RENEE WANTS TO KNOW
A Modern Mode of Transportation How do e-bikes work? by Renee Roberson Photos courtesy of Renee Roberson
Left: Pedego LKN owners Tom and Grace Kennedy. Right: Renee Roberson takes a bike out for a test spin.
Cycling is a popular pastime in our area. But sometimes, depending on your needs or physical limitations, you want to ride a bike that can offer a little assistance. While I had heard of e-bikes before, I was able to get even more information on how they work from Huntersville residents Grace and Tom Kennedy, who recently opened Pedego LKN in the Antiquity Town Center last month. “E-bikes allow you to travel farther and faster, and they allow you to really control the amount of effort you’re putting in,” says Grace. Pedego bikes are governed at 20 miles per hour in accordance with federal and state regulations and operate just like a regular bicycle. You can pedal normally or use the Pedalsense® feature, which has five levels of assistance for pedaling, an LCD Display and a USB charger. There’s also a throttle option that gives you a fun boost of speed with the twist of a handle. The pedal assist and throttle functions work with the use of a battery that takes about two to five hours to charge from a standard wall outlet. These bikes can be a great alternative to someone who wants to get out for some fresh air but doesn’t necessarily need to burn a lot of calories during a ride, says Grace. Others use them to replace vehicles for short commutes. Once I got a look at all the features you can add to a bike, I had a better sense of this modern mode of transportation that appeals to people of all ages. 78
LAKE NORMAN CURRENTS | OCTOBER 2021
I learned how an e-bike works firsthand with a short ride from the store down the Antiquity greenway, with Grace as my tour guide. After using the throttle feature to boost me up a large hill, while I stayed relaxed in my seat, I may never want to use a traditional bike ever again. I also tested out the Pedalsense® and noted the difference in how hard I had to pedal (or didn’t) depending on the level I selected. Because there are a wide range of options available, you can customize an e-bike to your specifications, whether you want “fat tires,” mag wheels, a certain color, longer battery life, a “step-thru” model for easy mounting and dismounting or a classic design, etc., plus a variety of accessories such as baskets, commuter handlebar bags, locks and more. “When you join the Pedego family, as they say, you join a community of people that own Pedego bikes,” says Grace. She and Tom plan to offer group rides and more events to the community to join in the coming months. Pedego bikes range in price from $1,295 to $5000+, but the store also rents them out for anyone wanting to take one out for a spin for half days, full days, or upcoming trips. Learn more at www.pedegoelectricbikes.com/dealers/cornelius or by visiting 19911 Zion Ave., Ste. D3, Cornelius.
