Let me just say... I want one of these Quantya electric bikes really, really badly. I would not blame you one bit if you stopped reading right now and went past the break to see a video of this machine in action... it made me want to get up from behind my computer and head on outside for a ride - but then, how would I be able to show you this stuff, huh? I'm so self-sacrificing. HA! Anyway, the motor is powered by 48 volts from lithium-polymer batteries. It takes two hours to fully charge the batteries - maybe longer in America. The front forks are Marzocchi Shiver 35 mm units which are often specified for downhill mountainbike racing.

According to their website, Quantya should have competition and road versions of this off-road bike available soon. From the looks of their visitor map, there are plenty of people interested in this in America. Unfortunately for them (and me), though, this article from EVWorld says that the company is focusing on Europe first. Bummer!

[Source: Quantya, YouTube]

Flight. Drag racing. Radio controlled vehicles. Monster trucks, motocross... the list goes on and on. What list am I making? A list of activities or hobbies that could be considered by some to be environmentally irresponsible. Why? Let's examine some of them, starting with flight.

Much has been made regarding high-profile travelers, such as Al Gore and Mark Fields of Ford using jets to travel back and forth across the world, or even just our own country. Some believe that using systems already in place, such as by bus, boat or train, is more environmentally responsible. But, that is not where I was thinking of going with this editorial. I am thinking more along the lines of hobbyist flight, for instance ultralights. Some have been in love with the idea of flight for some time, ever since the Wright brothers proved it was possible. You know, environmentally speaking, there might not be anything wrong with it. Consider our past discussions of solar-powered flight and electric powered flight. Don't discount hang-gliding and parachuting. I have never done any of them, but I have heard from many that they offer an experience unlike any other. Also, there has been talk as of late about using biofuels as aircraft fuels.

Click past the break to read more about upcoming green hobbies, and submit your own in the comments!