Comments on: New York Times on the Business of Electric Bikes

By: Michelle

Michelle — Tue, 20 Apr 2010 00:48:57 +0000

I bought my electric bike through an independent shop. Am enjoying the heck out of it.
By the way, have gotten the snide attitude from bike snobs… foolishly as far as I’m concerned; it serves a different set of purposes. More curiosity and interest, though – and whenever someone tries it out, they are delighted! It’s just straight up fun. Mine is pedal-assist.

By: Ed Fry from Electric Bikes Experts

Ed Fry from Electric Bikes Experts — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:49:22 +0000

Lead-acid batteries aren’t particularly green, but neither are they as efficient as Lithium based batteries.

Lithium, has seen a big resurgence in demand. Popular with laptops, phones and portable electronics, it’ll become the backbone of the growing electric vehicle industry.

Lithium is the next oil – you read it here first.

By: Gary Ares

Gary Ares — Fri, 05 Mar 2010 00:01:22 +0000

As a life-long cyclist, it amuses me when I ride my high end road bike by another “roadie” and get snubbed. I chuckle.

I doubt the IBDs, who’s customer base includes lots of high end roadies, and other cyclists, will carry ebikes. It’s not in their dna. I don’t mean that in a derogatory manner, either. It’s like eating broccoli for some – no thanks.

Ebikes and their related LEVs will take off in the US if a mega-mega-star (last name starts w/ “O”) pushes the category. Or, if the government wakes up to view it as significant health benefit to millions.

Otherwise, developing the interest will be up to those who believe in Ebikes and are passionate enough (funding helps) to evangelize on the web and face-to-face.

Please visit the ebike blog community for more information; http://velorep.com/velochef

By: Mick @ electric bikes

Mick @ electric bikes — Tue, 09 Feb 2010 05:58:32 +0000

The only reason e-bikes are not taking off as fast as expected in the US is because of so many out dated policies across the states. If they were revoked, we would see many businesses appear and a whole new industrial sector thrive, which would be good for our economy.

By: Rich Kelly

Rich Kelly — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 20:55:10 +0000

Linda –
Snobbish cyclists? Working at a bike shop? Pshaw!
Unfortunately, this is a problem that predates electric bikes. However, I do allow some leeway for cyclists to still debate where ebikes fit into the traditionally purely human-powered transportation category. As you mentioned, though, maybe all it will take is for them to try a pedal-assist bike. I was instantly convinced after a test ride of their place in the transportation – and even bicycle – landscape. I don’t accept, though, any derision directed at people/customers interested in any type of bicycle.
Enjoy your new bike!

Don –
We agree that IBD’s have the opportunity to take the category – if they decide to. Good to hear that there are some enlightened dealers out that you’re working with.

Woodard –
I don’t know if it’s phobias surrounding the batteries that’s the problem. I’ve seen the new battery designs and what can be done in a more eco-friendly way, but the old lead-acid is still cheapest and apparently still very prevalent in many places around the world. Eco-friendly is nice, but it’s got to be nice to the wallet as well to make a difference in adoption.

By: Linda

Linda — Wed, 03 Feb 2010 06:03:57 +0000

By: Woodard

Woodard — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 19:09:16 +0000

I believe that once electric bikes become mainstream, the phobias diminish, and acceptance by traditional bicyclists improves, the local bike shops will own the retail channel. Most people won’t be satisfied with an electric bike from discounters for quality reasons and lack of service and support.

On line sales will improve but will not have the service and support of a LBS.

Custom built electric bikes will also become more popular with people who want a bike designed to their specific requirements.

Regarding batteries, lead acid batteries will be replaced with other, less toxic, alternatives. For example LiFePO4 technology is non-toxic and biodegradable. The initial cost is higher but the lifetime cost is less than lead acid technology.

By: Don DiCostanzo

Don DiCostanzo — Tue, 02 Feb 2010 05:17:33 +0000

In my opinion, it is the independendent bike dealers channel to lose.

We sell throught them and those that get it, do very well.

http://www.pedego.com