Welcome to our coverage of e-bikes.
Portland is home to many electric-bike makers, tinkerers, riders, and enthusiasts. We do our best to cover it all. Have an e-bike story idea? Drop us an email via our contact page.
(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
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
Prototype of the Conscious Commuter folding e-bike. -Watch video below.-
“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
Neat event coming up for e-bike fans this Sunday from 1-4 at PSU Engineering Building atrium (1930 SW 4th). Here’s the blurb, followed by event flyer: Local builders of electric vehicles will be displaying their creations to showcase the present state of electric vehicle engineering and technology and to allow local electric vehicle builders to … 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