While consumers may not need much convincing that electric cycles are good for the environment, getting them to actually buy one can be another matter.Zero emissions and reducing our dependence on fossil fuel is all well and good but when you've been used to the power and acceleration of a regular bike, some electric bikes can feel lightweight in terms of construction and performance.With ranges as low as 25 miles on a single charge and a frustratingly delayed response when accelerating, the environmental pros still don't outweigh the cons for many people especially when electric bikes are often charged at higher prices than comparable regular bikes.The Vectrix VX-2, however, might be the bike that changes a few minds.First and foremost the VX-2, which is produced by Vectrix, a New Bedford, Massachusetts-based company that has been developing electric vehicles since 1996, feels like a “real” bike.Weighing in at 430 pounds (largely due to the battery) with a solid steel frame, it is a substantial machine that, unlike some e-scooters, isn't going to get blown off the Causeway at the hint of a stiff breeze. The telescopic front fork and the hydraulic disc brakes add to the feeling that this is a bike first and a green machine second.If you've ridden an electric bike before, the first features that will impress you about the VX-2 are the responsive acceleration it does 0-30mph in six seconds and its maneuverability.The top speed of 30mph is perfect for Bermuda and let's face it if you're going faster than that, then you won't be on any bike for long!Another great feature is being able to recharge the battery while braking. This takes a little getting used to but it's an essential feature that many electric bikes don't have. Unlike a gas bike, you simply can't just pop into a gas station and charge up a full charge takes 3.5 to 5 hours plugged into any regular outlet so any extra juice you can generate while driving is a bonus and a digital odometer keeps track of how much battery charge you have.The “regenerative” braking is built into the VX-2's multifunction throttle. To accelerate, simply twist it towards you like any normal bike. To slow down, twist it forward and it's this action that engages the regenerative braking. Be careful, though. Do this when you're stationary and the bike will sharply shift into reverse although that function comes in handy when maneuvering the bike in and out of tight parking spots.The VX-2's other big advantage is its range 40 to 55 miles on a single charge depending on average speed, weight and driving habits. That's a big improvement on other e-bikes I've used where a 25-mile range is fine for zipping into and around town but not much good if I then have to dash to Dockyard. Without those limitations, I would definitely use the VX-2 more frequently which is a good thing when you consider the United Nations Convention on Climate Change estimates that replacing one car with an electric bike for 70 percent of your driving can reduce CO2 emissions by five tons a year.With zero emissions, no need for oil or gas, no oil filters or clutches, owners not only save on gas but also on costly maintenance. Vectrix claims its electric cycles are 2.7 times cleaner than gas-powered motorcycles and scooters and 10 times cleaner than gas-powered cars. The VX-2's green credentials earned it the “European eScooter of the Year” title at the prestigious Circuit Zolder “Clean Week 2020” in Belgium earlier this year.The VX-2 runs on a 2.8km/hour capacity battery that powers a 4kw brushless DC rear hub motor and as a result is whisper-quiet. The virtual silence was the first thing that struck me about riding an electric bike and one of the underrated virtues of going electric you simply become aware of just how noisy every other vehicle on the road is and that pollution isn't just about emissions.In a nutshell, the Vectrix VX-2 is good, clean, fun. Just “unplug and play”!***The Vectrix VX-2 is priced from $5,000 and available from Kymco Bermuda, Washington Lane, Hamilton. Call 295-0500 for a test drive.