Battery-powered electric bikes are big in China and Europe.

And Dave Werkley, an Auburn electric bike rider, builder and enthusiastic proponent, says it’s only a matter of time before they catch on in the United States.

Werkley, by his own estimation, is probably one of only a handful of electric bike owners in the area. He’s hard to miss on his eye-grabbing, neck-turning rides aboard a bike that has the styling of a 1960s era Stingray and rides low as he sits in a recumbent position.

“I believe there’s a great future for the bikes,” Werkley said. “They’re a marvelous way to get out and get some exercise – and get out of the car.”

Unlike more traditional bicycle transportation, electric bikes provide a power boost to riders – particularly on hills – thanks to a battery. Plugging in costs a lot less than a gas fill-up – with electricity enough for a 20-mile riding costing six to eight cents, Werkley said.

An estimated 21 million electric bikes are already being used, mostly in China. Europe is another major market. Werkley said estimated sales there are expected to reach 850,000 this year.

To promote sustainable, environmentally sensitive technologies – and electric bicycles in general – Werkley will join other proponents on a cross-country electric bike trip that leaves from Palo Alto on Earth Day, April 22.

Werkley will ride his electric bike during the first leg, leaving the Green Riders group in Flagstaff, Ariz. The group is slated to roll into Washington, D.C. on June 22.

Werkley, 50, said the cross-country ride is slow-paced and not about how fast and far the cyclists can go.

“It’s all about showing people who are middle-aged or older, who aren’t Herculean athletes, that there’s an alternative way to get to the grocery store – and even get rid of a car,” Werkley said. The vast majority of auto trips are 10 miles or less and around here, it’s easy to supplant vehicle travel because distances aren’t that great.”

Werkley’s Very Cool Bikes can assemble machines that sell for just under $1,600 for two-wheeled models and just below $1,900 for three-wheelers. Assembly kits for bikes, including a battery and parts, are sold for $550. The bonus is that because they’re sold as bikes, there is no license, registration or insurance required, he said.

Werkley prefers the recumbent bikes, which he said are much easier on wrists, necks and behinds. But more traditional two-wheeled electrical bikes are also popular and Very Cool Bikes also markets them.

Next-door-neighbor Renee Price said it’s not unusual to see Werkley around town riding his bike. He’s the guy easily riding up the hills, with the help of a battery boost.

“The bikes are definitely cool-looking,” Price said. “It’s competition for kids building bikes – with that West Coast chopper appeal. It’s truly unique.”

Price’s Very Cool Bikes can be reached at verycoolbikes.vpweb.com or 530-887-8434.