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Showing posts from May, 2023

The Collab You Didn't Know You Needed

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By: Summer Poletti I'm always on the lookout for other small businesses and organizations that serve the same type of people - to bring added value to our customers.  And when it also helps boost awareness for another small business, even better! So when I saw my Chamber of Commerce and Instagram friend State Street Pilates posting videos during the week of the Redlands Bicycle Classic, I reached out to learn more. Here's the conversation:  Pedego Redlands: Your posts about Pilates for Cyclists caught my eye; first of all, brilliant timing to run those the week of the classic! I thought some of my folks would want to learn more about those exercises, why they’re necessary and how they could help.  First, some quick interactions for anyone who might not know us or know that we know each other. I’m Summer, owner of a new e-bike shop in town.  We work with all kinds of people who want electric bicycles for varied reasons.  Without getting into to

E-Bike Repairs Demystified

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By: Summer Poletti We sell, rent, and repair electric bicycles, so we get a lot of questions about maintenance on e-bikes.  Both from careful people who are researching before they buy an e-bike, and people who already have one and need work done on it.  So we're going to breakdown some of the most common maintenance items we see on e-bikes.  I'm classifying them in two categories - what I call "bike stuff" and electrical (I mean these are e-bikes after all). First, the Bike Stuff.  The components that are present on all bicycles and tricycles, regardless of whether or not they are electric or standard.   Flat tires: Electric bicycles are prone to flat tires just like regular bicycles. Repairs may involve patching or replacing inner tubes. Brake adjustments: Over time, electric bicycle brakes may require adjustments to ensure proper stopping power. This can involve tightening or replacing brake pads, adjusting cable tension, or bleeding hydraulic brake lines. Drivetra

4 Things to Consider Before You Buy an E-bike

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By: Summer Poletti We know that you're careful consumers and want to ensure you're making a good investment and are well-prepared to maintain that investment after you get your e-bike. We're often asked about common maintenance on e-bikes. In our shop, we work on any e-bike, whether or not you bought it from us (more on that later). There are some things to consider. Mechanic Working on an Electric Bicycle First, before we talk about common maintenance items, we need to talk about maintenance prevention. We will cover best practices in a future post. While you are researching prior to purchasing an e-bike, it's a good idea to include a couple of topics on your list. Captain Obvious here - read product reviews. Scan for concerns about components breaking, bike rattling or making noise, battery not taking a charge. Research the manufacturer of the bike. Chances are that you're buying from a shop that didn't make the bike, which means you'll deal with the manuf

Let's Celebrate National Bike Month!

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May is National Bike Month, and it's the perfect time to celebrate the joys of cycling. Whether you're a seasoned cyclist or just getting started, there are countless benefits to exploring the world on two wheels. From the adrenaline rush of downhill mountain biking to the peaceful solitude of a rural bike path, there's a biking experience for everyone. One of the best things about biking is that you can do it just about anywhere. Here are just a few of the different places you can ride a bike: City streets: Biking in the city can be an exhilarating experience. You'll have to navigate through traffic and dodge pedestrians, but the thrill of weaving through the streets can be addictive. Plus, biking in the city is often faster than driving or taking public transportation. Suburban neighborhoods: If you're looking for a more relaxed ride, the quiet streets of a suburban neighborhood can be a great option. You can enjoy the scenery and take in the fresh air without wor

Physical Fitness Doesn't Have To Be A Chore

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Is someone in your life telling that you should get more exercise? A physician, friend/partner, the person in the mirror? Staying active and improving physical fitness can often feel like a chore, but what if there was a way to make it more fun and engaging? Enter the electric bike - a game-changer for anyone looking to get fit while having a blast. Electric bikes, also known as e-bikes, are similar to traditional bicycles but are equipped with an electric motor and battery to provide assistance while pedaling. This feature makes cycling easier and more enjoyable, especially when tackling hills or long distances. But e-bikes are not just a practical mode of transportation; they also offer a fun and exciting way to stay active and improve physical fitness. One of the reasons why riding an electric bike can be so much fun is the sense of freedom it provides. With the pedal assist, cyclists can cover greater distances with less effort, allowing them to explore new areas and take in the si

Why E-bikes?

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By: Summer Poletti A fair question that I get asked a lot is "why did (or how did) you get into e-bikes?" Like most people my age, I grew up riding bikes with friends and other kids in the neighborhood, as well as with my family. We had a tradition of biking to and from the donut shop every Sunday. Eventually, my dad started riding a converted bike that he got at a garage sale - a beach cruiser with a very loud gas motor. I thought it was the dorkiest thing I had ever seen and I often asked him to stop being lazy and just ride the bike. I mean what self-respecting teenager isn't embarrassed by their parents? I enjoyed the rides though - my go-to donut was the one with the lemon filling. At that time, a contractor in his late 30s, I can now understand why he wanted to have fun on the weekend and not work so hard to get those donuts. As an adult, my husband and I continued the traditions with our oldest child. Once he learned how to ride without training wheels and became

Debunking the "Electric Bikes are Cheating" Myth

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Are electric bikes cheating? This question has been the subject of much debate, with some people believing that using an e-bike is not a legitimate form of exercise or transportation. But we're here to tell you that this couldn't be further from the truth! In fact, riding an electric bike can be an absolute blast, and we're here to debunk the myth and show you why. What Are Electric Bikes? First things first, let's talk about what electric bikes actually are. E-bikes are bicycles that use an electric motor to assist with pedaling. This motor is powered by a battery that can be charged using a standard electrical outlet, and the level of assistance can be adjusted according to the rider's preference. Some e-bikes also come equipped with a throttle that allows riders to control the speed without pedaling or give some extra acceleration when needed. In other words, they're like regular bikes, but with a little boost! Why Some People Think Electric Bikes Are Cheatin

What is and is not an e-bike?

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  As electric bicycles (e-bikes) gain in popularity as a mode of transportation or recreational use, it's important to understand the different classes of e-bikes and any licensing or registration requirements for riding them. This is a serious topic, so this will be a time in which we do not serve up any levity. Rear Hub Drive on an Electric Bicycle E-bikes come in several classes, which are typically defined by the level of pedal assistance that the electric motor provides and the top speed of the bike. The most common e-bike classes are: Class 1: These e-bikes have functioning pedals and provide pedal assistance up to 20 mph and are equipped with a motor that provides up to 750 watts of power. Class 2: These e-bikes are similar to Class 1 e-bikes, but they have a throttle that allows riders to control the motor without pedaling. Class 3: These e-bikes provide pedal assistance up to 28 mph and are equipped with a motor that provides up to 750 watts of power. Class 4 & 5: Thes