As more and more people become frustrated with driving around London, the pedal power lobby is gaining ground. Transport reporter RICHARD SIMCOX road tests a bike for those less inclined to use their own steam ...

WHEN my editor yelled, "get on your hike." I thought that was it. my short career in journalism was over. Little did I realise he was asking me to test out a form of transport I thought would never catch on in this country.

Electric bikes have been fashion able and an environmentally-friendly means of getting from A to B on the continent tor years. But now they are here and here to stay.

Earlier this year, London Mayor Ken Livingstone recognised the need for a more sustainable transport system and announced plans to cut congestion by 15 per cent. One of the stringent measures he will introduce will be a £5 charge to drive into the centre of London.

The thousands of cyclists who use the roads dolly have welcomed this but not everyone is keen or able to pedal their way to a greener future. Help is at hand from a south London company in the shape of Powabyke, a motorised bicycle which does not need pedal-power.

An electric motor on the front wheel hub runs off a rechargeable battery mounted on the frame. This gives you 20 miles of pedal-free travel, which can be extended to 34 miles. If you switch to the pedal with motor option. If you run out of juice before you get home, it can be ridden like a normal bike.

As a keen cyclist I must admit I was wary of riding a motorised bike — but it did have some benefits. It really takes the strain on the hills, which would be perfect for anyone who is put off cycling by the effort involved.  True, there were some funny looks from motorists initially but those soon turned to envy when the traffic built up and I sailed past, Models range from a "shopper" with a front basket up to a 21-speed road bike, with 26in wheels.

"People who never thought they would ride a bike again are swapping their cars or public transport for Powabykes.  "They are perfect for getting to work, the shops or visiting friends and family."