Written by Cass Shan.

It won't be the first time that the Europeans have beaten the rest of the world to it but they've done it again! Eco-cabs are zero emission vehicles that take people around a city area – for free!

What exactly is an eco-cab?

An eco-cab is a cute looking vehicle can take two passengers and a rider in its three-wheel shell. Powered by a rechargeable battery aided pedal, it can go up to 12km per hour. Because of the size of the eco-cabs, they maneuver in and out of traffic easily, park easily and offers door to door pick up.

All right, so we get that they're cute and handy. But they're essentially tricycles. So why should we be bothered?

When you see an eco-cab, just remember to refer to it as an eco-cab and not a tricycle. After all, they have headlights, rear lights and side-mirrors – effectively meeting road safety standards. They’re traveling the city to promote zero emission traveling. And they’re also making it free to encourage the use of zero-emission vehicles when traveling within the city. The eco-cabs are completely safe and picks up speed quite easily. Passengers have reported comfort and enjoy the attraction they get while on the road.

Each vehicle cost $13,000 to make. The cost of production and free traveling is then borne by advertisers such as 7Up and Lipton Green Tea. The eco-cab displays an advertisement for the green-friendly brand and appears in the colors of the product. The riders of the eco-cabs also sometimes hand out promotional items or wear t-shirts of the said brand as well. But when a large corporation is supporting green emissions, who can help but take notice?

Eco-cabs were launched in April 2008 in Dublin, Ireland and they're already looking to expand to the cities of Cork and Galway. Toronto, hot on its heels has already picked up the eco-cabs trends. The launch of eco-cabs in Toronto created unprecedented response from the public and media last April with scores of major brands picking up sponsorship for the cabs.

The eco-cabs have now powered its way into Chicago, New York, Detroit and California and will expand through 2011. Only certain cities have them at the moment but with the resounding business success and its popularity as an eco-friendly alternative fast rising, it's only a matter of time before you see an eco-cab in the neighborhood – if you don’t already!