Another Fine Electric Bike Design...

I am seeing more and more electric powered (or assisted) bikes lately, could it be that gas is still around $5 gallon?I have found yet another electric bike, this one with a design that definitly catches the eye, and this is one that you can buy.

This electric bicycle uses an automatic transmission to downshift into a lower gear when it senses a hill, upshifts for rapid acceleration up to 20 mph on flats, or allows you to pedal normally because the motor can be disengaged at your command. Powered by a 750-watt electric motor housed in the horizontal chain and motor assembly that provides 1 hp, the 8-speed automatic transmission is capable of four modes of operation, all controlled by a thumb toggle on the handlebars: a setting for rapid acceleration, a low gear setting for inclines (but slower acceleration), and a setting for manual gear shifting that disengages the motor to preserve battery life.

You can pick one up for yourself from Hammacher Schlemmer for a mere $5,500...