Volkswagen has rolled out a very slick electric bike that folds up neatly into a small circular package that fits nicely into the trunk of a car. The big question is, why?

Image credit: Good

In the spring, biking feels so comfortable and natural happy cyclists are left wondering why they would ever drive or take public transport. Then summer hits and that pleasant morning ride becomes a sweaty nightmare.

Image credit: Sightline

From a $350 electric commuter bike to fancy German e-bikes that apply electric assist direct to the power train, we've had no shortage of cool moto

Guim Valls Teruel is travelling 5 continents on an electric bicycle to promote the use of cleaner energy and the non-reliance on fossil fuel worldwide. Currently in New Zealand, the Electric Bicycle World Tour has already clogged quite a lot of mileage so we decided to see how Guim's getting on so far.

Photo: Currie Technologies

"We are confident that the Express will make an eBike believer out of anyone that takes it for an extended test ride," says Larry Pizzi, president of Currie Technologies. The iZip Express is the latest hybrid electric bicycle from Currie, and is arriving on the US market after three years of development.

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From an electric assist Brompton folding bike to this insanely compact folding bike concept, there are more and more options for folks who want to take their bic

Image credit: Kalkhoff USA

From Schwinn's good looking electric bikes to this $350 commuter bike with electric assist, we see plenty of pedal bikes packing an electric motor as backup these days.

Photo: Solar Bike Project

The print-based magazine, Renew, is running a competition to find the best DIY electric bicycle. For which they're offing bragging rights to the winner, in an upcoming issue of the magazine, as well a gift voucher at an online eco-store. (full details after the jump.

We've covered DIY hybrid electric/pedal powered vehicles in the past. You might draw some inspiration from them for the competition.

Image credit: Roehr Motorcycles

A serious offering in the electric motorbike market could be a big step forward for more sustainable transportation.