Electric Bikes
A New Vehicle Category
The electric bike is an emerging new category of vehicle for those of us who enjoy pedalling.
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.
The electric drive components are designed to be low maintenance and the rest consists of quality standard bicycle parts obtainable and serviceable 'anywhere'. This refers to the brands we sell.
The Adventure of Human Power Augmentation
Quicktime (5 MB)
The law regards the 'electric-assisted' (WA state) or 'motorized bicycle' (CA state) as a non-motorized vehicle and as a bicycle. Read what Washington and California state laws stipulate. Laws in other states and local ordinances are similar. Federal law PL107-319 in the U.S. (and a corresponding in Canada) defines the electric-assisted bicycle as a non-motorized vehicle (i.e. bicycle) and places it under the jurisdiction of the Consumer Protection Commission (rather than DOT).
Our Brands
While Giant Bicycle Company is well known as a top global manufacturer of quality regular bicycles our cooperation with them on electric bikes actually dates to the 90's. The Twist, a 4th generation Giant electric bike model, offers the superb integration which can perhaps only be accomplished by a company with Giant's experience, vision and resources. The Twist arrived Summer '08 and now comes in three models.
The brand is of course iconic but Schwinn is a newcomer to electric bikes. While also bicycle-akin and pedal-activated their bikes are significantly differentiated in design and performance from the Giant Twist. The Schwinn line arrived late '08 and now comes in four models.
eZee Kinetics Technology, a specialized ebike manufacturer, offers several models of fast, well equipped and mostly throttle controlled models. In the U.S. since '06.
Folding Electric Bikes
The zippy and nimble eZee Quando folds swiftly, easily and crisply to 16 x 30 x 34" and weighs 42 lbs (after sliding out the lockable, quick-release, 7 lb battery in seconds).
Folding Non-electric Bikes
Come in, test ride and purchase a Brompton, Giant or Strida folder in our Seattle WA store.
On our 10th Year Anniversary we were featured in the premier issue of Seattle Metropolitan and in The Seattle Post-Intelligencer.
Product Support, Service and Parts
If you bought your bike from us you may count on us to support it well. Our service department operates exclusively to support the owners of the bikes they bought from us: Expertly, promptly, flexibly and inexpensively. We are simply not staffed to service any other bikes—whether for shop work or with advice over the phone or by email.
Parts and Accessories
We offer bicycle and drive system spare parts, batteries, chargers and bicycle accessories. See our Parts page for details.
Copyright © 2009 EbikesNW
Freedom DX
Express
World
Continental
Sprint
Quando Folder
Cadence
Brompton Folders
Giant Folders
Strida Folding Bike