I have an 18 year old hybrid bike that I love, but I have to admit that there are times that I have coveted a folding bike.  Being able to fold and easily transport a bicycle adds a whole new level of freedom to this wonderful vehicle.

Until last week my idea of a folding bike was one with tiny wheels and very tall seat posts.  The latest trend in folding bikes is full size bicycles that can be easily folded down and opened up.

For additional flexibility there are ebikes or electric bikes. Sometimes the return trip is a lot longer or harder than you anticipated. Getting a little extra help on those hills can turn an occasional or reluctant cyclist into an avid one.

For the ultimate flexibility in cycling, how about a folding electric bike?

If pedaling doesn’t appeal to you, then you can opt for an electric scooter. Similar to small motorcycles they can travel up to 50 km on a single charge. Although the regulations vary depending on which province or state you live in, generally you do not require a special license or insurance to operate one. In addition there may be government incentives if you ride or purchase one.

So, what are you waiting for?

1. Leave the car at home. Walk, take public transit or bicycle. You save money, save the environment and feel more energetic. Who knows, maybe you will even loose a few pounds!

If you want to combine walking and biking, you can always get yourself one of these Bergmoench bikes that fold into a backpack!   Ok, they are not real bikes – they don’t have pedals or seats -  more like downhill scooters, but so cool!

Bergmönch from Thomas Kaiser on Vimeo.

2. If you are thinking about purchasing a car, but don’t need one every day, why not try a car sharing service like Zipcar or Autoshare. Or, if you live in Sebastopol, California,  SolarCarShare is almost ready to launch one of the first electric car share programs in the world! Car sharers also tend to bike, walk, and use public transit more. The pounds keep falling off!

3. Need your own motorized transportation? How about an electric scooter? I have had my eyes on the sleek looking Vespas for a quite a while now.

Not quite a motorcycle but stylish and energy efficient they are perfect for city driving. In the United States, as part of the government’s stimulus package, you can get a tax rebate when you purchase one. In Toronto, Canada you can park free at all metered spots on city streets. Can other cities be far behind?

4 . Ok, you really need a car. There are some pretty exciting new energy efficient cars on the market these days. Whether you are looking for two seater or a pickup truck, the National Resources Canada’s fuel consumption ratings guide allows you to calculate the most fuel efficient car for your requirements.

For a quick summary, check out Consumer Reports list of the most fuel-efficient cars and the cars with the best & worst fuel economy by category.

5. Got a day long journey? Take the train. Today’s trains are luxury vehicles with comfortable high backed seats and wireless Internet.  Relax, and let someone else worry about getting you to your destination.

Happy travelling…

Susan