[johnrobholmes]

My life is run through cost/benefit analysis and present value of future cash flows. My little pink electric bike will pay for itself in 600 miles assuming $4 to the gallon.

I make no choices on "savings through expenditure" until I have done some math. I honestly won't buy a hybrid or electric car until the price allows a cost advantage over the life of the car. Big advantage on electric vehicle- less maintenance to keep it running. I have run my pink bike for quite the distance so far without anything more than lubing the chain and airing the tires. The parts may indeed run for 15 thousand miles before anything needs replacing, and it will likely just be the batteries.