Electric Bicycles, or e-bikes, seem to be everywhere these days, and it’s no wonder—with the cost of gasoline, environmental concerns, and consumer interest in health and wellness, e-bikes make it a little easier to get where you want to go in a clean and healthy way. Oh, and they’re a lot of fun.
Fountain Valley, California-based Pedego Electric Bicycles has been designing, manufacturing and selling e-bikes since 2008. They sell their bicycles through locally owned dealerships, with more than 230 in the U.S., Canada and Europe. Rick Crabtree co-owns seven Pedego dealerships with business partner Stephanie Lawrence, including three in Colorado—Fort Collins, Denver and the Southlands in Aurora.
“We're a lot like a car dealership,” Rick says. “We have a service center. We have sales, of course. We offer test rides and rentals. And every bike comes with a five-year warranty, rim to rim, including the battery. And so, other than the occasional flat tire, if there's a defect or something came loose, we're going fix it for you.”
It’s hard to find that kind of service and support when buying an e-bike off the internet, which is why Rick says it’s important to have brick-and-mortar stores. “E-bikes aren’t cheap; they’re an investment, and you should be able to test-ride the different models and find the one that’s right for you,” Rick explains.
Rick discovered the fun of e-bikes when he rented one during a vacation. “It was just fabulous. Life-changing, really, because they really take the pain away from riding bikes.” The pain is taken away because of a battery that provides electric power when you’re riding over rough terrain, going uphill, or are just tired of pedaling. So you can use your own pedal power to move forward or switch to electric power and just enjoy the ride.
The electric boost allows a lot of people a new opportunity to get out and ride. “We all start to age, or maybe we’ve had some injuries,” Rick says. “Should you stop exercising? Should you stop loving the bicycle? No. These bicycles allow you to continue riding, instead of giving up the benefits of bicycling just because of age or an injury.”
When selecting an e-bike to purchase, there are a few considerations to keep in mind. How will you use it? To commute to work? For exercise? For fun? Are you a road cyclist or do you want to conquer mountain trails? Do you need a little extra stability or more battery power? Those questions and considerations are why Rick believes e-bikes should be purchased in a store. “We are e-bike enthusiasts with the knowledge to help you find the perfect bike. And we’ll be here long after your purchase to repair it and take care of it for you.”
Pedego offers several types of e-bikes, from on- and off-road models to a tandem and a tricycle. They also have lots of handy accessories, like phone holders, saddle bags, and carriers for pets, kids and groceries that they'll install for you. And just like a car dealership, they buy and sell used models, and take trade-ins if your e-bike needs change or you’re ready to upgrade to a new model.
In the end, Rick wants all his customers to find the best electric bike, which he says is “the one that fits you best. It all comes down to the one that’s the most fun for you to ride. That’s what it’s all about.”
FIND YOUR E-BIKE
Pedego Southlands
6150 South Main Street
Aurora, CO 80016
(303) 627-5788
pedegosouthlands.com
