NBC TODAY: Bicycles, Skates and Scooters

Spring is here, and that means getting the ol' bicycle out of the garage and taking it for a spin. But while you're putting the pedal to the metal, some bike manufacturers are actually putting more metal to the pedal -- adding motors to bikes for that extra bit of help up the hill. Here's a sampling of some of the products Corey Greenberg will be demonstrating Tuesday on TODAY. Q. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, 98 percent of bicyclists killed in 1999 were not wearing helmets. What should people look for in a good helmet?


A. SportScope Bicycle Helmets
Unlike any other helmet on the market. Features six segmented panels as opposed to the usual one-piece construction that provides a better customized fit and lower the risk of helmet ejection. Because the helmet is segmented, an impact affects only the section that's involved, not the whole helmet, providing better protection for the head. The helmets also cover more of the head. Straps are sewn in. (Other helmets straps are looped and could come undone which can be confusing when trying to put back together.) Because the helmet is segmented, it conforms better to your head and only three sizes are needed. Kids to adults $25 to $35. www.sportscope.com



Q. Getting a flat tire is always a hassle. What have bike makers done to make fixing a flat easier?

A. How about airless tires that can't get a flat in the first place?


AirRiders Flatfree Tires by Amerityre Corp.
Offers the same ride as traditional air tires at comparable prices without the problems resulting from a flat tire. Made of closed cell polyurethane, these tires are maintenance free and eliminate tedious puncture repair or need for a bicycle pump. Offered with an all-terrain, mountain, or racing tread and available in all tire sizes. In addition, they are fluorescent yellow visible at night up to 200 feet. $30. www.amerityre.com.



Q. What are some of the new bikes on the market?


Schwinn Speedster Kids Bike (ages 6-9)
This new 7-speed mini mountain bike is the perfect size for the little ones. New design features a countered 20-inch frame that eliminates the painful "rack" bar associated with boy's bikes of yesteryear. $250. www.schwinn.com




GIANT's Simple 7 Comfort Bike for Adults
Beach cruiser bikes are the hottest selling adult bikes. Designed for comfort, this new lightweight aluminum 7-speed bike from Giant features an 18-inch frame, classic paint job and cushy seat for your beer butt. $300. www.giantbicycles.com



Q. What's new for in-line skates?


K2 MOD8 IN Line Skates
Features a soft boot design. Ultimate high end fitness skates on the market. $300. www.k2skates.com




Hypno 3-way Convertible Skates
Last year we showed you these skates with wheels that pop off creating hiking boot. This year Hypno has added ice skate attachments to the mix. Simply pop the skate wheels off and add the ice blades. Available at Hammacher Schlemmer; Skates $190; Ice blade attachments $55. All sizes. www.hammacher.com




Jeep Mountain Board Commando 16
Mountain boarding is the hot new sport craze, snowboarders now don’t have to wait for the snow. This new sport brings carving to grass, pavement, dirt, and backcountry terrain all year long. This entry-level freestyle board is recommended for beginner to advanced up to 150 lbs, or entry level riders (riding less rugged terrain) up to 170lbs. Feet are secured by wide Velcro straps. It features monster wheels and an optional handbrake-MBS V3 brake system-which makes learning easy and provides outstanding braking leverage for even the most aggressive riders. www.jeepmountainboards.com



Q. What's this year's hottest trend in bikes?

A. Manufacturers are hoping electric bikes will be the big hit this summer.


Think Mobility Bike Traveler
The perfect around-town commuting hybrid pedal/electric bike---Features a folding frame that fits easily in a car trunk. When you need power-assisted pedaling, it gives you 16 miles of power-assisted pedaling on one six-hour charge. Electric assist up to 18-mph. It has 20-inch wheels; load capacity is 230lb, $995. www.thinkmobility.com




Zap ElectriCruizer-SX
This very popular electric bike is equipped with a powerful single motor, wide, comfortable seat, balloon tires, and upright handlebars. $550.




Zap POWERBIKE
Zap’s newest model- electric bicycle integrates a new propulsion system to be the lowest-cost electric bikes on the market. Features lightweight propulsion system with a direct drive belt transmission to combine with human legs for a top speed of 16 MPH a range of up to 12 miles. $449. www.zapworld.com




E-Bike
Combining the ease and mobility of an electric moped with the portability of a traditional bicycle, this "E-bike" is the brainchild of the father of the Mustang and Mini-Vans, Lee Iacocca. After fifty years in the automobile industry, Lee Iacocca helped develop this vehicle that can be used to power up hills, and also be pedaled like a regular bicycle. With the rising costs of owning an automobile, the E-bike is an ideal supplemental mode of transportation for hilly college campuses, resort communities, shore use for yachts or quick around town errands. Virtually maintenance free, the bike is propelled forward by the latest in efficient and lightweight electric technology. A flip of the simple thumb control throttle permits the rider to control the speed, even while in motion, with three different operational modes: pedaling power only, electric power only or a combination of both which supplements the rider's efforts as needed. A state-of-the-art hub motor and a 24-Volt system powered by two, sealed rechargeable batteries help the bicycle to have a range of about 20 miles per charge with a top speed of 15 miles per hour. Rechargeable almost anywhere, the entire mechanism is contained on the bike; simply plug into a household outlet for about four hours for a full charge. Battery can be removed to lighten the bike for conventional riding only. All the controls are at the rider's fingertips. Features include cruise control, battery charge indicator, front end and seat suspension, wide adjustable gel seat, rear gear rack, cloth rear and handlebar mounted saddle bags, horn, lights and custom fenders. www.hammacher.com