Inside Iowa State

Venita Currie, business manager in the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences.

Currie rides her own bike to get exercise, but admits that battery-powered assistance is "kind of fun," especially on hills and at street crossings.

Marjorie Smith, secretary in the educational leadership and policy studies department.

Smith, who often makes the 25-minute commute to campus on her bike, found the same trip on the X-Treme quite different, due to an extra assist going uphill or into headwind. Smith prefers more exercise on her commute, but added "it's fun to try something new."

Mike O'Donnell, industrial specialist at the Center for Industrial Research and Service.

O'Donnell likes the bike, particularly the pedal-assist mode for climbing hills and the nice, consistent ride. "You can take a quick bike ride with a leisurely amount of effort," he said.

Curtis Balmer, systems analyst in the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development.

He didn't find much of a learning curve going from his own bike to the scooter. The X-Treme makes it more pleasant to get outside and be active, especially if it's hot and sticky, he said. "You can be as active as you want, or take a break."

Marty Ellenberger, motion media specialist with IT services.

Ellenberger said he and his spouse really have enjoyed the X-Treme scooter. It's been fun discovering the bike trails, Ellenberger said, adding that his bike commute through Brookside Park takes only a minute longer than driving to campus.

Karen Bolluyt, program assistant in Agriculture and Life Sciences development.

You can get a workout on the bike, Bolluyt said. "But it also makes a nice work bike, because you don't have to come into the office sweaty and panting."