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.
Our Seattle store sells assembled bikes for pick up in the store. Come in and place your order, phone or email us.
Electric Bikes Northwest
4810 17th Ave NW
Seattle, WA 98107 - Map
ph: 206/547-4621
Email form
March Hours:
Mondays thru Fridays: 11–6
Saturdays: 11–4
Sundays 7, 21 & 28th: Noon–3
Sunday 14th: Closed, visit us 10–4 at Seattle Bicycle Expo.
As a new and unique concept it may not be obvious how pedal activation works and what constitutes its exceptional merit. While a twist grip (or thumb) throttle like on a motorcycle is easily comprehended (i.e. 'the more you twist, the more power')—on a pedal activated bike it is the rider's pedaling that activates the motor and intuitively adjusts the power.
Prospective customers may sometimes assume that the familiar throttle control is 'better' or 'easier', while our experience shows that when the pedal activated system is actually experienced it is often favored—although more so in Seattle than in e.g. LA.
Will Rogers remarked: "It is not what he doesn't know that bothers me. It is what he knows for absolutely sure… that just ain't so!" Here's our response to six assumptions "that just ain't so":
Watts where the rubber meets the road is Watts—whether throttled or pedal activated.
Some cyclists feel more in control with pedal activation due to its intuitive power application and no 'messing with' a twist grip, while trying to shift, brake or show a hand signal.
Only when riding on level and modest grade. If you wish to maximize the longevity of the batteries it is also advisable to routinely pedal on takeoff (yes, even on level ground).
True but only perfunctorily for the power to stay on.
There are two designs of pedal activation:
One design senses rotation, i.e. pedaling. The motor kicks in after up to a couple of pedal strokes, i.e. the rider is on his/her own pedaling at takeoff. Once under way the motor does not respond to how hard you pedal. The power simply stays on with any rate of pedaling, and for a few seconds longer after you cease pedaling unless a brake is applied. Examples: Schwinn (all models), eZee (optional on some models) and some Currie models.
Another design senses torque, i.e. pedal pressure, be it ever so light: The motor thus responds instantaneously and proportionally when you step on a pedal. Under way the power level remains interactive with your pedaling effort. The power ceases the instant you let up on the pedal. Examples: Giant (all models) and Panasonic.
Not so. A throttled electric-assisted bicycle absolutely needs to be pedaled concurrently with the motor on moderate-to-steep hills, depending of course on the power of the system and weight of the rider.
On the contrary. Certainly not complicated to learn and to ride. Just push the handle bar switch to 'on' and power is seamlessly added as you pedal, and only as long as you pedal. For some riders and rides the pedal activated electric bike may thus be safer to ride.
What is meant by "Power on demand" and "Pedal-Assisted"?
The term "power on demand" is sometimes used (arguably disingenuously) for a throttled bike. We do not use the term because a rider has just as much 'power on demand' with a pedal activated as with a throttle controlled system. We further use the term 'pedal activated' instead of 'pedal-assisted' to better describe that the power actually comes on as you lightly step on the pedal. 'Assisted' may further imply something auxiliary, while the electric motors of our pedal activated bikes are up to several times stronger than what the average rider can pedal.
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