the models available for rent.
Two local businesses have teamed up to put more electric bikes on the road in Portland.
A new partnership between The eBike Store (201 N Alberta Ave) and Pedal Bike Tours (2249 N Williams Ave) gives tourists and locals alike a chance for a guided bike tour of Portland on an e-bike or an extended test ride on one of the e-bikes that will become a permanent part of Pedal Bike Tours’ rental fleet.
Pedal Bike Tours’ customers will now get to choose from one of eight electric bikes — four Boomer Pathfinder STs, and four Giant Twist Express models.
“E-bikes aren’t about hype, it’s a lifestyle choice.”
— Wakefield Gregg, owner of The eBike Store
Both Pedal Bike Tours owner Todd Roll and The eBike Store owner Wakefield Gregg get something out of this deal. Roll says he’s responding to customer demand for e-bikes and Gregg says people that come in his store want to spend time with their potential purchase to make sure it fits their lifestyle.
Gregg says, “E-bikes aren’t about hype, it’s a lifestyle choice… Over 1/3 of the bikes I sell are commuter-style bikes and people really want to give them an extended test before they buy one so having them available for rental is perfect.”
Use of an e-bike will tack an additional $10 on the cost of a tour. Rentals will go for $12 an hour, $50 for 8 hours, $68 for a day and $105 for 3 days. Rental fees are waived if you end up purchasing the bike within 30 days.
— More on this at Portland’s e-bike blog, PDXebiker.
This is a great idea, as it opens up the possibility of people who rarely if ever ride bikes deciding they can give it a try . . . on a tour of the nations top cycling city (And yes I am disregarding Minneapolis’ recent elevation to that post).
Thanks Jonathan! Though Pedal Bike Tour’s pace is usually fairly conversational, having the option of an ebike available opens their tours to an even broader audience.
I only hope that Ebike’s will soon be available in full suspension bikes for rent. The one big draw back is the size and weight of an electric, so I have made my own micro transporter that fits in a suitcase.
micro bike