A HATFIELD bike shop is stocking the latest in cycling technology – the Powabyke.

As petrol prices soar and fears over climate change increase, more and more people are looking for greener methods of transport in order to get about.

Interest in the electric car has seemingly risen, and cycling has become a popular – and free – alternative to getting stuck in traffic on the way to work.

But there remains a large majority of people for who the gas-guzzling car is still the preferred vehicle of choice – fast, comfortable and requiring no physical exertion whatsoever.

If only cycling was as easy, eh?

Well now a Hatfield bike shop may have the answer.

Hatfield Cycle Centre in St Albans Road East is the latest store to stock the latest innovation in transport – the Powabyke.

A lightweight, aluminium frame push bike, the Powabyke features a 250 watt motor tucked beneath the seat, and at the turn of the handlebar can zip along at up to 15mph.

Ideal for anyone not to keen on pedalling, the Powabyke can, however, be used by cycling enthusiasts in its normal way.

Pedalling, in fact, charges the cycle’s battery.

Hatfield Cycle Centre, currently undergoing refurbishment, is stocking two types of the so-called X-byke – a six speed priced �899 and a 24 speed version costing �999.

While not cheap, David Smith, manager of Hatfield Cycle Store, said the bikes were still getting ever more popular.

“It takes a lot to impress me when it comes to electric bikes, but these ones seem to tick all the boxes,” he said.

“They’re not as heavy, and they’re more mechanical than electric, so if anything does go wrong, they’re quite easy to repair.

“And because they’re under �1,000 it comes under the Ride to Work scheme, so if somebody wanted to purchase one they can do so through their work.”

To find out more about the Powabyke, call Hatfield Cycle Centre on 01707 265830 or click on the link above.