Idle Transport

For years, electicity has been man's bitch, but while it's proved remarkably effcient at turning the washing machine or powering the television, it has never been easily portable. True, the battery will keep a Walkman playing loud enough to irritate commuters, but ask it to move a family saloon, and you'll manage just five slow metres.

But now comes the Powabyke, a 21-speed. fully electric mountain bike, whose battery will carry you over 20 miles at a steady 15mph. The pedals don't move - unless you flick the switch to "power assist" - so you won't look like an effeminate Frenchman, and should you have a desire to burn off a few calories, the battery can be switched off completely.

Available in red, black or silver, it will cost you £699.