Does it go uphill, like in Queen Ann Hill?

Sometimes people forget that one of the most satisfying things about riding bikes is the simple freedom derived from pedaling from place to place.

A shop in Fremont sells those things. They've been multiplying like lice. And yes they go up the hill, disturbingly fast.

Purity be damned, there's no way in hell I'd ever try riding a bike up Highland Park Way (even the thought of going down that monster hill at full tilt makes me nervous...)

I would love to use a bike as my primary transportation, but between the trucks, the buses, and the crazy drivers, there's not enough manuverability room on the street unless you're a biking expert.

they are beginning to litter the streets in tucson, as well. they sound like mosquitoes when far away and a god damn lawnmower chorus when nearby. somehow the urban hippies find it more acceptable than SUVs.

Sweet. These "environmentally friendly" little demons have two-stroke engines, which means they pollute much worse than cars, probably worse than giant SUVs.

Let's not even entertain the notion that these devices could provide a stepping stone for out of shape people who would eventually adopt the bike without the motor.

Also, why don't we ignore the fact that individuals can obtain high (200 mpg) mileage out of the bikes(if the motor is only engaged to go up hills, that number increases quite a bit).

I'm not thrilled with the 2 stroke motor, but their website claims "new technology" makes the engine cleaner than old 2 stroke engines. Does anyone know if such improvements are actually feasible? I think this concept/design will really take off when they can fit an electric motor down there.

I think that advocates of a car-less society would be viewed less like crazies ignored by society and more like difference makers if they accept compromises here and there.

Um, just FYI, but this isn't exactly a new idea. Motorized bicycles have been around for about as long as the internal combustion engine, hence the origin for the word "moped" (a shortened version of "motorized pedals"). I remember as a kid back in the *mumble mumbles* an uncle had one rusting away in his backyard that he claimed was from the teens.

Right. I know what "moped" is short for. I'm talking about taking EXISTING bikes and turning them into the environmental equivalent of two-wheeled SUVs. Maybe "improved technology" does exist, but I'm skeptical.

what about people without feet?! geez, you people are sooo differently abled-ist!