About Electric Bikes NW
Our store is located in Seattle's Ballard area
Photo: Brian Gregory
In Ballard where bicycle tires don't puncture;
drivers wait politely at each juncture;
tailwind perennially blows;
helmets don't flatten hairdos;
pavement velvet smooth and curbs made of foam:
Welcome to where the electric and folding bikes roam!
Where we:
- Strive to provide an informative, unhurried and enjoyable sales environment. If you find yourself undecided in picking the right bike model you are welcome to come in several times and test ride several times over varied terrain and distance. We'll even go riding with you if you so prefer.
- Shall be glad to discuss the makes and models offered by us past and present. As to the merits of brands not carried it is definitely not for us to express an opinion.
- Are being told by thousands (yes, indeed) of customers since 1996 how they have benefited from seeing and test riding our several makes and models at our brick and mortar store and how they value the assurance of committed and preferential ongoing support by our experienced service department.
- Don't offer much in the way of in your face marketing, way too friendly staff, confounding specials, canned sales talk, cheesy promotions and free trinkets. You won't find us on social network sites. Neither do we blog but our web site is updated near daily.
350.org Event
On 10/10/10. See 350.org. Help Eric Sundin plan this strictly non-commercial event. Or plan your own.
Our Company
Established in 1996 Electric Vehicles Northwest, Inc has evolved into two entities:
Electric Bikes Northwest
and
Folding Bikes West
We are not an electric vehicle shop or even a light electric vehicle shop. While having electric drive system background we are above all life long cyclists. Our electric bikes are designed to be as bicycle akin as possible and appeal to those among us who love bicycle riding and regard agreeable pedaling as a privilege not a chore. The only electric 'vehicle' we sell and service is the electric 'bicycle'.
We appreciate the opportunities over the years to work closely with leading manufacturers and hope to continue to assist in bringing highly accomplished bikes of great value to the U.S. market.
Products and Services
Human Power-augmented or Electric-assisted Bikes
We sell only electric bicycles, which comply with the definitions of 'electric-assisted bicycle' or 'motorized bicycle' by state and federal laws. These bikes are as much about bicycling and human power augmentation as about electric propulsion. Our focus is on the highly efficient and intuitive pedal activated, torque sensing models. In our view an electric bike must ride and handle like a pedal-only bicycle (be it unavoidably heavier), including being conducive to agreeable pedaling also in power-off mode.
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.
Folding Bikes
While the folders we offer are marvels as to how predictably, quick and compact they fold some of our customers bought their folders as much for how crisply they ride and the elegant look. Well designed folders suit a wide range of riders and rides: Some of our customers ride a few urban miles, while others tour the globe.
Push Scooters
Our customers are finding riding and owning this gorgeously made in the U.S.A push scooter a unique and thoroughly enjoyable experience.
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.
How to place an order
We invite you to visit our store, phone or email us. We are one of the last Internet shopping cart-free sanctuaries.
Our Seattle Staff
David Hawkins is our thoroughly experienced service manager and
amazingly skilled lead mechanic without whom our level of tech support
would not be possible. His knowledge of bicycles is encyclopedic. David
is also the inventor of the Brake Director: Come in and test ride in our Seattle store. How he gets to work: Riding his 5 mile each way Seattle
commute on either one of his high end road or electric bikes.
Gary Colson focuses on bike assembly and tune ups. Only a bike well assembled by an experienced and meticulous technician such as Gary shall prove safe, enjoyable to ride and durable. How he gets to work: On his 14 mile commute each way from Edmonds alternating between his pedal-only, electric and motor bikes.
David 'DJ' Johnson joined us recently to focus on electric drive
systems. His background in electrical engineering studies, work as an
automotive mechanic and office machine service manager combines with a
strong hobby interest in bicycles. How DJ gets to work: Commuting by
'company car', i.e. an electric bike, the 13 mile each way from hilly
West Seattle.
Cara Keenan, our accountant, is displaying prudent reserve about being
mentioned on this page. Photo is omitted as she does not want to run the
risk of being recognized as someone affiliated with a business offering
vehicles without tail pipes and less than four wheels. How Cara gets to
work: Driving her SUV (albeit neither huge or gleaming). Diversity is
Strength, we hope.
While Eric writes and takes full responsibility ('The bike stops here!') for all web site content our company is privileged to have the long time
services of the brilliant Victor Munoz: philosopher, electric vehicle
hobbyist and web master. How Victor gets to work: He works from home.
When Eric Sundin started Electric Bikes Northwest in 1996 he did not
think the shop would end up a subsidiary of Don Quixote Cycling. While
others involved for that long in quaint, wind mill tilting pursuits
might have come to their senses there are no indications that Eric
particularly has. So he still rides to work six days a week: On a
steeply hilly 3 mile each way Seattle commute alternating between his
electric and folding bikes.
Copyright © 2010 EbikesNW
