ZAP Bikes Get a Boost from Washington

WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 6, 2001) -

Electric bicycles like the POWERBIKE® from ZAPWORLD.COM (NASDAQ: ZAPP) received a vote of approval today at approximately 6:45 P.M. EST from the U.S. House of Representatives.

H.R. 727, sponsored by Rep. Cliff Stearns (R-Florida), passed the House By a vote of 401-to-1, supporting the regulation of electric bicycles by the Consumer Products Safety Commission, the same agency that regulates traditional bicycles. The issue now goes to the Senate for final consideration. Passage of the bill would create a federal definition for electric bicycles to assist many states that have either adopted conflicting standards or have no regulations at all for electric bicycles.

“This is a bipartisan bill and I support its passage,” said Representative Stearns. “This is a common sense approach.”

“Electric bicycles generate no pollution and are virtually silent,” said Lois Capps, D-California. “Passage of this bill should encourage more of our citizens to use these innovative vehicles.”

Electric bicycles have small electric motors that assist pedaling by the rider. A human-electric hybrid vehicle, electric bicycles are one of the most efficient forms of automated transportation. The bicycles travel speeds of up to 20 MPH for a range of 10 to 20 miles, depending on the user and riding conditions. Proponents say electric bikes offer an alternative form of transportation to many citizens who are older or of limited physical ability. Commuters can use electric bicycles as an alternative to conventional gas vehicles, especially for short trips.

ZAPWORLD.COM (ZAP) helped pioneer the U.S. electric bike market in 1994 with a kit that can fit almost any bicycle. The company has delivered thousands electric bicycles to commuters and recreational cyclists worldwide. Electric bicycles have even caught on with law enforcement, with more than 250 bike patrols in the U.S. now using electric bicycles. This year, ZAP is introducing a new model POWERBIKE with a new retail price of $450. To see the new POWERBIKE, visit .

http://www.zapworld.com/powerbike.html .

ZAP, which stands for 'Zero Air Pollution,' is a California-based manufacturer of electric bicycles, scooters, motorcycles and other electric vehicles. ZAP is publicly owned and trades on the NASDAQ Small Cap exchange under the symbol ZAPP. For more information, visit www.zapworld.com or call toll-free at 1-800-251-4555.