It's getting near that time where a pint in a beer garden will leave you with a pink face. “Summer”, we call it. A time when, in the words of the Fresh Prince, “the weather is hot and girls are dressing less and checking out the fellas to tell them who’s best”.

It’s also the time that public transport and many cars become sticky hell holes, but you can avoid such unpleasantness by getting on your bike. Your electric bike that is.

Maybe you're a traditionalist who firmly believes in just two wheels, or perhaps you yearn for new and interesting ways to commute, well all is catered for as we pick four of the best electric bikes to buy, plus the best electric bike accessories to go with them.

1/ Gocycle
A full three-and-a -half- hour charge on the Gocycle will take you around 20 miles at up to 15mph. A boost button shoots you away from the lights and it folds away into a soft or hard case.
Price: From £1,449
Link: GoCycle

2/ Yike Bike
This 10.8kg, 14mph, er, thing is like riding a tiny, high-speed penny-farthing. Superb balance means that’s less terrifying than it sounds, and the Yike folds to fit in a rucksack. A 40-minute charge = six miles riding.
Price: From £2,422
Link: Yike Bike

3/ Elliptigo
Not into cycling or running? Try a hybrid of the two. Instead of pedalling, you stand and move your feet in an elliptical motion, a little like a cross trainer. It’s easier on the joints than running, less harsh on the behind than cycling… but can your street cool survive being seen on it?
Price: £1,999
Link: Elliptigo

4/ Cube Epo 2011
One of the most stylish e-bikes you’ll see, this offering from Cube features a 36-volt battery, Shimano ten-speed gears and 180mm Shimano hydraulic disk brakes. It’s one of the few electric bicycles that helps take the strain off your quadriceps while not making you look like you’ve customised a shopping trolley or are “infirm”. Various sizes are available.
Price: £2,247
Link: Cube Bike

Best electric bike accessories

Ortlieb City biker bag
A rugged shoulder bag ensures protection for your precious, A4-sized things
Price: £90
Link: Ortlieb

Mavic Peloton road shoe
A synthetic heel and upper mesh provide excellent support and rigidity
Price: £80
Link: Mavic

Specialized Echelon helmet
Features four adjustable height positions and high-tech cooling vents
Price: £50
Link: Specialized

Rolls Royce Phantom Experimental Electric video

Source: T3 video