Tikkabik

My two older kids are budding environmentalists who want to save animals, and hey, if they can figure out a way to make a living at it, more power to 'em. Anyway, we were riding in the van the other day and Robert and Emmeline were trying to figure out what powered mode of personal transportation they could use that would have the lowest impact on the environment.

Robert decided that the ENV is the one he wants. It's a hydrogen fuel cell-based motorcycle that is expected to go on sale next year for around $6,000, or a bit more than the cost of a high-end Vespa.

Robert likes it because there's supposed to be very little engine noise and it can be used both on and off-road. The off-road appeals to him because he'll be saving animals, so he'll need a bike that can maneuver forest trails. What's more, it's hydrogen fuel-cell based, so there's no emissions.

Of course, hydrogen is still really expensive and not exactly environmentally benign to produce in large quantities, but it's a start. Maybe it'll be a bit more commercially viable by the time he actually hits driving age in six and a half years.