Pedego has emerged as one of the leading U.S. brands of electric bikes and the City Commuter represents one of the reasons why. They have achieved a perfect blend of comfort, performance, and functionality with the Commuter.

Power is delivered via a 400 watt geared motor paired with an easily removable 36V 10AH lithium battery. A larger 36V as well as a 48V upgrade is available for even greater performance. It offers both pedal assist and manual throttle modes. Clean shifting 7 speeds make your pedaling effort easier. Avid BB7 mechanical disc brakes operate flawlessly. Creature comforts include padded leather grips, deluxe saddle, and a truly functional suspension seat post. The Commuter includes a quick adjustment handlebar stem that offers tool-less dialing in of the cockpit ergonomics. Full fenders and a complete lighting system round out the features list.

The Pedego City Commuter rides like a dream. Its comfortable, power delivery is smooth and strong, and the overall feeling is one of solid quality. This bike is well equipped to handle all daily duties ranging from pleasure riding to serious commuting and moderate hauling needs. The $2499 price makes it very affordable. Come see what the Pedego buzz is all about.

…and it rocks! I’ve explored other folding ebikes and they’ve been disappointing to say the least. Losing power and performance for the sake of portability is a bad deal in my opinion. Luckily, Easy Motion has succeeded where other brands have failed. The Volt comes equipped with the same drive train and battery system as their full size bikes, so its a great performer, and its priced fairly at $2499.00.

A 350 watt geared motor coupled with a removable 36V 9AH lithium battery pack provides ample power for all terrain. 7 speeds, V-brakes, pedal assist and manual throttle modes, rear rack, fenders, and a dynamo driven light system round out the complete offering. I’ve ridden it enough to say that this is one little engine that CAN! If the smallest package possible is of tantamount importance, rest assured that the Volt delivers that convenience without sacrificing performance along the way.

Easy Motion extends the warranty to five years if you register online, so you can relax with the industry’s best coverage. I suspect we’ll be seeing more and more of these little wonders plying the streets of Ashland this coming season. Come see what its all about!

This article first appeared in the Ashland Locals Guide January 2014 edition

Small Business Owners Take Note

by Jerry Solomon

My comments this month are intended primarily for small businesses whose activities include in-town delivery/pickup of small-to-medium-size items. You know who you are: restaurants, real estate companies, contractors, retail stores, etc. If you have somebody driving around on a regular basis delivering goods or documents or meals, you have a great opportunity to minimize your environmental impact as well as a chance to generate maximum exposure and goodwill.

Imagine an energized employee moving about town with ease, avoiding traffic and parking woes, and promoting yours as an eco-conscious, forward thinking business. An electric cargo bike is a very cost effective means to move your goods, paperwork, etc. from point A to B in human/electric power-assisted style. In most cases the price of the electric cargo bike will be recouped in less than a year when factored against the costs of operating a delivery car, no matter how efficient the car may be.

The tasteful addition of signage on the sides of a cargo bike creates a rolling advertising tool that will have everyone’s attention as it plies the streets of town in a low impact, easy-on-the-planet fashion. You may even find employees vying for the chance to ‘make the errand run’ from day-to-day. On an electric bike, taking care of a handful of chores around town becomes a welcome opportunity to get out and enjoy some fresh air without it becoming an epic, sweaty workout. You’ll find, as most of my customers have, that traveling around Ashland via an electric bike can actually be faster than driving and parking a car.

Individuals and companies worldwide have taken advantage of the two-wheeled transporting of goods for quite some time already. Adding electric assist to the mix has been a real game changer making it even more appealing. Never has it been so easy to do so much via a bicycle. We have a myriad of gear hauling options available to complement your cargo bike - extra large baskets, cavernous bags, tow-behind trailers, even insulated pizza boxes! You will be amazed to discover the range of large and unique sized items that can be transported via an electric cargo bike.

So, whether you’re a business owner or a parent with kids and stuff to haul, come check out the eco-friendly electric cargo bike alternatives at Ashland Electric Bikes. Every time anybody chooses a bike instead of a car to make a trip across town, everybody benefits. Its a choice we can all happily and healthfully live with, now and into the future!