photo Don Haberkorn The show room at Swifty Power Bikes. These models run from $500 to $650 and are brand new bikes modified with a 49cc motor.

photo courtesy Swifty Power Bikes Another typical build up with a 49cc motor. Twist throttle and clutch let the motor do the work preceeded by moderate pedaling by the rider. No gears to shift and a recommended 20 mph top speed delivering 100 mpg.

photo courtesy Swifty Power Bikes Another satisifed customer, August Benita, proudly poses with her beautiful Swifty Power Bike custom bicycle.

Tired of forking out your hard earned money to fill up a vehicle that appears to be eating better than you are?

Does “big oil” seem to have you bent over a barrel these days?

Maybe you’re finally ready for a greener mode of transportation which makes a statement about your individuality. Swifty Power Bikes owned by Michael Zeto, located at 4227 Arnold Avenue in Naples has been uniquely propelling buyers into the new millennium with motor assisted bicycles since 2005.

While his motto is, “Exercising the body and moving the soul,” Zeto genuinely cares about his custom bikes and the people who ride them. The 100 plus mpg might be the best selling point to the green hearted and financially strapped. This new wave of bicycles is a great defense against demand for “big oil” and its impact on our environment. Soul moving indeed.

“I first got into it because of my mom,” he explained. “She had a bad hip so I built a motor assisted trike for her and that lead to another one for a family friend. Soon it turned into a business.” The Swifty brand is owned by Zeto and to his credit, he holds a patent on his creation.

At first glance one may think, motorcycle: there is a gas tank and motor in the traditional locations.

Swifty Power Bikes are different, with an economy minded 49cc motor, much much smaller than a motorcycle, it requires human power to get underway. “Unlike mopeds, these bikes are independently powered by pedal or motor assistance,” the brochure reads. The vehicle’s recommended top speed is 20 mph.

Again, similar to a motorcycle there is a hand clutch and twist throttle, however the clutch is released to let the motor fully take over once the rider pedals the bike to a normal pace. There are no gears to shift using motor power. There is a convenient thumb operated kill switch to turn off the motor and a clutch lever lock to pedal without the motor entirely. A rider can use the bike’s sprocket gears when under manual power. It’s a hybrid system where the rider plays the “starting power” role. It’s ingenious and it’s catching on.

“I can do as many as three builds a week.” Zeto says. “I have over 150 bikes out on the road and as far away as California, Germany and Brazil. I recently finished a total custom one for Hard Rock Café, in Biloxi Mississippi.” Mike tailors his custom-built power bikes to what the customer wants. In fact there were two bikes and a trike underway at the shop during our interview. One, a brand new Panama Jack cruiser brought in by a client, was being outfitted with a custom tank, engine and pipe.

Gracing the storefront sidewalk sat two brand new custom finished cruisers, both for sale with different options. One at $650 with a chrome tailpipe and deluxe accessories, the other a beautiful blue Schwinn nicely equipped. He services everything he sells and also those internet kits that didn’t go as smoothly as advertised. 30 day warranties are provided, while some have logged as many as 10,000 miles with just basic maintenance.

If you have a bike of your own, the build starts at $300 and may take a week. Not bad for a vehicle that’s going to get 100 mpg, requires no license to ride nor license plate to get out on the road. “The best bikes are Schwinns and Huffys because they’re built tough to begin with,” Zeto continues. “I have to switch out some bearings and rims if they aren’t up to my standards, everything has to be trued.” The additional speed on the wheels can cause bearings to overheat.

The finished product is a highly modified bicycle that can be radically customized including: Fenders, tank graphics, gauges, lights, mirrors, tires and wheels for starters. These can be arranged through the Swifty Power Bike shop, or done on your own time. A custom bike never sounded so easy or inexpensive.

There are limits to the motor, and rules of the road must be obeyed. As these catch on in the sagging economy sharing sidewalk space, the same way one would in the car on the highway, is the best way to arrive safely. Pedestrians still have the right of way. If there is a bike lane, riders must use them and helmets recommended. Headlights, tail lights and reflectors are required by law at night. Working together will be one of the best ways to insure Naples will be able to become more bike-friendly and possibly ease winter congestion.

These bikes aren’t for everyone in that they require some basic tinkering. Michael highly recommends walking around your custom wheels, with a couple of tools in hand each time before heading out, to check for parts that may have vibrated loose. Gas needs two stroke oil, so the rider might just keep some with or premixed in the garage in a proper container. Hey, if his mom can do it so can you.

Clientele ranges from delivery services, real estate agents, retirees, fishermen, DUI circumstances, commuters and more. Most people find that a rear luggage rack and front basket are necessary as they start to use the bike for more purposes. “One guy that likes to fish goes out and if it starts raining, he zips back with the motor. He knows he can get back quickly,” Mike grins. Everyone can find creative and money saving ways to utilize a Swifty Power Bike. For such a small investment, there’s bound to be a future for Michael Zeto and his Swifty Power Bikes for some time to come. Michael Zito has been in business in Naples since 1985.

IF YOU GO:

Swifty Power Bikes

Owner: Michael Zito

Location: 4227 Arnold Ave., Naples

Call: 239-643-3676 or cell: 239-248-5192

Online: www.swiftypowerbikes.com