With the price of gas and environmental concerns people are looking for alternative ways to get around. Bicycle stores are reporting record business for the mid-priced commuter bikes. The small gas powered scooters are in high demand but many don't realize there are electric vehicles already on the market. In Longmont a stream of curious customers are checking out Small Planet Earth, on 1811 Hover Street The small store carries electric bikes, scooters and even has cars and trucks that can be ordered. The three year old business also sells gas powered scooters, but interest in plug-in-and-go vehicles is picking up.
The store offers an array of bikes to trucks. E-bicycles can be pedaled manually, electric motored only or both, pedaling with the motor. No license is or insurance needed The Zapino is an all electric scooter than can move up to 45 mph and can plug into any regular outlet. They travel up to 55 miles on a single charge. The Xabra Sedan is an electric three wheel vehicle that produces 98% fewer pollutants than a regular car. There is a Xebra Xero truck with a solar panel. There area also the gas powered vehicles, that start in price from $580 and range in gas mileage from 80 to 100 miles per gallon.
The City of Longmont is looking into using the scooters for their meter patrols and Chautauqua has the Xebra Truck delivered to them for further inspection, possible replacing some of their noisy gas vehicles. Farmers Insurance Agent, Joey Terranova says, "If the vehicle is under 50 cc's, no motorcycle endorsement is needed, but it's a good idea to get insurance for theft."
The store carries a range of sizes, colors, and prices. For more information, go to
www.smallplanetearth.com .