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
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
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 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
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
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
“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
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
E-bikes are popping up all over Portland these days.(Illustration: Mark Young/Portland Storyboard) Whether you like them or not, electric bikes have arrived and it looks like they’re here to stay. E-bikes can now be found in almost every local bike shop, major manufacturers are adding e-assist to a growing number of urban and cargo bikes, … Read more
A customer on a test ride in front of Kalkhoff retail store in the Pearl.(Photos by Adams Carroll) Back in August we reported that a new e-bike store was prepping to open its doors in the Pearl District. Now, although the dust has not yet settled in their combined corporate office and retail space, Kalkhoff … Read more
The eBike Store openedlast week in North Portland.(Photos © J. Maus) Opening a new retail business in the midst of an historic economic downturn isn’t exactly a safe bet, especially when there’s not a very big existing market for your product. But that didn’t stop Wake Gregg from opening Portland’s first all-electric bicycle store, The … Read more