Electrify Your Ride

Same high-intensity workouts as traditional bikes without the strain.

Remember what it felt like taking those training wheels off your bicycle? That feeling of nervousness downshifts in your stomach to reveal those first feelings of giddy independence.

Mark Noland knew he loved cycling when he first started riding his own bike at the age of 6, but it never became a big hobby. Then more recently, when reading about electric bikes, he was intrigued. Similar to a regular bicycle, an electric bike pedals and manages like all the bikes we used to ride down the street to our friend’s house. Don’t be fooled, though, the electric feature isn’t there to replace the human element, but to assist it. The electric aspect makes hills and strong winds more manageable so you can travel further without having to pull over or becoming too tired. With all these fantastic biking benefits, Mark wanted to check one out. “When I was traveling with family in the Netherlands, I had the opportunity to try one,” Mark says. At that point, Mark says he knew this type of bike was going to become popular worldwide. Upon his return home, he began researching the electric bike field and found a brand that met his high standards. “I bought two bikes. One for myself and one for my wife.” And the rest is history.

Pedego Louisville on Bardstown Road was established by Mark and his wife, Jo Anne in 2018. Pedego Louisville’s website states it’s “the go-to destination for electric bike sales, rentals, tours, and service in Kentucky and Southern Indiana.”

When stopping into the Pedego Louisville store in the Highlands, you might be met by Mark or perhaps one of his sons. “Three of my sons are involved in the store,” Mark says. Regardless of who greets you at the store, the first question you may be asked is, “Have you ever struggled to go uphill?” Mark takes time out to explain how cycling uphill differs with an electric bike, “The typical electric bike gives you extra power with pedaling so instead of struggling you pedal normally.”

The good news about biking, in general, is that it builds leg strength, promotes healthy weight management, works core muscles, and can boost mental health. According to the Pedego website, recent studies have shown that electric bikers can get the same high-intensity workouts similar to those on traditional bikes but without feeling as physically strained.

Mark says an electric bike can range in price anywhere from $1,500 to $4,500. Most models hover around the $3,000 price range. Once you’ve found the bike for you, the good news is Louisville has no shortage of trails to explore. One of Mark’s favorites is located in Cherokee Park. “It’s the Cherokee Park Loop Trail. It’s two and a half miles without any traffic,” Mark says.

Biking has many rewarding health and mental benefits to offer its riders. Electric bikes offer these same benefits plus some extras for those interested in a little added electric boost when needed—not to mention it’s just plain fun. “The greatest reward I’ve found in opening my shop is putting smiles on people’s faces,” Mark says.

By Tonilyn Hornung | Photos by Erika Doll