As electric bikes increase in popularity, a Lafayette store is ready to help people find the perfect ride.
Commonly known as e-bikes, electric bikes have a battery and electric motor in addition to traditional bike pedals. This means that riders can adjust the speed and intensity. Individuals can opt to pedal more and use less battery power, or use more of the assist feature that allows the battery and electric motor to propel the bike and reduce the rider’s physical exertion.
“You can adjust how much effort you put into it,” said Gerri Simon, owner of eBikes Plus. “If somebody has had an injury or hasn’t exercised in a while, but still wants to be outside and do a physical activity, they can use more of the assist. There are studies that show people with e-bikes get more exercise than people with traditional bikes because they use them more and it’s more enjoyable. You don’t have to worry about riding too far and being too tired to come back.”
Most electric bikes at eBikes Plus on Johnston Street in Lafayette retail for $1,000 to $2,000.
Simon and Ski Witkovski opened eBikes Plus at 2668 Johnston Street in August, making it the only store in Lafayette that exclusively sells and services e-bikes. Most of the e-bikes it sells range from $1,000 to $2,000. Each one comes with a two-year manufacturer’s warranty. Financing options are available. In addition, all e-bikes sold at eBikes Plus are UL-certified, meaning they meet all industry standards in materials, electronics and components.
“A lot of people think e-bikes are super expensive, but you can leave the store with a great bike that’s reliable and has great performance for less than $2,000,” Simon said.
So far, Simon said most eBikes Plus customers have been people ages 50 to 70 who are looking to remain physically active as they age. Others are seeking options to improve their health and fitness in an accessible way.
“We recently had a customer come here right after he had visited his doctor. He’s over 300 pounds and wants to lose weight, but he has knee pain and wants to start off with something a little easier,” Simon said. “Ski got him to test ride one of our bigger bikes. I was working on another bike and I heard him just laughing away and saying, ‘This is what I need.’ It’s a great feeling to be able to open people’s eyes and give them that freedom.”
Most electric bikes at eBikes Plus on Johnston Street in Lafayette retail for $1,000 to $2,000.
Simon thinks e-bikes could benefit others as well. She pointed out that they are an ideal option for college students or business employees who want to bike to work or class without working up a huge sweat or tiring themselves out before the day begins. They’ve also proven attractive for RV enthusiasts who want to bike around campgrounds and trails, or hunters who want to limit their noise in nature.
Ivy, the shop dog at eBikes Plus, helps customers find what they are looking for.
Caring for e-bikes is relatively simple. Simon said the batteries can usually go about 40 miles before needing to be charged, although it can depend on factors like terrain and how much a rider uses the assist feature. Most batteries can be charged in four to five hours, and can last for several years before needing replacement. Other e-bike maintenance is similar to that of traditional bikes, like changing flat tires and making sure brakes are in good working order. eBikes Plus provides full service and repairs to both electric and traditional bikes.
eBikes Plus is located at 2668 Johnston Street, Suite C-3. For more information, visit www.ebikespluslafayette.com or call 337-806-9851.