The City of Austin is making easier for drivers to go green, even if you can't afford a hybrid car. It's now handing out rebates to people who buy electric bikes, scooters and small vehicles.

When Beth Heffernan bought her electric bike, the $50 rebate was just a bonus. She's already has a hybrid car and the bike is mostly for cruising; it helps smooth over the rough spots.

"Yeah, heat and hills! I really wouldn't go out as much as I do if it wasn't for this battery," said Heffernan.

Whether it's for cruising or commuting, city leaders say going green is good for Austin. These bikes and scooters produce zero emissions, and it's a quiet ride through local parks and neighborhoods.

"There are several thing already in place to reduce vehicular emission in the Austin are and Central Texas, so this really does help to eliminate emissions," says Stacy Neef, Coordinator of the Clean Cities Program.

In 2007, the city handed out about $4,000 in rebates for 47 electric vehicles. The money comes from Austin Energy. This is a growing business. Alien Scooters in South Austin has more people taking advantage of the city-sponsored rebate than any other qualifying company.

"It has a range of up to 25 miles in a 'go-far' mode and we even have people that use these for downtown and UT deliveries," says Ann McSpadden, owner of Alien Scooters.

McSpadden says the cost to charge the battery for that 25 miles is about a dime. With technology, the batteries have gotten better and smaller. But you can still expect to replace the battery in about a year and a half. Replacing them will cost any where from $150 to several hundred dollars.