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Denton Man Makes and Sells Electric Bicycles

Bikes don't require pedalling, go up to 20mph..No license, insurance or registration needed

Cost: between $899 - $1299.by Pelpina Trip,KDAF33 News Intern.July 30, 2008.DENTON — Is it possible to ride a bike without pedalling? Yes, it is..A Denton man makes and sells bicycles that do not require any pedalling - or gas and can still go up to 20 miles an hour. Theyare called electric bicycles and they run on batteries..Bradley Speck came up with the idea a year and a half

ago, when heconverted his own bicycle to an electric one. He was so excitedabout his electric bicycle (or e-bike) that he decided that"everyone should have a bike like this," and started making andselling more electric bikes..He has sold the majority of his e-bikes, even though "many peopleare just finding out about stuff like this," Speck said. Soaringgas prices have helped the electric bicycle business too; manypeople are buying e-bikes to save money on gas..The e-bikes are legally considered regular bicycles, so they do notneed a license, insurance or registration, according to Speck. Theelectric bicycles can be ridden and parkedwherever allowed formanual bicycles.The e-bikes give the option to pedal, pedal with electricassistance, or ride without pedalling. There is also no noise, theelectric motor only gives a minimal "zoom" sound when in use. Onefull battery charge will ride up to 30 miles.So what are the downsides? Well, it takes up to 6 hours tore-charge the battery, e-bikes are heavier than manual bikes (about55-75 pounds), and they can be pricy: ranging from $899 to $1299.However, these bicycles are gas-savers, and have minimal yearlyoperating costs ($100 according to Speck).Click here for more information about E-Bikes.Copyright 2008, KDAF

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