One day, on a whim, my daughter and I decided to rent electric bikes from Pedego Avila Beach and take a ride down the Bob Jones trail. Two months prior I had broken my Achilles tendon and was walking around in a big boot with very limited mobility. Riding an e-bike seemed like a great way to get some exercise and have some fun with very little risk. In short, it was the most fun my daughter and I have EVER had on a bicycle.

Now in my mid-fifties, I had been looking for some kind of exercise that I could incorporate into my lifestyle—something I would actually enjoy doing. The gym is not for me as I love being outside. With my Achilles tendon issues, running was out and I don’t enjoy swimming. I do enjoy biking but don’t do it regularly and live in an area with many challenging hills. This e-bike thing had possibilities…

I began researching e-bike options available through local dealers (I believe local support is important). Some bikes had throttle control, but no pedal assist, and others only had pedal assist. I learned from a Pedego loan period that having BOTH is nice. Pedal assist is great for long stretches of travel, while throttle control is great in traffic or situations where maneuverability is key. I also really enjoy that upright, feet on the ground, cool cruiser vibe. For me, the choice was obvious: the Pedego Interceptor was the perfect bike for me. I also appreciate the built-in lights, fender options, battery options, comfortable seat, pre-slimed "Fat Frank" tires, and even a built-in bell.

There are a (very) few negatives. At ~60 lbs, the bike is heavy. The step-thru frame (the one I chose for ease of mounting) is not as rigid as the classic frame. The rear rack uses large-diameter tubing and is especially wide, making it difficult to find accessories. None of these issues have posed much of a problem in practice.

Meanwhile, working with Glen and Nathan, the new co-owners of Pedego Avila Beach, was an absolute pleasure. They bent over backwards to answer questions and even lent me a bike for a weekend so that I could try my commute to work. Happily, I am now a very satisfied customer. Glen and Nathan are father and son and reflect that family feel in running their shop. I heartily recommend Pedego Avila Beach without reservation.

I have been commuting to work at least three days a week. My commute is about 15 minutes by car and, now, nearly the same by bike. One comment I often get from folks who have never ridden an e-bike is, “you’ll never get exercise on that thing—the bike does all the work.” Rubbish. The bike simply eliminates all of the obstacles like distance, hills, and headwinds. YOU STILL PEDAL. More than that, you want to pedal BECAUSE IT’S FUN! I find myself looking for excuses to run errands so that I can get on the bike. Wherever I go, this bike attracts attention. I really enjoy watching people’s reactions when they actually try the bike. Bike novices are fearful at first. Hard-core bike enthusiasts tend to sneer at e-bikes. Universally, when folks actually get on the bike to ride, the first reaction I hear is laughter followed by “this is so cool, I want one!”

My advice: ride one. Only then will you understand. Happy e-cycling!