THERE'S A `BUZZ' IN THE BIKE BIZ; ELECTRIC TWO-WHEELERS ARE HITTING THE STREETS.

Byline: MARK LANGTON Cycling

``Nothing's new; it's all been done before.''

The saying holds true for many aspects of the cycling industry, especially when one considers that even before 1900 bikes featured multispeed drivetrains, had full suspensions and were being made from materials considered advanced by today's standards.

Motorized bicycles are nothing new, either. However, a unique product sits on the horizon, one that is popular for commuting and recreation for seniors and also brings together the downscaling of electronics and the refinement of lightweight motors and energy sources. Industry insiders believe the new breed of electric bicycle will energize retail sales.

``The electric bicycle is the next big thing in cycling. It's just a matter of time,'' said Jeffrey Neale, manager of the I. Martin Imports bike shop in Los Angeles.

While there are many reasons to believe that the use of a motor will draw more people to recreational biking, there are those who hold lofty notions that electric bikes will eventually ease the problem of congestion and other urban traffic ills.

Pasadena cyclist Lorna Moore is among the electric-bike faithful.

``In my neighborhood, when I go to the store in the afternoon, traffic is just unbelievable,'' said Moore, 39, founder of Eminent Reclaim, a grassroots organization that seeks to ``reclaim our independence from the automobile.'' ``With my (electric bike), I can just ride right up and go right past everyone waiting for a parking space.''

She initially purchased her electric bike so she could combine exercise with practicality. Soon she realized she could get around with more fun and less effort.

``As a jogger for 20 years,'' Moore said, ``I just sort of got sick of exercising for exercise sake, you know - jogging around the block and then getting in the car and going someplace. With the (electric bike), I can exercise and get my errands done at the same time. I go to the bank, the market, my (post office) box, the pharmacy, all over town, and it's really easy.''

Cycling enthusiasts might ask what makes an electric bike different than a moped.

Because the electric bike's top speed is 20 miles per hour and its weight is under 100 pounds, it does not qualify as a motorized vehicle under federal Department of Transportation standards.

In fact, according to a recently passed state law, the vehicle code's basic definition of a bicycle will not have to be altered to allow for the electric bike. This proves critical to the bicycle industry, because it permits companies to manufacture and import electric bikes without having to meet the more stringent codes of the Department of Transportation. It's also good news for the consumer because no special licensing or registration is required, although laws governing bicycle use apply.

Another aspect of electric bikes is that they are considered ``power assist'' vehicles, meaning that the motor only engages when there is power being delivered to the pedals via the rider's gams.

It's difficult to say what, if any, impact the electric bike will have on the transportation landscape. Clean air standards might well play a part in its success, with cities having to reduce auto emissions or risk losing highway funding.

``I think the electric bicycle will help bridge the gap to the electric car and will make commuting by bicycle more accepted overall,'' said Chris Martin of Charger Bicycles, which produces the motor and energy unit for the GT electric bicycle.

Electric bikes are available in limited quantities from several major bicycle companies, including GT, Trek and Giant, with more on the way from Schwinn, Raleigh and others. The products are sleek, sophisticated, easy to ride and expensive ($1,200 to $1,400). Manufacturers take cues from their counterparts in Asia and Europe, where bicycles are treated with considerably more reverence and where sales figures of electric two-wheelers are already up into the millions.

Some electric bikes employ bolt-on engines with a friction wheel that rotates against the rear tire to drive the wheel. Others have motors that are actually housed within the rear hub, so retrofitting your bike can be as easy as replacing the back wheel. All are far from mainstream acceptance here, however, being lumped in with those few ``weirdos'' who actually ride their bikes to work.

But bully for the the U.S. bicycle industry, which has seized upon the electric power-assist bicycle as the product that will lead it out of a market that has been declining ever since the tail end of the mountain-bike boom of the early 1990s.

Another advantage to electric bicycles is getting cars off the road, and the Chatsworth Bike Stop is helping to do just that. In addition to being a full-service bike shop and rental service, it also is an information center for bicycle commuting. Located at the MetroLink station, a fleet of six electric bikes is available free of charge - but fully charged! - to any Metro Link pass holder.

``Riding to work increases work energy level and decreases driving stress,'' said Bike Stop manager Devon Archer, 28, of Canoga Park. ``It also helps the environment.''

For more information on electric bikes, log on to the Internet at www.electric-bikes.com/others.htm

The Chatsworth Bike Stop can be reached at [phone] or [phone].

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2 Photos

PHOTO (1--Color) Devin Archer, manager of the Chatsworth Bike Stop at the MetroLink station, demonstrates one in its fleet of electric bikes.

(2--Color) A control panel allows riders to adjust the amount of resistance.

Evan Yee/Daily News