From e-bikes to recumbents, Portland’s niche bike shops find success
Every bike shop has an owner. But in a city with 69 bike shops, a few of them have authors.
e-bikes
Pilot project will push potential of e-bikes as commute vehicles
Image taken from Metro Regional Travel Options grant application.
Reader Story: Please, stop hating on e-bikes
“I love my e-bike and the scooter mode is my lifeline when I ride.”— Wendy Hemken The article below comes from 32-year old Beaverton resident Wendy Hemken. Wendy is currently a student at Portland Community College and plans to study biochemistry/biophysics at Oregon State University. — I was reading through my Facebook today when I … Read more
PSU e-bike research project launches online survey
(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland) Researchers at Portland State University are looking for e-bike riders to fill out an online survey. The survey is part of an ongoing study that began last fall with an aim to “provide valuable insight into the potential market, user characteristics and barriers to adoption” of e-bikes. Here’s more about the … Read more
PSU research will focus on potential, perception of e-bikes
E-bikes could change Portland. But how?(Photo © J. Maus/BikePortland) Whether you like them or not, electric bikes are a growing part of the U.S. market. Far from just a trend or a novelty, e-bikes are here to stay. But even with major bike companies (and their marketing power) behind them, improved technology, and lower prices, … Read more
Conscious Commuter celebrates first batch of Portland-made frames
The first frames off the production line.(Photos: Conscious Commuter Corp.) Last month we shared the story of Kinn Bikes, a new company that decided to make their frames right here in Portland. Now, another company has decided that Portland is the place to manufacture their bikes. Conscious Commuter Corporation, a company with offices downtown and … Read more
Faraday e-bike funded on Kickstarter, in Portland this weekend
See it in Portland this weekend. One of the most anticipated new bikes in years, the Faraday Porteur, is headed to Portland this weekend. The bike, which was discovered here on BikePortland when it debuted at the Oregon Manifest Design Challenge competition back in September, boasts a gorgeous design, detachable front rack, hub-powered lights, and … Read more
The ‘best e-bike ever’ soon available to the masses
The Faraday, shown here at the Oregon Manifest field test in Portland last September, will soon be available as a production bike.(Photos © J. Maus/BikePortland) Back in September, when the entries in the 2011 Oregon Manifest Design Challenge competition were revealed, one bike in particular caught my eye. It was the “Faraday” electric-assist bike built … Read more
E-assist cargo bikes miss out on ODOT EV truck incentive program
EV incentive programs should not leave out bikes.(Photos © J. Maus/BikePortland) Last week the Oregon Department of Transportation announced the availability of $4 million in incentives for electric trucks. The money comes from the federal government’s Congestion Mitigation and Air Quality (CMAQ) program and it’s aimed at, “encouraging the purchase of zero-emission urban delivery trucks.” … Read more
For Jeff Bernards, e-assist saved cycling
Thanks to battery power, Jeff Bernards is cycling again.(Photos © J. Maus/BikePortland) Chronic foot pain threatened to make cycling unbearable for 56-year old southeast Portland resident Jeff Bernards. Now, after installing an electric-assist kit on his bike, he’s riding again. And loving it. Bernards is a veteran of local bike events. Years ago he started … Read more
E-bikes up for legal test in Oregon
“If you’re in court, they’ll look at the body of statutes, and it is not crystal clear.”— David House, Oregon DMV There’s a case brewing in Springfield (near Eugene), Oregon that could set a precedent and clarify several legal issues around the operation of electric-assisted bicycles. We broke down much of the legal morass around … Read more
Ride an e-bike? PSU researchers want to hear from you
If you ride an e-bike, PSU wants to hear from you.(Photo © J. Maus) Researchers at Portland State University are looking for interview subjects for a project on e-bikes. Jennifer Dill, an associate professor at the Nohad A. Toulan School of Urban Studies and Planning, got in touch with us with the news. Dill says … Read more