Bermuda could plug into an electric revolution in a bid to make its roads safer and less congested.

Battery-powered cars may soon be making their debut on the Island's roads as part of a bold attempt to get a grasp on the transport issues facing the country.

Transport Minister Dr. Ewart Brown revealed the plan on Friday and said a decision would be made on whether the scheme will go ahead within the next six months.

Initial trials would be aimed at visitors, who rank safety on scooters as one of the main drawbacks to their holiday.

But a successful experiment could see the idea expand to Government vehicles and the public.

Cooperation of scooter rental companies is seen as paramount and the scheme would work on a like-for-like basis -- possibly substituting six bikes for two cars.

"We have more than 55,000 motorised vehicles on our roads and at some point it reaches gridlock proportions,'' said Dr. Brown.

"If we are able to take the initiative we could be a world leader in this. I think the tourists will like it and I think Bermuda will like it.'' As well as reducing the number of vehicles on the road, including those cycles riden by unsteady visitors, it would go some way to cleaning up emissions from internal combustion engines.

The size of the Island and relatively small distances involved are seen as advantages to installing a network of charging points.

Some cruise lines already recommend their guests do not hire scooters and each year a rash of injuries are reported from visitors.

In addition, the Bermuda Medical Society has stated that riding a scooter is a high-risk activity.

Dr. Brown has already road-tested an electric car in Florida and said he thought it was "wonderful''.

Electricity costs around $30 a month and there is the possibility of tax breaks for users and incentives for dealers importing the vehicles.

Average range on a full charge is around 100 miles a day and maintenance costs can be lower than petrol-powered vehicles.

In the US, prices range from $8,000 for a mini-car and around $33,000 for a full-size pick-up.

The Minister also revealed that there will be other announcements due in the next couple of months aimed at improving road safety and the Island's transportation system.

Plug it in: An artists rendering of two (see below) of the mini-vehicle being studied for use on Bermuda. Minister of Transport, Ewart Brown, said tourists and local alike would all gain from the introduction of the cars. A decision on whether to go ahead is expected within the next six months.