HUNDREDS of green-minded commuters in Swindon have decided to get on a Powabyke.

The electric bike can carry its rider up to 20 miles on one battery charge, and has proved popular with people living outside the town centre.

Since it went on sale last year businessman Harold Mitchell, of Mitchell's cycles in Shrivenham Road, has seen a regular stream of customers wanting to get out of their car or off the bus.

He said: "Most of our customers come from places like Wootton Bassett, Purton and Highworth.

"They previously took the bus but now can travel greater distances without having to make a big physical effort.

"The life of the battery can be extended by pedalling so people can easily cover 30 miles in one go."

Keith Palmer is the service and logistics manager for Powabyke, which is based in Bath.

He said: "We have been in business since 1998 and we have sold more than 25,000 of the bikes.

"They are particularly popular with the over-50s because they take the effort out of getting around.

"But importantly they are very green. There is no carbon footprint or any emissions and it is very quiet to run."

The Powabyke comes in six models and has a battery that powers a 36-volt mounted electric motor.

The bike has a top speed of 15 miles an hour and costs about 1p a mile to run.

Mr Mitchell, 75, said: "It is so economical compared to a bus pass or driving.

"Many people have replaced their second car with a bike because it is easy to park and simple to charge.

Mr Mitchell says while the bikes cost £595 and so are more expensive than a regular bike, people still seem to like them.

He said: "These things are the future, there's no doubt about that."

The bike is so popular that is has been adopted by seven police forces across the country.

Mr Palmer said: "I know of seven forces, including Cirencester, who use the bike because they can get around towns more easily than in a car.

"If someone has run down a cycle path, for instance, they can follow them in there and stand a better chance of catching them."

The Advertiser tested the bike, and it was impressive to see a bike moving at 15 miles an hour in near silence.

After one pedal a cyclist can rely on a gentle throttle to get up steep hills and cover distances that would be exhausting for the average office worker.

Frank Stephens, of Coleview, only collected his Powabyke on Thursday, but he has already seen the advantages.

The 70-year-old cannot drive any more, but he travels across Swindon, thanks to the bike.

He said: "I went to play bowls in Old Town and was able to get up Victoria Hill without getting out of breath.

"I had to pedal a bit but in general it was a breeze and it gives me the mobility I would not otherwise have."