San Diego consumers can test ride the latest electric bicycles for free at the 2016 Electric Bike Expo, coming to Liberty Station Friday through Sunday, Feb. 26 to 28.
Electric biking is a new form of transportation and recreation becoming popular nationwide, providing riders with power assist as they pedal. EBikes make hills easier and enable more people to ride farther and faster with little to no sweat. San Diego is the second stop for the expo, which is on a six-city national tour.
This event allows San Diegans the opportunity to meet with manufacturer representatives and select local retailers from more than 20 of the top eBike producers and to test ride more than 100 models of power-assist bicycles. Nicole Burgess, the city’s bicycle representative for City Council District 2, said the expo is another great opportunity for residents to explore San Diego by bike.
“An electric assist will help with large hills, long distances and heavy loads as well as provide confidence and power to avoid dangerous road traffic,” Burgess said. “Come try one out and experience the joys of commuting by bike as a healthy lifestyle adventure.
“Spin those wheels at any age. The young love the outdoors, and the low-impact, healthy benefits are fabulous as we get older. The electric assist supports traveling by bike for all and will put a smile on your face.”
Burgess noted that becoming less dependent on motor vehicles is beneficial for all, no matter their age or lifestyle. “Experience the endorphins (hormones that reduce pain and affect emotions) as you explore San Diego by bike,” she said. “It’s a healthy addiction that will save you money as well as keeping you fit for life. Don’t let fear dictate your life. Take the challenge, and go by bike. The rewards will amaze you. An electric assist will help you make this shift. Come give it a spin and enjoy life to the fullest.” The specially designed electric bike expo course will fill more than 25,000 square feet of the parking lot near Liberty Station’s Ace Hardware. It will include terrain features to test the different bike suspensions, as well as a hill, that allows riders to feel the power of the electric-assist motor. The expo will be presented by Bosch, one of Germany’s leading electrical-drive systems producers, with the track being sponsored by Trek Bicycles, a leading global cycling brand. This will be the first time many of the models on display have been seen in the U.S.
Local retailers such as Moment Bicycles, El Camino Bike Shop and SD Fly Rides will be present in their own spaces to offer information on their bikes and services.
Easy Motion will be giving away a 350W EVO Jet electric bike to one lucky person who test rides any of its bikes. Raleigh, IZIP, Yuba, Polaris, Focus, Kalkhoff and Gazelle will be offering discount coupons redeemable at local dealers. Electric cargo bike maker Xtracycle will be giving a series classes on commuting by bike. Haibike will be presenting on electric mountain bikes and trail behavior. Local favorite Slater’s 50/50 will be serving food within the expo exhibitor area. Hours of the event are 3 to 8 p.m. Feb. 26, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Feb. 27 and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 28. Those that take advantage of the early online free registration will be recognized as VIP guests and, once checked in, will be entered into a raffle to win some great cycling prizes. For more information, visit electricbike-expo.com/locations/san-diego-california/ or see a video at youtu.be/NirMwZruj3s.
