@flagstaffbusinessnews
Electric Bikes of Flagstaff is outfitting and training locals and visitors for a pedal-assisted adventure in and around town. Courtesy photo
New Electric Bike Shop Already in High Gear By Stan Bindell, FBN
As Electric Bikes of Flagstaff becomes more established in the community, he hopes to or Luke Howland, owner of Electric Bikes become more involved. Currently, the business has a Facebook group and has donated to Flagof Flagstaff, business has been booming staff Bike Party, which helps people who have since he opened the store at 14 E. Birch Ave. in April. He says college students, tourists been in biking accidents. “We want to create our own ebike community,” he said. and locals all want to ride the ebikes. Safety is a big concern for ebikers, just like Howland, who previously worked at an it is for other kinds of cyclists. The difference electric bike store in Scottsdale, said ebikes is speed, as ebikes can go so much faster than are great in Flagstaff because of the 7,000-foot other bikes. Howland strongly recommends altitude, as it takes far less work to ride with a pedal-assisted bike than with a traditional bike. helmets for all riders; however, the law only re“You don’t have to be totally in shape to ride quires those under the age of 18 to wear them. He also suggests that riders wear bright ebikes,” he said. “Ebikes appeal to everybody.” clothes so people can see them and that bikes Howland is passionate about ebiking because he says it gives people a chance to get out be equipped with lights and reflectors. He says and exercise. Those with injuries or disabilities older people also should consider knee and arm pads. who cannot use regular bikes can use ebikes. “Hikers and motorists need to be more Environmentalists like ebikes because they can take the place of gas-powered cars in some aware [of cyclists],” he said. “Everyone needs to always be on the lookout. The No. 1 cause of cases. accidents is distractions.” Electric Bikes of Flagstaff sells only ebikes Ebikes picked up speed in 2006 and then – eight brands, including Gazelle, Surface gained traction again in 2015. For Electric 604 and Haidke – and four syles, mountain, commuting, folding and fat tire. They range in Bikes of Flagstaff, the momentum keeps building. FBN price from $1,600 to $7,000, with the average ebike selling for about $2,500. Howland says the less expensive bikes may cost the rider more in the long run. “The best way to learn the best ebike for you is to come into the store, try one and we’ll give you a demo and full education on how the bikes work,” said Howland, who enjoys riding on the Flagstaff Urban Trail System.
F
AUGUST 2021 // Flagstaff Business News
3
