My Footprint’s
Smaller Than Your
Footprint
What will you do to help the
environment for the New Year?
by Kim Hogstrom,
Houston-based, Energy and Political Journalist
license, liability insurance, registration, or inspection. The law
requires that the bikes travel at a top speed of 20 miles per
“It is my belief that, in the next five years, we hour, the e-bikes will do about 25. “They are fully street-legal
will all be using some form of electric trans-
for everyone,” says Drummond.
How does an E-bike stack up against the gas-driven
portation, be it electric train, car or e-bike,”
motor scooter? A gas-powered scooter gets about 85 miles per
says Jock Drummond, owner of Gulf Coast
gallon. However, studies report that a gas-powered scooter’s
Veloteq, in his charming Scottish Brogue.
emissions generally exceed those of a car. An e-bike offers
about 40 miles per charge at an average electricity cost of
“Electric transportation is more affordable. about 24 cents.
And while the production of electricity does
They must be expensive, right? No. E-bikes range in price
from $1,500 to $2,000 and include a 48-volt, sealed battery
produce some impact to the environment, it’s
system which requires no service. The battery’s life expectan-
nothing compared to the impact of oil produc-
cy is four to five years.
Dealerships are available and there are more pioneering
tion and use,” Drummond concludes.
efforts on the horizon.
“Veloteq recently partnered with another company and is
H
ouston-based Gulf Coast Veloteq was established in
in the process of developing a new battery,” Drummond said.
the fall of 2007 with the goal of developing a dealer
“It will be about 60 percent lighter, nontoxic, totally recycla-
network to sell sustainable, green, affordable trans-
ble and provide twice the distance per charge. This battery
portation. Drummond’s e-bikes are electrically powered
will also be compatible with current e-bikes. We’re looking
scooters that resemble the gas-powered motor scooters seen
for a late 2009 launch.”
in Europe. They use no gas and produce no emissions
But the best part of these e-bikes is the joy of gliding
because they run exclusively on electricity garnered from
through neighborhoods, enjoying the breeze, the trees, the
any household wall plug. These stunning e-bikes include
quiet (e-bikes are silent) and remembering that you are signifi-
stylish lights, rearview mirrors, comfortable seats and snazzy
cantly reducing your carbon footprint.
instrument panels, plus come in a stunning array of colors.
The e-bike is legally recognized as an electric, power-
For more information see ad below or go to
assisted bicycle. In Texas, e-bike owners require no driver’s
www.veloteq.com. i
GULF COAST VELOTEQ
ELECTRIC BIKES
NO NEED FOR GAS - EVER! Scootermax
Easy to park
Good for the environment
11265 Southwest Fwy
Houston, 77031
NO GAS AT ALL!
281-498-5353
Tomball Scooters
No Registration - No License; Fully Street Legal 701 E. Main St.
low sticker price - low maintenance
Suite 105B
extremely low energy consumption
Tomball, 77375
281-255-3372
zero pollution - zero emissions
fun to own - fun to ride
free
Ebike Cover
or Windshield
2151 Richmond Ave. - Houston, 77006
with purchase of any model
electric bike.
832-533-2607
With this ad. Not valid with any other offer or prior purchases.
Offer expires 1-28-09
www.gulfcoastveloteq.com -
info@gulfcoastveloteq.com
www.naturalawakenings-houston.com January 2009 11
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