Santa Barbara Electric Bicycle Company
Santa Barbara Electric Bicycle Company is a manufacturer and online retailer of electric bicycles. The company was founded in 2005 by Scott Shaw in Santa Barbara, California and is headquartered there.
Products
The company manufactures and sells several models of both folding and rigid frame electric bicycles, each powered by a rechargeable battery weighing 16 pounds. The bicycles' battery design enables three modes of power usage: “Exercise Mode,” in which the battery is not in use and the bicycle is pedaled like a conventional bicycle, “ Power-on-Demand,” in which the battery fully powers the bicycle, and “Power/Pedal Assist,” in which the battery’s power augments the rider’s pedaling effort. The bicycles use sealed lead acid batteries and high-speed brushed-gear motors, and the rigid frame models have a maximum carrying capacity of 250 pounds.
Business model
The company positions its brand as an ecologically sound alternative to both mass transit and cars. In addition, the bicycles are promoted as being suitable transportation for persons physically unable, or unwilling, to ride conventional bicycles. The company designs the bicycles in the United States and contracts for their manufacture in Asia. Final assembly is performed in the US. The bicycles are then sold by the company via its website and through American resellers.
External links
- Gary Gardner, "Electric bicycles offer a new option," World Watch 14, p. 10. Retrieved April 6, 200810