We sell and service Human Power Augmented a.k.a. Electric bikes and ride them enthusiastically ourselves. See also our folding bikes at Folding Bikes West.
To order phone 800/940-6548 (not operable from all U.S. locations) or 206/547-4621 or visit one of our stores:
Please note that on February 1, 2008 we moved within Seattle to:
Electric Bikes Northwest
4810 17th Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107 - Map
ph: 206/547-4621
ph: 800/940-6548
fx: 206/547-4841
Email form
Spring Hours
Monday through Friday: 11–6
Saturday: 11–5
Electric & Folding Bikes California
(store established 2006)
220 Wisconsin Ave
Oceanside, CA 92054 - Map
(30 miles north of San Diego)
ph: 760/757-3440
ph: 800/940-6548
Email form
Hours
Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays: 11-3
Saturdays: 10-4
Purchasing a product that shall lastingly suit one's needs and at a favorable price is of course a serious matter. How serious the process needs to be is of course up to each of us. Here are some tongue-in-cheek responses to questions fairly commonly asked.
Q: I don't like to pedal. Is an electric bike for me?
A: No.
Q: I like to pedal. Is an electric bike for me?
A: Yes.
Q: Why do electric bikes have to be pedalled at all?
A: Probably because pedalling can be viewed as something healthy and
enjoyable rather than mere punishment and embarrassment. And if a two
wheeler does not have pedals is it a bicycle?
Q: Have sales improved with high gas prices?
A: What do gas prices have to do with electric bikes? Electric bikes are
just as uniquely enjoyable to ride, healthy, convenient, cool, kind to
the planet and considerate of our childrens future whether gas prices
are high or low.
Q: Why are electric bikes so heavy?
A: Because those laggard manufacturers have not yet come up with
weightless motors and batteries.
Q: How far can an electric bike travel on a full charge at slow speed,
with no stop-and-go and on level ground, i.e. what is the range?
A: We don't know. Would one need a bike that is electric for that type
of riding?
Q: OK, but what is the average range at varying speeds, stop-and-go and
terrain with hills?
A: There are too many variables to suggest an 'average' range. However
if you would share with us what level rider you are, what a typical
prospective ride may look like and what your expectations are we should
be able to come up with a reliable estimate of range. In the meantime a
'magnitude' number would be 15 'riding in the real world' miles for our
light, advanced bikes with NiMH or Li-Ion batteries. That said some
riders on some routes do not achieve 15 miles. And those who report 30
miles may pedal more than most of us care to do or weigh what some of us
would love to weigh.
Q: But what about those brands that advertise 30 or even 60 miles?
A: Give it a go and please let us know.
Q: Why can't batteries charge themselves as you pedal the bike?
A: Such a feature would be incorporated if manufacturers could be
assured that electric bike riders in fact prefer to exert far more
(rather than less) effort than when pedalling a regular bicycle.
Regenerative braking is another matter but while elegant in concept,
after adding cost and complexity, the added range typically amounts to
perhaps 10%. If you do not believe us the worldwide scientific community
shall be holding its collective breath while you refute the Second Law
of Thermodynamics.
Q: Isn't it cheating to ride an electric bike?
A: Indeed it is. By pedalling concurrently with the motor it is deprived
of doing all the work.
Q: Can I ride an electric bike in the rain?
A: Yes but you may still get wet. (The drive systems in our bikes are
not affected by adverse weather).
Q: Does charging an electric bike (from utility power generated from
hydropower) kill salmon?
A: Any more or less than switching on the light at home? Otherwise
having salmon for dinner kills salmon far more effectively. If you
rather not kill salmon consider going vegetarian and charge your energy
miser electric bike from solar panels (it uses no more energy than a
light bulb in your living room). You can of course niftily avoid the
whole dilemma by switching on the light in your home only after making
sure that you live where the power is generated from coal, nuclear or
oil, as well as dining on halibut instead.
Q: Which bike is the best?
A: If there was one make/model that is clearly and universally the
'best' for everyone why carry anything but that bike unless of course
there are customers who in fact insist on NOT getting the 'best'? If on
the other hand you care to share with us what level rider your are, what
your typical rides may look like and what your expectations may be we
shall be glad to suggest which bike may be the 'best for you'. Give us a
try. Thousands of subsequently happy customers did.
Copyright © 2006 Folding Bikes West