Tech & Gadget Stream

Although fuel prices have fallen down considerably off their highs from the middle of last year, that doesn't mean we should just go nuts by purchasing a gas guzzler just to impress the Joneses. Why not try something more environmentally friendly with the XM-50000Li electric scooter from X-Treme? This new model just debuted at CES this year, and is the first street-legal electric-powered moped/motorcycle that is powered by 20 lithium-ion batteries to achieve a balance in performance and weight. These batteries will crank out enough juice to power a 5,000-watt motor that allows the XM-50000Li to hit a maximum speed limit of 50 miles per hour within a range of 85 miles. It will retail for $6,000 when available - who said going was a cheap endeavor?

No, this MP3 scooter plays no music but comes with three wheels instead in the non-traditional manner - there are two independently suspended front wheels and one located behind, producing sensational handling characteristics to make it the perfect fool-proof learner/commuter bike. This 250cc single-cylinder, injected CVT scooter boasts a maximum speed of over 110kmh which is pretty decent considering the fact that the Piaggio MP3 was designed for city use. Features include a remote button on its key that opens up its underseat storage for helmets and various items and superior fuel economy (something worth considering as the price of fuel doesn't seem to obey the law of gravity and drop, let alone stay put).

For the sake of the environment, Yamaha Motor Co., Ltd is announcing development of a 125cc fuel cell scooter called the "FC-AQEL". Using a hydrogen fuel cell system, it will include a pair of 35 MPa high-pressure hydrogen tanks, a Lithium ion secondary battery and more. This technology will be compacted in an ultra flat brushless DC motor. The transmission will be neatly contained in the hub section of the rear wheel. Now of course we know that hydrogen is really only a storage medium for energy. We will really have to work on green ways to create energy to make some gains and reduce the use of fossil fuels.