There's a trend afoot with electric motorcycles, where we've seen hybrid motorcycle concepts by Machineart, and vehicles such as the NmG that are actually three-wheeled electric motorcycles masquerading as cars. Now this Genesis EV-X7 is a little commuter scooter that claims higher efficiency for a comparatively little amount of money.

While some reports are claiming this bike can go 90 mph, that might be an exaggeration. Others say the bike can go 15 mph up a 6-degree grade, showing that its designers are making progress against the main drawback of most electric motorcycles: Not enough torque. At whatever speed, the concept is truly efficient, able to travel 112 miles on a six-hour battery charge.

It achieves that efficiency with a new kind of electric motor dubbed "Sumo." It's electric all the way, using a hybrid approach combining a permanent magnet with electromagnetic technology. The price for all this high tech if it's ever released? It'll be around $2,000, a bit steep for a scooter, but you'll save lots on gas. No one's saying when we can expect this future techno-cycle to hit the road, but it won't be a moment too soon. — Charlie White

Coolest Gadgets, via Japancorp