The Kero electric scooter is a popular choice.

The Kero electric scooter is a popular choice.

Whether you're aiming to reduce your carbon footprint, save some money on petrol or just beat the traffic blues, there are some cheap, green and exciting ways of getting around that can replace your motor car.

Most journeys are only a few kilometres long and often with no passengers, so it makes sense to look beyond the car as the smartest way to cross the city. Of course there's the bicycle, or even public transport, but other options are worth considering.

ELECTRIC SKATEBOARD

Your skateboarding days may be long gone but these are becoming a viable option for getting from A to B then C.

They can reach up to 26km/h, a decent cycling pace, and the average battery life lasts for about 22km.

If you combine a skateboard with some public transport you have a low-cost, carbon-friendly way of getting around, not to mention convenient.

Some models even come with ABS braking and a special sensor to engage the brakes if the rider leaves the board.

Control is by a foot pedal or a hand-held remote control. Several models are powerful enough to get up steep hills. Prices range from $500 to $900 and off-road wheels are available if you want to leave the pavement.

ELECTRIC SCOOTER

Several companies are importing electric scooters for sale in New Zealand. The Kero is a popular brand and, depending on the model, you can get up to 90km on one charge (less if there are lots of hills or if you are carrying a passenger). Most models can be operated by holding a car licence and are similar to petrol- powered scooters. But you will need to get in the habit of charging it each night. Electric vehicles are quiet so you will need to be aware of pedestrians stepping out without looking.

ELECTRIC CAR

The electric car became established in California during the late 1990s in response to legislation requiring car manufacturers to produce alternative-fuelled cars. The customers loved them but when the law was relaxed, the car companies recalled the vehicles and despite many protests sent them to the crusher.

There are not yet any commercially available electric cars in New Zealand but that hasn't stopped several ingenious Kiwis making their own. One such enterprising motorist lives in New Plymouth. He has successfully converted an old Mitsubishi Tredia to run on electricity. It is totally road-legal and he has done the work himself on a tight budget.

If you'd like something a little more stylish than a Tredia, then a Tesla will be hard to beat. Available only in the United States or Europe, this electric car rockets to 100km/h in just 3.9 seconds. It runs for 1.5c a km and has a range of 350km per charge. Lotus Cars is assembling the Tesla Roadster under contract to Tesla Motors, so although it is an American car it is being assembled in the UK.