GEAR UP FOR FUN WITH PEDEGO E-BIKES OF SANTEE

In the heart of our community lies a gem of a store that’s more than just a hub for electric-bikes, it’s a place where connections flourish and customers become part of an extended family. Nestled amidst the bustling streets of Town Center Parkway, local e-bike store, "Pedego" has carved its niche by fostering unique and personalized experiences for every visitor. The store opened in March 2021 by husband and wife team, Greg and Stephanie Carter. Greg rode his first Pedego bike while on a business trip, came home, and immediately purchased a pair for the two of them. Two weeks later they were meeting with the CEO of the company to discuss owning their own shop. Greg Carter is no stranger to the Santee business community; as former owner of Carter Collision and Fix Auto Body, he has had a heart for small business for many years. Wife Stephanie has also had a reiki/ healing business for several years, getting the bug for entrepreneurship herself. With Pedego having over 200 stores, all family owned, it didn’t take long for them to know this was a fit for their next Santee business venture.

They didn’t just stop as spouses in this, though… Many of their employees are family and longtime friends. Their son Garrison, nephew Max, and their mechanic Tim (who used to work for Greg when he owned Carter Collision over 20 years ago) all contribute towards their successful team. From the moment you step through the door, you’re greeted not just as a customer, but as a fellow enthusiast and friend. The team at Pedego prides itself on knowing their clientele beyond just a name or a purchase. They take the time to understand the individual needs and preferences of each visitor, creating a bond that transcends the typical retail transaction.

What truly sets this store apart is their dedication to building a community. Some of their customers have even started their own regular group rides. Starting with one or two couples getting bikes, to now a growing group that has formed their own traditions together. Centering the bikes as the common thread among them, their purchases are now part of their lifestyle and way of staying connected. These opportunities for riders to connect, share stories, and learn from one another shows how the store isn’t merely selling e-bikes, they’re cultivating a culture centered around the joy of cycling, getting outdoors, and community.

The staff’s expertise is matched only by their passion for e-bikes. They’re not just there to sell a product; they’re genuinely excited about the technology, the freedom it offers, and the positive impact it has on both individuals and the environment. This enthusiasm is infectious and forms the cornerstone of the exceptional experiences Pedego offers. Have you been inside their shop yet? Stephanie likes to joke how they are the “Nordstrom” of bike shops with a clean store, nice smell, and “ fashionable bikes”. But she isn't far off in terms of experience. It’s open, bright and clean and the inventory is impressive and the staff beyond helpful. Oh, and did I mention they have an unprecedented 5 year warranty and a full service department. They pride themselves on getting you and your bike back on the road as soon as possible.

Customers Shannon McRae and Monica Kamoos recount their experience: “Sometimes in life you come across great customer service. Maybe a restaurant where you get great service, or a shop that makes you feel special, or a product that you can't live without. Greg and Stephanie are the epitome of perfection when it comes to customer service. The product, a Pedego, can be bought at a number of locations, including others here in San Diego, but the reason Santee Pedego is what it is, is because of Greg and Stephanie. We walked in a few years ago as customers, and we walked out as friends. They are the faces and names that people remember, not because Pedego is a great product, but because of the service they provide. We've referred a number of people to them, and everyone is in awe of the experience. People make an investment with this purchase, and a confident one, knowing that Santee Pedego and the Carters are behind it. These bikes are more than just bikes. As we have entered the "empty nest" phase of life, they've given us a whole different freedom, and a wonderful way to enjoy this beautiful place we live in. Riding with friends has become a favorite weekend activity, and mapping rides is a new hobby. Connecting with friends, and enjoying all that San Diego is, is just perfect on a Pedego..”In an age of online shopping and impersonal transactions, Pedego Santee stands as a testament to the power of genuine connections. Each visit isn’t just about buying or fixing a bike; it’s about being part of a community where everyone—from first-time riders to seasoned cyclists—is valued and embraced. They feel so sure about their products, they will let you test ride them before purchase. I don’t just mean a spin around the parking lot (which I’ve done many times), but truly borrow some of their demo bikes and get a real feel for them. My husband and I recently did just this and what started as a stroll around our block ended as a loop around Santee Lakes and quickly planning our next morning at Mission Trails with family members in town that weekend. Living in Southern California, it just makes sense to have outdoor hobbies, but I really see how this is more than that. You could rewire your whole way of life if you tried. For me, I’m among the lucky ones who live and work in town. I could omit the use of my car for certain office hours, visiting family and friends across town, or running errands (like my husband did when he noticed the need for a quick Home Depot run to get weed wacker string to finish up some yard work). I see so many opportunities here in town and beyond, as our region has so much to explore.

So if you haven’t stopped into the Pedego store yet, remember: isn’t just a store—it’s a vibrant hub that thrives on building relationships and fostering a shared love for e-bikes. It’s a place where the human touch elevates the entire experience, turning a simple purchase into a lasting connection. It’s a lovely addition to our thriving business community and I look forward to seeing the Carters each time I visit. I encourage you all to do the same. They are located at 50 Town Center Parkway and bonus, they are having an end-of-the-year sales event until January 2.

Kristen Dare, ACE Santee Chamber of Commerce

Expressions Dance & Movement Center, along with our community partners, Staump Music School and Momentum Tutoring are working to build a world where every child has access to the life-changing benefits of arts education.

Did you know that kids who participate in the arts are:

• 4x more likely to be recognized for academic achievement

• 5x less likely to drop out of school

• 3x more likely to pursue a bachelor’s degree

• 30% more likely to pursue a professional career

Additionally, 72% of business leaders say that creativity is the #1 skill they seek when hiring. It’s clear that participating in the arts sets kids up for future success, but that success isn’t just personal. Recent studies show that the arts contribute to the success of our communities as a whole. Both audience-based participation in the arts and personal participation in creating art are linked to higher levels of civic engagement and higher levels of social tolerance. In short, arts engagement creates social outcomes that contribute to a healthy society.

At Expressions we see the benefits of dance education play out everyday in the classroom. Dance classes give students an opportunity to make friends, learn to work as a team, and create collaboratively with others. In class, students get great exercise all while increasing musicality, balance, flexibility, strength, and body awareness. Expressions, Staump, and Momentum are committed to building bright futures for kids, one step, one note, one class at a time!

– Darcy Fagerwold Expressions Dance & Movement Center