Electric Bikes
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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.
While electric bikes are ridden by cyclists of all ages and proficiency, on many different rides and routes and for different purposes, the electric bike of the designs/specifications we sell may above all be about the exceptionally enjoyable riding experience. See also The Cyclist's Electric Bike Shop.
By law the electric bike is a bicycle. Read what Washington 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 (not the Department of Transportation).
Why Do We Bicycle?
"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.
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 for Sale
Over the years we typically handled around half a dozen differentiated brands (and several dozens of models) at a time.
None of these bikes exceed the legal limits for 'electric-assisted bicycle' nor are they designed for customers who wish to avoid pedaling.
Our experience since 1996 shows clearly that the greatest satisfaction among our cyclist customers is found in the 15-17 mph, around 250 Watt pedal activated—of the torque sensing design—electric bike category, including currently:
Giant Bicycle Company is our consistently foremost selling brand, well known of course as one of the top global manufacturers of quality pedal-only bicycles. Our electric bike cooperation with Giant goes back to the late 90's. The Twist, their current model and a true fourth generation bicycle, is offered in three models: the Express, Freedom and Freedom DX.
We have been a Dahon dealer for a decade. With their new Boost model Dahon has produced an highly integrated electric folder that folds just as smoothly and compact as their non-electric models.
Visitors to our Seattle shop shall also find brands with throttle or pedal activation of the rotation sensing kind. Among these eZee (since 2006) and the new high performance iZip Express.
Adaptable Power Systems, a.k.a. Electric Bike Kits
Since 1996 we have carried eight brands of kits. Currently we offer 36V/400W and 48V/500W hub motor kits and install what we sell.
Other Brands
On occasion we are asked which electric bike on the U.S. market is the 'best' (although he or she who asks rarely suggests any criteria here fore). Since 1996 we have carried close to two dozen electric bike and kit brands. However as to the merits of brands never carried or no longer carried it is not for us to express an opinion. Our own focus has over the years evolved toward highly accomplished pedal activated models, attractive in particular to those among us who enjoy riding an electric bike that handles and pedals like a quality regular bicycle while intuitively providing significant but not overwhelming motor assist as needed.
Folding (non-electric) Bike Brands for Sale
While 'fashion statements on wheels' our small wheeled folders above all ride superbly, and fold crisply and quickly. Check out the outstanding designs of our world leading brands: Brompton, Giant and Dahon.
The Adventure of Human Power Augmentation
Quicktime (5 MB)
Push Scooters
No, not yet another of the motorized type that you may end up pushing at some point but rather the designed-to-be-pushed Xootr push scooter for discerning adults. Made superbly well in Scranton, PA.
Test Rides
Who would buy a bike without test riding it first? Our Seattle shop is located in somewhat 'bicycle friendly' Ballard. Come in, test ride and compare! Crisp, stylish loaner helmets provided or bring your own of course.
Product Support, Service and Parts
If you bought your bike from us you can count on us, since 1996, to support it well. Our Seattle service department is staffed to preferentially support our own bike customers with advice, service, repairs and parts and to do so promptly, flexibly and affordably.
Shipping
Please see our Shipping page.
Returns
Please see our Returns page.
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