Taking An Ego Trip

The eGo isn't about to top the Segway as a headline grabber. But as far as personal transport goes, this retrostyle electric bicycle is really cool. Although some other electric bikes still require pedaling, the eGo ($1,400 at egovehicles.com) takes about as much effort to ride as an office chair. Unlike the moped, the eGo uses no gasoline: it runs for 25 miles on a battery that charges in five hours and costs less than 20 a charge. The eGo's speed (up to 23 m.p.h.) is controlled by twisting the right-hand throttle grip; it slows and stops automatically (as it decelerates, the battery recharges) but also has bikelike hand brakes. The eGo comes in bright, fruity colors, and it's great for getting around city streets — though wrestling the 130-lb. bike up your apartment stairs may not be worth the trouble.