The E-Game Changer
“Game changer” was a quote from a newspaper article about our shop when we first opened in 2021.
The electric bicycle has been one of the most transformative innovations to re-emerge over the last decade. By “re-emerge,” I’m referring to the fact that e-bikes first appeared in 1895, credited to Mr. Ogden Bolton Jr.
While e-bikes have been on my radar for 20 years, it wasn’t until the advent of lithium-ion batteries that they became the game-changers they are today.
This revolutionary impact manifests in many ways. First, they’re an excellent solution for commutes of 5-10+ miles. They require no insurance, registration, tag fees, or ongoing taxes, and they fully charge for pennies a day. E-bikes have minimal residual costs after the initial purchase.
E-bikes are transformative for people experiencing economic challenges by providing affordable, reliable transportation. I witness this impact daily.
They’re also game-changing for older adults who wouldn’t ride a regular pedal bike but still want exercise, which is essential for maintaining a healthy lifestyle into old age. We have several riders in their 90s and many more in their 70s and 80s.
E-bikes are truly for everyone. They provide enjoyment and create community for younger riders, while cargo bikes work surprisingly well for young families dropping children off at school.
E-bikes extend travel range significantly. Many of our customers use their bikes to explore riverwalks, bike paths, and rail-to-trail parks, often riding 20-30 miles daily.
Finally, riders definitely get exercise on an e-bike. In fact, I often say you can get as much exercise as you want. Want to work hard for 10 miles going out? Set the assist level low at the start, then take it easy on the 10-mile return trip.
As a good friend always reminds me, the “e” in e-bike stands for equalizer, allowing families to ride together and exert exactly the amount of energy they want, keeping everyone in relative proximity throughout the ride.