^{The Model 1 from Civilized Cycles: Photo courtesy of newatlas.com}

There is no shortage of clever ideas for personal transport using new technology to power small vehicles. The revolution in battery technology, combined with engineering advances may help to satisfy seniors’ travel needs, while reducing environmental impacts.

For those still able to saddle up, one option is an e-bike with motor scooter capability.  

As well as having electric assistance, the Model 1 from Civilized Cycles has a passenger seat and suspension that can be adjusted with the push of a button to compensate for the total load (up to 180kg). Designers were inspired by Vespas and Dutch cruising bikes. The expanding carbon-fibre panniers provide up to 80 litres of storage.  

But if you’re looking for something a bit easier, how about an e-bike with car capabilities?  

It’s called the CityQ. At just 87cm wide, not much more than the handlebars on a standard bicycle, and can carry two adults, luggage space and (best of all) offers weather protection. With a 250-watt motor and a top assisted speed of 25km/h, it is classified as a bicycle in Europe (and potentially here). The gears are automatic, while two large batteries allow it to travel for up to 100km between charges.

However, the $10,400 price tag might put off some Connect readers, including this writer!

While the above options may be good for those with a higher degree of mobility, what about those in the twilight years, needing to get around in the local community with a bit more comfort? 

Sydney senior and former journalist Stewart Fist has long been a supporter of the MiniEV concept as a potential solution. An octogenarian, Mr Fist believes there is a need to provide seniors with disabilities more mobility options to keep them moving, independent and out of residential aged care for as long as possible. 

A MiniEV is essentially small battery powered vehicle, much like a golf cart, but road worthy and safe for seniors. It could allow older people to remain independent for much longer in their own homes while potentially creating local manufacturing opportunities.

He says many pensioners are trying to maintain their old vehicles simply to do the shopping, run to the chemist, see friends, or go to the doctor. Cash-strapped pensioners often drive without comprehensive insurance policies because they believe that these short journeys don't justify the costs involved. 

“In pure economic equity terms, the registration and third-party insurance costs outlaid per kilometre driven by many pensioners is about 10-to-20 times that paid by other road users: in terms of these kilometre costs as a proportion of their total weekly expenditure, it might be nearly a hundred times. This is a serious inequitable example of 'economic regressivity', he says. 

It may require changes to legislative and vehicle licensing to allow MiniEVs to be used for limited distances from the home (within a post-code area), on suburban roads (not highways), and at limited speeds. But it’s likely only a matter of time. 

MiniEV’s are not just concepts in some countries. Several companies are already designing and producing these kinds of vehicles in response to growing demand.  

If the experience of Uber is anything to go by, once these vehicles become more popular elsewhere it could rapidly force our own government to consider how to integrate these vehicles into the existing regulatory framework. 

Which of the options outlined above do you prefer? 

Is investing in green technology, e-bikes or vehicles something you would consider?

Let us know.