Neodymics' Ciclomotor is a quick and dirty electric conversion for your pushbike. The ugly but effective unit is a straight swap-in for your existing front wheel, and uses four DeWalt power-tool batteries to drive the one Horsepower motor to 28 mph, giving a range of 10-20 miles per charge – although you can carry spares to extend your range.
I'm not a big fan of electric bikes. A pedal bike is easy enough to drive and also helps you get fit. Powering the thing almost defeats the point. But if it means getting more people out of cars, that can only be a good thing. Ditto for those too weak to pedal but who want to convenience of a bicycle. The Ciclometer scores here because its clamp-on design means fast and easy setup, and it also leaves the rear drive train unaltered, useful for power failures.
The Neodymics guys are looking for help to bring this to market. The timing is certainly right, with gas prices going crazy. They might want to make it look a little less like a Meccano kit, though.
Product page [Neodymics via Bike Hugger]
