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Electric Bikes Come to Connecticut
Bloomfield Bike Shop carries hybrids manufactured by Schwinn, Giant and IZIP and offers a new option for consumers looking to get more out of biking and less from traveling by car. You still have to pedal but you can get a little help when you get tired. I met Mike Wolf, owner of Bloomfield Bike and he stated, “I’ve been in the bike business for 52 years and this is the biggest advancement for the industry yet. It’s a cleaner cheaper way to travel then a moped or scooter and you don’t need to register or get a special license.”
The bikes will get from 15-20 miles on one charge and according to Wolf can take anywhere from three to fifteen hours to charge. He added that Schwinn will soon come out with a model that only takes a half-hour. They all come with a one year warranty and Bloomfield Bike will add a year. The cost? Wolf said the bike costs anywhere from $800 to $2,200 and there is financing available.
Bloomfield Bike is also committed to embracing green business practices internally. Wolf smiles when discussing an energy audit that had him replace all his lights with CFL and install motion sensors that resulted in his energy bills going from $1500 a month to $900. Wolf also explained that the shop recycles used tires, metal and cardboard and the water bottles the store gives out are made from recycled materials. Also, when replacing the batteries on the new bikes, Bloomfield Bike has partnered with MidState Batteries to have them recycled. The small retail store also encourages employees to bike to work and is now eligible for a tax credit from the Fed under the Bicycle Commuter Act, passed as part of the bail out bill in October. The Act gives employers $20 a month tax relief for each employee who bicycles to work. It covers the cost of employer reimbursements to employees for buying, improving or repairing a bicycle or paying for bike parking.
As far as social responsibility, the company was recently featured nationally for hiring a disabled Vet. Brian Tinsley was serving the country in Afghanistan when he was struck by a bullet to his head that left him blind. The 25 year old was hired by Wolf after receiving training arranged by the Veteran’s Administration. Tinsley’s story has appeared on NBC and CNN and Wolf states in a recent article in Bicycle Retailer and Industry News that Tinsley has assembled more than 300 bikes this summer. “And every one of them was perfect.” Wolf has also set up a home repair shop for Tinsley.
So if you’re considering a getting bike for that child or that loved one in your life this Christmas, maybe you should consider a hybrid. The shop is open 7 days a week during the holiday season. Call 860.242.9884 to find out how late Santa is working!
Filed under: Green Business, Green Sports
Great to see another bike shop educating consumers about these exciting new products! We’re the only shop in the Detroit area carrying electric bikes – specifically Currie IZIP and EZIP brands. It’s great to see someone else out there trying to make a difference and spread the word about these affordable, eco-friendly alternatives.
Please feel free to visit our website for more great information about electric bikes & scooters >