While soaring pump prices raise even mass transit fares, and Oslo-based Think Global prepares to mass market its $25,000 electric cars—with a range of 110 miles per charge—electric commuter bikes, good for 10 miles, or up to 25 miles if using it only for uphill assists, are picking up speed. More good news is that Currie Technologies’ Mongoose Motorcross and Razor’s Dirt Rocket models can be found for just $150-$350 (Treehugger.com reports that other e-bikes start at $700). Currie even offers an E-zip Mountain Trailz edition.

Mongoose users report that the standard battery takes two to three hours to come to full charge. The battery detaches for convenient recharging at home or office. A second battery is optional.