Your gas-guzzling days will be over with an electric scooter which is environmentally friendly with zero emissions from exhaust gases.

Electric scooters have lower maintenance costs to save you money and play a large part in helping to reduce air and noise pollution.

"It just all makes sense," says Michael Burke who sells electric scooters through his business The Greenhouse Bermuda.

He has spent the last 18 months selling electric-powered scooters and pedal cycles saying, "The new type of transportation is perfect for Bermuda's unique environment".

Mr. Burke said: "At the moment, it is a hard sell as many people still don't consider energy savings as a way of reducing their costs.

"Bermudians don't like change — they like to stick to what they know.

"Selling electric bikes is about changing people's mindsets, but it will come soon, it has to."

Mr. Burke believes there are now more than 50 electric scooters on Bermuda's roads with those who have made the change "saying nothing but good things".

He said: "These electric bikes make a difference to the environment. I'd ask people to think about that.

"We have to embrace this new technology, which is now being used all over the world. We have to accept that it's going to happen whether we like it or not.

"Technology is not the enemy, as long as it is the right technology. Bermuda shouldn't be left behind. We should be the leaders, showing others how it is done."

Electric scooters looks pretty much like a conventional petrol-driven scooter and can just about handle the same road conditions. The Greenhouse Bermuda currently sells the E Max 90 model.

Electric scooters are most welcome because of today's high gasoline prices. The real difference is seen when it's time to 'refuel' as electric power is said to be approximately 25 per cent the price of gasoline power.

Battery power has improved to make it a practical mode of transport. The batteries, for a range of up to 150 km, take up to five hours to charge and the bikes can reach a top speed of 100 km/h.

The Italian designed bike also comes in a range of colours. Bermuda even has a battery exchange programme where depleted batteries can be exchanged for fully charged ones.

Mr. Burke said: "Unfortunately, many people think of electric vehicles then draw a blank. They just don't understand how they work.

"But they are so simple to use. You just have to remember to plug them in to charge them up, then off you go."

The Bermuda Sun's very own James Whittaker test-drove an electric scooter last year saying he would definitely be up for making the switch. He said: "It's good for the environment, saves running costs and can easily complete most of Bermuda's journeys."

The electric scooters have recently been reduced in price to $2,900, which Mr. Burke calls "an inexpensive price considering how much you are saving in the long run".

Mr. Burke says he's always been "environmentally conscious" and has had a lifelong passion for sustainable development. He is well known as the owner operator of Blue Hole Divers and is also an active member of the Greenrock charity.

The Greenhouse Bermuda also specializes in electric pedal bikes which are said to be great fun — you can pretend to pedal then show off to other road users with your unexpected speed. You can simply turn the throttle then glide away, so even though you may resemble a tortoise, you will have the speed of a hare.

The bikes, which are called Urban Movers, look like a fairly standard pedal bike with a frame-mounted battery tucked away so it's not in your way.

Electric pedal bikes come with a lithium battery that takes two to five hours to charge on or off the bike. They are currently selling for about $1,500.

Mr. Burke said he had seen mostly men buying the electric scooters, while the ladies were opting for the electric pedal cycles.

The Greenhouse Bermuda does not have a showroom but Mr. Burke says he has a quantity of both electric scooters and electric pedal bikes in stock. The scooters come with a six month or 6,000 mile warranty.

However, Mr. Burke is keen to stress that the

scooters do have their limitations so "they are not for everyone".

This is why he goes through a questionnaire with every potential client to "make sure they buy what is best for them".

For example, the bikes are quite heavy so they may not be suitable for smaller-built people. The bikes are also obviously reliant on battery power so probably won't be for you "if you live in Somerset and want to get to Smith's and back every day".

The bikes are also built differently to normal bikes so "you can't go up and down Knapton Hill four times a day" — you can't push the speed limit too far and you have to remember to hit the 'booster' button on hills.

Free test drives are offered to those who are interested so people can get the feel of an electric bike before parting with their cash.

Mr. Burke can also bring in electric cars to Bermuda, if the need ever arises. He has been driving an electric car himself since the beginning of May, saying they "are perfect for Bermuda with no pollution".

He said: "It's great, I love driving it, but you do get lots of funny looks. It's made out of aluminium and fibre glass so people do stop and stare." The company also offers energy audits to help you save money on your energy bills, solar receptor surveys and sells energy-saving light bulbs and other eco-friendly products.

For full details of what's on offer go to www.thegreenhousebermuda.bm

Orders can also be made online. Alternatively you can phone Mr. Burke directly on 505-1762 or e-mail him on This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

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