t new technology, but they are rapidly becoming a new trend among those interested in lowering their gasoline bill alongside their environmental footprint.

Electric bicycles work much like motorcycles, but run off of an electrically charged battery that you remove from the bike and plug into an electrical outlet, rather than a gasoline engine. Typically riders can get about 20 miles per charge.  

According to the National Bicycle Dealers Association, electric bike sales have increased from 6,000 sold in 2006, to 10,000 sold in 2007. Sellers like Amazon and NYCeWheels, expect sales numbers for 2008 to show an even more dramatic increase, due in part to gas prices, but also the public's greater dedication to environmental stewardship.

A few electric bike tidbits:

-Some countries do not require a vehicle driving license
-Helmets should be worn while operating the bike
-Speed restrictions apply in some areas, such as in the US with a limit of 20 MPH
-Batteries range in material make-up from lead, to variations of nickel and cadmium content, as well as lithium content. Each battery has a unique life expectancy. When the battery is no longer functioning, properly dispose of the battery by contacting the supplier or a local recycling center.