Fast forward: Re-inventing the wheel

Off the road: No road taxes, no parking tickets - these vehicles just need brave drivers.

If you are about to give in to road rage, can't master the

three-point turn or are just fed up with queueing for the bus, there are other ways to get around. The list of recently invented go-go gadgets reads like the line-up to the Wacky Races (some are about as practical). Designers and inventors seem to be willing to give anything a go, whether it's putting a motor on a skateboard or a kite on a buggy. Taking these things on the road can be a problem, as most powered vehicles need to be registered - you should check the legality with the manufacturer before you buy. And be warned, some of these devices can be dangerous, so you'll need safety equipment and training.

Martin Skegg and Michael Oliviera-Salac

Flexifoil Buggy (above). Superfly energy-efficient three-wheeler, but only if you've got a decent breeze. A fast and sturdy buggy that hitches to a kite to drag you along, this is for recreation and mainly meant for the beach. Fun when you get the hang of it, although you need experience of power kites and must use safety equipment.

Suggested use: zipping across the bay.

Flexifoil Original, pounds 299; Flexifoil Sport, pounds 220. Available from the Kite Store, 0171-836 1666.

Honda Racoon (above). Something from the future of cycling - the Racoon is a prototype electric bike not yet available in Europe. It's light and compact, but has a 220W output from a battery that automatically kicks in when the legs get a bit tired. Suggested use: for lazy students to get between classes.

ACME Coyote Skates (below). These skates pack a 21cc two-stroke engine, giving a top speed of 22mph. A hand-held cable controls acceleration, and a traditional drag brake for stopping. A full tank provides 45 minutes of travel, but this is a petrol engine, so no smoking. The makers insist you use full protective gear. Suggested use: for wannabe Kamikazes (the motor is on one boot only).

ACME Coyote, pounds 750. Available from C-Corp, 01952 825625.

Strida 2 Bicycle (above). One that is definitely OK for the road. A real head-turning design for the bike that folds away for easy carriage or storage. The aluminium frame is light and all the components are rust-resistant. It's designed for minimum maintenance and it uses a rubber belt, which does away with all that messy chain and oil business. On hills, the lack of gearing may cause a bit of a strain on the leg muscles. Suggested use: getting around East Anglia or Holland. Strida 2, pounds 285 (plus VAT), from Roland Plastics, 01728 747777.

Big Foot Go-Ped (above). Skateboarding for grown-ups. The Big Foot is the 4x4 of Gopeds, ideal for all terrain. It's fast (up to 20mph) and loads of fun. It takes practice to master, so protective gear is vital to save knees, arms and brains. Suggested use: a toy for overgrown kids with money to burn. Big Foot Go-Ped, pounds 659; Sport Go-Ped, pounds 499. For information and ordering, contact Line 1 Distributors on 01285 713888.

Raleigh Max AirRide & Sinclair Zeta (right). The Raleigh is probably more powerful than the motor. The Zeta battery pack is best on a road bike, and more useful for helping up hills rather than cruising. It has a top speed of 12.5mph, but unfortunately the pack is pretty heavy. It comes as a kit so get your dealer to fit it on. It also makes a terrible whirring noise.

Suggested use: bicycle for work-out; battery pack for weight-lifting.

Sinclair Zeta pounds 100 (including p&p), available from Sinclair on 01933 279300. Raleigh Max AirRide, pounds 499. For stockists, call Raleigh, 0115 942 0202.