Those batteries are mainly used in products such as motor-assisted bicycles.

Holding the throttle down eventually engages a cruise control, but only after it reaches the maximum motor-assisted speed.

Photograph: NurPhoto via Getty Images Panasonic, meanwhile, has created motor-assisted power suits to allow people to carry heavy luggage with ease.

The findings do raise a red flag for the unwary, however, since the speeds attainable on motor-assisted bikes can be high.

A model rides a Yamaha Motor's new motor-assisted bicycle at its test-ride event in Tokyo July 24, 2009.

Equipped with special wheels, the motor-assisted wheelchair can be moved by "Slide Lift" racers in any direction, including in racing car-like drifts.

The soleckshaw, is motor-assisted bike that features a hub-mounted motor driven by a 36-volt battery juiced (or swapped) at a solar charging station.