Although gas prices have settled a bit, people still remember the shock from high gas prices that seemed to rise out of control. Fuel efficient and environmentally conscious forms of transportation have become a reality we must embrace and people are turning to bicycles not only for leisure but also for commute. However, in hot summer days, walking into the office after a bike ride soaked is perspiration is not the idea of professionalism your boss or your coworkers probably have in mind (especially for those that share a cubicle or room with you). So you turn to electric bikes for the convenience of effortless acceleration without the need for your own physical input, but these can cost as much as an inexpensive used car.

The Sondors Electric Bike is the result of one man’s sticker-shocked reaction to seeing electric bikes that cost $4,000 and thinking to himself that he could probably make something better that was less costly. The capable electric motor that generates 350W can propel the electric bike to 20 mph, while the battery can last up to 50 miles of travel with a single charge. There are two modes to the drivetrain; a fully electric mode that gets the bike moving with a simple thumb throttle, or you could pedal yourself with the help of the Pedal Assist System (PAS). Although there is an option for slimmer tires, the base model comes with fat all-terrain tires for reliable performance on both moist and dry surfaces.

The most attractive part about the Sondors Electric Bike is the price at a very reasonable $499, less than what an unlocked iPhone costs. If the price of electric bikes have held you back, why not take a look at Sondors’ Kickstarter campaign and see if the Sondors Electric Bike is right for you.