You’ve got the Powa!

Not only does it look cool, because it's based on the shape and style of the Vespa, but it's quite nippy, it makes people smile and each time I stopped I made a new friend as they commented on my new bike.

I even got the nod of acknowledgement from fellow bikers on 1,000cc bikes. I must have looked cool!

These green' bikes are being coined the vehicle of the future, but up until now I haven't been convinced by electric bikes or cars.

At top speed the retro cool Powascooter reaches a whopping 36mph - admittedly I was going down the hill by the BIC (frightening) and the wind was with me all the way. But uphill it only lost around 2mph.

I feel quite righteous having ridden one, and justly so. I've covered 20 miles, and haven't contributed to global warming one bit.

This cute looking scooter runs on a rechargeable lead acid gel battery, so basically you just plug in and go.

It takes just four hours to charge the battery (which costs around 8p) and that will take you around 30 miles (although ladies, in the dark, always err on the side of caution). That's the equivalent of 1,000+mpg.

It's also very quiet, which isn't so great for pedestrians because they don't hear you coming.

The scooter is classified as a 50cc' petrol for insurance but is exempt from road tax.

There's just one benefit after another.

Being a girl, there's only one thing that really mattered to me, and that was the look.

And this bike is the Kylie Minogue of the electric bike world; small, beautiful and with a cute backside.

The elegant chrome detailing, authentic Mod' colours (mine was maroon but it also comes in dark green), round mirrors, big dials and the ultra comfy seat all give this little moped a big character.

It's even got a power button for tackling those hills, which delivers the power to the rear wheel via a hub motor, much like a turbo button, only much slower, without the G-force effect or sound. And it works.

It's easy to ride as well.

I decided to pop in and see my sister, who lives over at Branksome Park, and took the scenic route from Richmond Hill.

It's simple to start. You turn the ignition, an annoying noise shows you how much battery life is left, you turn the handle and away you go.

To stop you use your brakes like a bicycle, which are hydraulic discs front and rear. Easy. Then you've got lights and headlights, indicators and a horn.

I wasn't sure how drivers would react to me, so I was on my guard giving cars plenty of room and making sure they could see me.

Fortunately this little bike is a head turner, so I needn't have worried. I also caught more than a dozen drivers grinning from ear to ear as I zoomed (or plodded) past.

At junctions the bike is really rather swift, so I didn't need to worry about keeping people waiting, and it reached 30mph very quickly.

Because the Powascooter reminds me of a scooter crossed with a bicycle, I was unsure whether to take the cycle path to Westbourne!

When I arrived at my sister's flat, her neighbours came rushing down to take a look. It seems the scooter sparks off a sense of nostalgia. I was sat on it for quite a while as people told me tales of scraps with the mods and rockers.

By the end of the day, I'd covered 20 miles, used any excuse under the sun to go for a jaunt and I must admit, I was sad to say goodbye.

If I had a job in town, where I needed a run-around, there would be no doubt I'd trade in my reliable VW for a Powascooter.

Once you've forked out the initial £1,850, you don't have to worry about tax or petrol costs. It's green and it looks great.

The only downside is that I can't imagine it being too great in the rain - I'm not sure how the tyres would handle wet roads, and you'd have to remember to recharge the batteries.

One thing's for sure though. Contrary to what some phone marketing companies claim, if this bike is anything to go by, the future is green.

Thanks to Horswill Cycles in Ensbury Park (horswillcycles.co.uk) and Powabyke for the loan of the scooter and the helmet.

Riders whose car licence was issued before February 2001 can ride without any form of additional test.

Otherwise they follow a 50cc moped route, with one-session CBT course. Minimum age is 16.

For more information on taking your test visit a2btraining.com