Powering into London: £2,000 electric bike with ‘rocket boost’

The world's "fastest" electric bicycle is to go on sale in London next month, with some hailing it the answer to lazy commuters' dreams.

The push bike with an electric motor also has a "rocket boost" button for added speed during off-road riding. There are two versions, the A2B Metro and the A2B Hybrid, which means the rider can motor along or get an added boost as they pedal.

The batteries run for up to 20 miles and can be charged using a mains plug, which costs from 7p and takes about five hours.

As the motors cut out at the legal limit of 15mph, manufacturers claim riders do not need a licence or pay road tax, insurance or the congestion charge. With more torque and greater acceleration than any other electric bicycle, its creators believe the machine can convert London's commuters to a "greener" mode of transport.

Julie Farrington, from manufacturer Ultra Motor, said: "It is a product people are really excited by because of its quality. In the past, electric bikes have been prototypes because the technology has not really been there — but now the technology has progressed enough to mean it is a more viable option."

The popularity of electric bicycles has been growing, with 21 million sold in China last year. In Germany powerassisted bicycles are the single largest category of bikes sold.

But Charlie Lloyd, cycling development officer from the London Cycling Campaign, was sceptical about whether Londoners would follow the trend.

He said: "The disadvantage is that you have to charge it and the battery tends not to last very long if you go fast and push them hard. Plus they are much heavier than a bike and three or four times as expensive."

The bikes will be available from The Electric Transport Shop in Holloway, north London, or Digital Toys in Brentford, Middlesex, and cost £1,999.

There was confusion over whether the new bicycle would comply with UK legislation because of the "boost" button — giving it a top speed of 20mph.

The Driver and Vehicle and Licensing Agency said bikes over that speed needed licences.

However, the Department for Transport said as long as the bicycle was not ridden faster than 15mph on a public road, no law would be broken. A spokesman said: "An electric motor on a bicycle must not be able to propel the machine when it is travelling at more than 15mph.

"If it does not comply to this restriction it will need to be registered, insured and is subject to Vehicle Excise Duty and so must display a tax disc. "The rider will need an appropriate driving licence and will have to wear an approved motorcycle safety helmet."