New Electric Bike Shop Already in High Gear

For Luke Howland, owner of Electric Bikes of Flagstaff, business has been booming since he opened the store at 14 E. Birch Ave. in April. He says college students, tourists and locals all want to ride the ebikes.

Howland, who previously worked at an electric bike store in Scottsdale, said ebikes are great in Flagstaff because of the 7,000-foot altitude, as it takes far less work to ride with a pedal-assisted bike than with a traditional bike.

“You don’t have to be totally in shape to ride ebikes,” he said. “Ebikes appeal to everybody.”

Howland is passionate about ebiking because he says it gives people a chance to get out and exercise. Those with injuries or disabilities who cannot use regular bikes can use ebikes. Environmentalists like ebikes because they can take the place of gas-powered cars in some cases.

Electric Bikes of Flagstaff sells only ebikes – eight brands, including Gazelle, Surface 604 and Haidke – and four syles, mountain, commuting, folding and fat tire. They range in 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.

As Electric Bikes of Flagstaff becomes more established in the community, he hopes to become more involved. Currently, the business has a Facebook group and has donated to Flagstaff Bike Party, which helps people who have been in biking accidents. “We want to create our own ebike community,” he said.

Safety is a big concern for ebikers, just like it is for other kinds of cyclists. The difference is speed, as ebikes can go so much faster than other bikes. Howland strongly recommends helmets for all riders; however, the law only requires those under the age of 18 to wear them.

He also suggests that riders wear bright clothes so people can see them and that bikes be equipped with lights and reflectors. He says older people also should consider knee and arm pads.

“Hikers and motorists need to be more aware [of cyclists],” he said. “Everyone needs to always be on the lookout. The No. 1 cause of accidents is distractions.”

Ebikes picked up speed in 2006 and then gained traction again in 2015. For Electric Bikes of Flagstaff, the momentum keeps building. FBN

By Stan Bindell, FBN