Aram Novikov and Shushanik Khachaturian are the epitome of the American dream, and they are calling Henderson their home.
From Armenia and Ukraine, their dreams of freedom and the ability to bring their ideas of ingenuity to realization inspired them to move to the United States. Along the way, they lived in New York and Silicon Valley, but it wasn’t until their love brought the couple to Las Vegas that they would eventually find a place to call home.
Aram, an aerospace engineer, and Shushanik, a media professional, married in 2010 at the Valley of Fire State Park and eventually moved from Silicon Valley to Henderson in 2021 because, as they said, “We love the vibe, the hills, and there is so much to do.”
“It was meant for us to be here,” said Shushanik excitedly as she described how they married in Southern Nevada and eventually decided it would be the best place for them and their new company, BikeOn.
It was in Silicon Valley that they initially gave life to their dream of creating a device that converts any bike to a smart electric bike. But that valley wasn’t where they wanted to grow the roots of their business. It took time to navigate the challenging process necessary to get the invention off the ground, but when it was ready for manufacturing and expansion, they made the decision to move to this valley.
Aram and Shushanik loved Las Vegas, and after exploring many communities, they felt most at home while in Henderson. It was here that they found all the elements to support them in their pursuit of love and success personally and professionally and it was here that their invention would officially take off down the road.
“BikeOn was developed because I wanted to be able to commute to work on the bike and still be presentable upon arrival, but then get a little workout in, on the way home,” said Aram. “The motorized feature allows me to glide to work and then convert back to my traditional bike on the way home.”
With safety, reliability, performance, and ease of installation in mind, BikeOn was developed as an electric assistant for bicycles. Aram and Shushanik created a device that would give additional power and enhance the cycling experience without compromising the fundamental connection between the rider and the bike. The device attaches to any regular bike, has software to track your experience, and is lightweight and portable so you can attach/detach as needed.
In 2019, the first prototype of their device was unveiled at the Maker Faire in the Bay area, in which they earned the Editor’s Choice Award. During its debut at the faire, it was well-received by bike enthusiasts and those looking for alternative ways to commute.
The idea of the invention was very consumer focused, especially during the engineering phase. With that in mind, they created a device that is easy to install, easy to use, and, most of all, supportive for an easy ride to work or wherever you are going. Without the requirement of any tools or professional skills, you can convert any bike to a smart electric bike with this device.
With the valley’s population expanding and roads becoming more congested, this is a viable option for many who are seeking an alternative for transportation with the added benefits of exercise without exhaustion. For those who desire additional capabilities, it also includes up-and-coming software that will provide performance and health-related data through an App.
Their love brought them to Las Vegas, and the realization of their dream brought them to Henderson. Now, it is the inviting atmosphere of the community that continues to inspire them and support their aspirations.
They look forward to a long future in Henderson for their family and for BikeOn, www.bikeon.com. And they hope that their inventive device will benefit society and the environment as more people turn to bicycle riding as a passion and as a useful means of transportation.
“It was meant for us to be here,” Shushanik