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
We offer the following accomplished brands with strong support and service. All bikes incorporate Li-Ion batteries and hub motors. Prices start at $1,395.
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.
Currie entered the U.S. market in the mid '90s, when we became one of their first Northwest dealers. Pedal activated 2010 models include the 700c Via Rapido and the 20" wheeled Via Urbano folder.
eZee Kinetics Technology, a specialized electric bike manufacturer, offers several models of fast, throttled bikes. 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 bicycle akin, pedal activated models arrived Summer '08.
The Adventure of Human Power Augmentation
Quicktime (5 MB)
Adaptable Power Systems, a.k.a. Power Kits
Over the years we have sold and installed seven brands of kits. Come March we shall offer yet another: A 400 W Li-Ion kit offered in several versions. From $995 (plus installation).
Electric Scooters
We don't sell or service these. Nor do we know who does.
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 Brompton, Giant and Dahon, from $545. Come in, test ride and compare.
Push Scooters
No, not yet another of the motorized type that you may end up pushing at some point but rather the exquisite designed-to-be-pushed Xootr push scooter for discerning adults. Made in the USA. From $199.
Test Rides
Our Seattle shop is located in fairly ridable downtown Ballard, two blocks from the Burke-Gilman trail and a short ride away from the steep hills of Phinney Ridge. Come in, test ride and compare!
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.
Parts and Accessories
We stock and have ongoing factory access to drive system components, including batteries and chargers, and bicycle parts for current Giant, Schwinn, eZee and selected Currie electric bike models, as well as for current Brompton, Giant and Dahon folding bike models.
Oregon Stores
Click here for stores in Portland and Bend.
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Freedom
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Cadence
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Currie iZip
Brompton
Giant
Dahon
Xootr Push Scooters