Welcome to Pedal With Power!

haibike all mtn 6.0 sunrise

Thank you for being here.

Hello, my name is Chris Phillips and I am starting this blog to inform, inspire, and motivate you to look toward alternative forms of electric transportation for your everyday needs. Our planet is showing us signs that we need to change the way we navigate it.

Haibike All Mtn 6.0

There have been so many advances in technology over the last 20 years.

We now have computers in our pockets that are 100’s of times more powerful than those that ran the entire country not long ago. (though too many of us just use them for selfies and silly videos)

Technology has also improved some of our favorite pastimes like riding a bike.

As a kid growing up in the 80’s I remember going everywhere on my bike. Riding my bike was a way for me to explore and learn about the world around me.

It gave me the freedom to get to school, go over to friends’ houses, or just play at the park without having to bug my parents for a ride.

Having a bike as a kid allowed me to expand my world. I had dreams of being an astronaut and going into space. I didn’t think about things like how fragile the environment is and what was going to be needed to keep our planet thriving.

It was a slower time back then.

Bicycling has always been a big part of my life, but as I got older and life got in the way, I found myself riding less and less. Slowly getting into worse shape physically, mentally, and spiritually.

Not to get too into all that, but let’s just say I did not recognize myself anymore.

Then it all changed.

Now, I was one of those bike guys that thought ebikes were gimmicky when they first started coming out. I worked at a place called ZAP! (zero air pollution) in California, back in 1999. This company was mainly known for its electric scooters at the time, but it also was putting electric motors on bikes.

I used to build the motors and wire up the circuit boards for the kits they sold. These kits were designed to be attached to a normal bike and had a stone roller that engaged the rear tire and spun it. Let’s just say they were a bit primitive.

Electric motor kit form ZAP! on a bike
ZAP! motor kit 1999

So, my intro to ebikes began long ago.

It wasn’t until about 6 years ago while working for a shop in central Washington state called Cycle Central that I rode my first modern ebike. We started carrying Electra Townie Go’s and Haibikes. Both ran on Bosch motors and were light years ahead of what I remember from ZAP! Taking the first one out on a test ride was an eye-opener, but I still thought they were kind of silly, and being a purist, I had my reservations.

The seed was planted though and it took me 3 more years before I finally bought my own.

Let me tell you, my only regret was not getting one sooner. I’m not sure if it was my ego or stubbornness that kept me from embracing ebikes, but I am glad I did and my life has changed dramatically since.

I now have that feeling again, like I did when I was young. Riding everywhere and exploring the world. I ride daily now thanks to my ebike. I look forward to going on rides and use my ebike for daily commuting and trips to the store. I have gotten back into shape and stayed in shape.

Easily the best thing I have ever bought.

Hopefully, if you’re reading this, you have the ebike seed planted in you too. There is a reason ebikes are becoming so popular now. I believe they can help save the planet and they’re tons of fun to ride.

 

lava butte bend, or

So, why drive when you can ride?

With electric bikes and other forms of electric mobility, we are living in a time when the alternative to driving is not only a must, but can make us healthier, happier, and more aware of just how wonderful our planet is.

I give you this challenge – try doing one of the following

   >Commute to work

   >Take a trip to the store

   >Go to school

   >Go to the gym

By some other means than driving.

Even just for a day. (if you already do, keep it up!)