Electric Bikes
A Bicycle Category That's Catching On
Offered for sale by us since 1996, the electric bike is a relatively new kind of bicycle for those of us who enjoy pedaling.
The 'electric' bike may best be described as 'human power augmented' as in blending human and motor power. Herein lies its uniqueness, utility and exceptional riding enjoyment—experienced to the fullest on a pedal-activated bike that senses both torque and speed: "The power you need, the instant you need it. Without having to give it a thought."
While electric bikes are ridden by cyclists of all ages and proficiency the electric bike is above all about the exceptionally enjoyable riding experience. See also The Cyclist's Electric Bike Shop.
"What is the primary attraction, the very essence of bicycling? It is, of course, the mystical experience of actually riding a bike. This experience lies more in the area of poetry than prose, more in art than in science, more with singing in the shower than with watching TV. It can be put in words but perhaps no more effectively than having beautiful music, a gorgeous sunset, or how your dog looks at you put in words. Riding a bike is play, pure fun, and a game. It holds true for someone who has not ridden a bike in a while, and miraculously remains the ever blooming experience of the daily rider." Abstract from The Mystical Bicycling Experience Revealed.
Read what the Washington (and the similar Oregon) state law stipulates. Federal law PL 107-319 as well defines the electric assisted bicycle as a non-motorized vehicle (i.e. bicycle) and places it under the jurisdiction of the Consumer Product Safety Commission—rather than DOT.
Our Focus
The tale of the Giant Lite ('02 -'06) and the Giant Twist Express (new '09) may best illustrate our product emphasis on bicycle akin, pedal activated designs. Read more here.
Electric Bike Brands
Li-Ion powered, highly accomplished, strongly supported electric bikes for sale:
Giant Bicycle Company is of course known globally as a leading manufacturer of quality regular bicycles. However, our own cooperation with Giant on electric bikes goes back to the 90's. The Twist, a 4th generation model, arrived Summer '08 and is now offered in three bicycle akin, pedal-activated models.
eZee Kinetics Technology, a specialized electric bike manufacturer, offers five models of fast, throttled (some models available as pedal activated) bikes plus a folder. We brought eZee to the U.S. in '06.
Schwinn (yes, the successor of the American icon) is a relative newcomer to electric bikes. Their line of four bicycle akin, pedal activated models arrived Summer '08.
Currie Technology has evolved models of their low priced Electro-Drive powered bike since the '90s. The Li-Ion version, the EcoRide, arrived Fall '09.
The Adventure of Human Power Augmentation
Quicktime (5 MB)
Adaptable Power Systems, i.e. Kits
Our Seattle store no longer sells or install kits. Neither are we set up to offer information, advice or referrals—except that if you want an eZee kit shipped contact NYCeWheels.
Folding Bike Brands, non-electric
We offer fabulous small wheeled folding bikes. While 'fashion statements on wheels' they ride superbly and fold crisply. Check out the outstanding value of the 16" wheeled Bromptons, 20" Giants and 16" or 20" Dahons. Come in, test ride and compare.
Test Rides
Come in, test ride and compare. Our Seattle shop is located in fairly ridable Ballard, two blocks from the Burke-Gilman trail and a five minute ride in to seriously steep hills.
Product Support, Service and Parts
If you bought your bike from us you can count on us to support it well. Our Seattle service department (established in 1996) is committed to supporting the owners of the bikes they bought from us with advice, service, repairs and parts and to do so promptly, flexibly and affordably.
However, please note that we are not set up to service, repair or provide parts for any other bikes, whether for in-shop work or with advice or referral.
Parts and Accessories
We offer drive system spare parts, including batteries and chargers. See our Parts page for details.
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Sprint
Currie EcoRide
Brompton M3L
Giant Clip
Dahon Mu XL