We should have seen it coming...

[Grog]

In theory I'm not against it. But I had to read this sentence a few times:

"But, if your workplace is within 5 miles, you may want to consider using a gas-powered bicycle."

Shouldn't it be the opposite: "if your workplace is more than 5 miles away, then you may want to consider using a gas-powered bicycle."? *sigh*

And what was wrong with the previous electric bicycles?

Pedaling this when the engine is not on must be pretty tough/heavy...

[vermonster]

I have a huge issue with the line about your workplace being within 5 miles---if you're that close, pedal to work.

[Flybye]

I have a huge issue with the line about your workplace being within 5 miles---if you're that close, pedal to work.

I live within 2 miles of my job and I almost always drive. I have to transport clients quite often and the idea of pumping them to their appointments just doesn't appeal to me

[KnottedYet]

I live within 2 miles of my job and I almost always drive. I have to transport clients quite often and the idea of pumping them to their appointments just doesn't appeal to me

Here ya go! http://www.pedicab.com/

Problem solved!

[madscot13]

Oh I really want a revo wheel. sometimes pedalling just seems like too much. I also cannot pedal 20mph anyways.

[Flybye]

Here ya go! http://www.pedicab.com/

Problem solved!

That brings enabling to a whole new level...................... Thanks for the laugh!! I'd really have to LOVE my job a whole big freaking bunch to get that puppy strapped to my bike!! Nosiree...... I'll just continue to burn a hole in the ozone while I wait for hydrogen powered vehicles to be priced in the 5 grand price range!!

[madscot13]

I'm a fan of the Revo wheel and I dare anyone to call me lazy. As far as transportation goes I think I may have taken the hard way around. Living in MN without car is sort of hard. It involves a lot of compromise and hardwork moving between the suburbs and St. Paul. Living in DC with only a bike is a life risk.

Powered bikes are already here either gas or electric. The Revomotor, which I am anticipating to be really exciting- if it ever comes out, it has been delayed for a year or so now.

I think it is quite inventive: it is simpler to set up than electric bike motors, and does not need to be recharged either. Also rechargeable batteries have a limit to how many times they can be recharged after which they are discarded. current gas motors are pretty loud, so loud that I seldom here see them around. It's also just a wheel- nothing crazy requiring rack mounts and special bags.

I'm living without a car right now and I intend to do it for quite some time. The only thing is I'm a slow biker and I have places to go. When I decided to stay in DC for another year, I strongly considered buying a moped. If we are going to talk about consumerism and environmental waste that would have been a huge mistake. I would have rushed out to buy a product that required a lot to build in the first place and I'm not sure how long I would be using it when I have a perfectly fine bike that can probably haul more than the average moped. The Revo wheel would have let me use something I already have (REUSE!) or take a friends old junker mountain bike and use it as a new form of transportation. The way it looks, I think I could disconnect the throttle and switch out the wheels when I wanted to just ride my bike. But for getting up around and buying groceries I think it would be awesome.

Okay, so the marketing is trying to appeal to a broad audience, but I think anything is better than driving a car when you don't need to. What is the percentage of gasoline used to move the car? The car has its place but I don't have children, large objects to haul, or work related needs. Without getting too crazy, there is this idea that if you really want people to understand your point of view, a concept, or some theory you need to sync with their way of thinking and either stretch it or tweak it just a bit. Get people on their bikes remind them of the feeling of flight. Maybe they will catch on. maybe the motor will cut out on them and they will have to pedal. maybe they will enjoy it. People do drive for 5 miles and they have their reasons, but this could be an alternative. When I was in college I didn't know that everything I needed to get to was within 3 miles, it took some time but when I realized that you can't imagine how much more biking I did.

sorry for the rant but I really believe that this thing could be awesome.
But I also agree with everyone, it is time to do something about the state we are in.

[Tuckervill]

Maybe the "5 miles" thing has to do with the thing's cruising distance at max speed? The article doesn't really clarify that. It gets 200 miles to the gallon, but it doesn't hold a gallon of gas--it holds a bottle's worth.

I think it's a good idea. Would I buy it? Maybe, under the right circumstances.

Karen