Pedego electric bikes offer an alternative to traditional bikes

When you hear “electric bike,” what’s the first thing that comes to mind?

“A lot of people will say ‘Electric bike? Why would I do that? It defeats the purpose’ but it’s the total opposite,” said Bryan Newman, the owner of Pedego Palm Springs and Pedego La Quinta.

Company studies show you can get as much exercise on an electric bike as you do on a pedal bike, including burning up to 500 calories per hour.

“On ours, you don’t have to use the electric at all. It’s totally your choice. You can pedal all you want. When Pedego designed these, they made sure they’re very good at pedaling first and then they have a premium motor and a premium battery,” Newman said.

There are about 11 different variations of these bikes. You can rent one starting at $14 an hour or buy one starting at $2,200. The idea is to ride as far as you can without the battery and once you’re tired, turn it on and get some help on your ride home.

Pedego also offers some social and themed group rides if you’re just looking to have some fun in a group.

“Here in La Quinta we’ve had success with breakfast rides or we also do a progressive dinner ride. So we partner with a few local community restaurants that like having us and we ride to one place have an appetizer, ride to another place for a main course and come back here for dessert and anyone who wants to can have a glass of wine and not worry about riding inebriated,” Newman said.

Newman just opened a second store in Palm Springs and plans to offer a celebrity home tour rides.