There is a method to my madness here at Ashland Electric Bikes, and topping off the list of goals is the following: to source the highest quality, highest value-per-dollar, most functional electric bikes available. I don’t see ebikes as high priced toys for the well-heeled members of society. I view them as a major component of the new emerging alternative transportation landscape that is growing globally everyday. What makes an ebike successful when considered in this model?

First, it must be well built with quality components. Second, it should deliver ample power in order for it to truly stand as an alternate choice to jumping in the car to run whatever errand you have. Third, but just as important as #1 and 2, it must be able to haul your stuff. Lots of stuff! We are a highly mobile society and we have a lot of things that need to be moved from point A to B on a daily basis. Whether its small children or large bags, boxes, equipment, etc., we need to take it with us. The Yuba Mundo is designed precisely with that in mind.

The Mundo has the largest, yet also one of the lightest frames available in the cargo bike world. Their choice of partnering with Bionx for the electric drivetrain means that you get one of the most successful, proven motor/battery systems in the world.

Now that Bionx has bumped their system up to 48 volts it is truly a high performance affair. The smoothness of their pedal assist feature is beyond all others that I’ve ridden. The motor power delivery is seamlessly matched to your pedaling effort which translates into an almost ‘invisible’ power assist. Want even more? Press the boost button for a surge of power that is unmistakable. With a claimed 25-50 mile range per charge this bike should handle all your daily needs.

The basic bike as it comes is a very comprehensive package. It sports disc brakes, 21 speeds, full fenders, a massive center stand, and rear wheelskirts for the back passenger’s safety.

Numerous accessories are available to enhance its passenger and cargo carrying capabilities. A fully equipped Mundo is the ebike equivalent of a family mini-van, to be sure.

Initial testing has shown the Mundo to be a surpisingly well-mannered, easy to ride, comfortable ebike that possesses ample power for our southern Oregon region. We expect you’ll be seeing more and more of these rigs plying the streets of Ashland carrying kids, pets, and gear of all shapes and sizes. Its a can-do bike that fully embodies the idea of clean, quiet transportation…now and into the future.

This article first appeared in the November issue of the Ashland Locals Guide.

Bicycle Commuting Made Easy

by Jerry Solomon

Have you ever considered making your daily commute to work by bicycle rather than by car? If so, then please hold that thought! The benefits to you and the environment will be substantial. If you rode a bike to work only one day a week you would reduce your environmental impact by 20%. That’s the equivalent of buying a hybrid car, only at a far lower cost. Rather than jostling through morning traffic (I know, its Ashland, but we do have traffic snarls nonetheless) how would you like to be cruising along, enjoying the sights, sounds, and smells of the new day? Yes, its a wonderful alternative vision for commuting but what about the disadvantages? Well, let’s look at those and see how the advent of the electric bike is the solution to most of them.

The first complaint people have when considering biking to work is the idea of arriving all hot and sweaty at the start of your day. With an ebike that’s simply not a problem anymore. The power assistance of the motor means you’ll be working far less at the pedals to get from point A to B. Do you have sizable hills along your daily route? No problem, the ebike flattens those out into an easy ride as well. So, take it extra easy in the morning to keep your ‘freshness factor’ intact, and then on the way home, if you want to push it some more to get a bona fide workout, go for it.

The next concern people have is that they don’t have the time to devote to riding instead of driving. On an ebike that’s simply not the case either. Quite often friends and I will travel from one place to another in town – me on my ebike and them in their cars. Almost always I’m the first to arrive at the next place ahead of them. Following all the rules of the road I can traverse town faster, park my bike right in front of our destination, and be inside getting comfortable before all the drivers come through the front door.

The third biggest concern about an ebike is the cost; a quality electric bike will cost anywhere from $1600 to $4600, with the majority falling somewhere in the mid-$2000 range. That’s a lot to pay for a bike some say. Have you been in a quality bike shop and looked at prices for the better offerings they have? Have you priced a new or reliable used car lately? Suddenly, an ebike looks like a bargain in comparison. How about operating costs, maintenance, and insurance? It costs about five cents to fully charge an electric bike, and that charge will take you anywhere from 15 to 50 miles depending on the bike. Did you get that? One nickel for perhaps a week’s worth of riding. Maintenance is no greater than a regular bike, and insurance or licensing is not required. Now that’s affordable transportation!

So, don’t you think its time to reassess your daily commute? Wouldn’t you like to become part of the solution rather than continuing to be part of the problem? Our addiction to fossil fuels must end, sooner than later. We can make a difference however seemingly small…one bike at a time. Come join the two-wheeled revolution!

Europe has embraced bicycling as legitimate transportation much longer and with greater passion than we have here in the US. They have taken accessorizing your bicycle to the level of art. We think Basil, a quality supplier in the Netherlands does a particularly nice job.

Quality materials and appealing designs combine to create very distinctive and functional carrying solutions. If you want to add some extra flair that’s useful as well, come explore the options from Basil. You’ll like what you see!