The future of transportation: Clinton brings first electric bike shop to the Mohawk Valley
Since the pandemic, electric bikes, battery-powered two-wheelers, have become a compelling alternative for commuters. Or so Bill Klehm, chief executive of eBliss, says.
Over the past five years, market reports show venture capitalists, who prior weren’t betting on bikes, doing just that – $150 million worth, Klehm highlighted.
In 2021, the coveted method of transportation sold out across Amazon, Walmart, and specialized bike markets.
And Klehm claims the rave is "here to stay."
The first eBliss Global Experience Center will open its doors in Clinton for a public event of food and test rides on April 27.
Doors open at 10 am; riders under the age of 18 must confirm parental permission.
Future of bikes is cars
The eBliss Anytime electric bike starts with the push of a button.
It has a sealed automatic transmission that selects the right gear and two red taillights. It’s the closest a saddled bicycle comes to the experience of driving an automatic car.
At least that’s what eBliss founders are hoping for.
Klehm started out working with cars. He spent decades at Ford and CarFax before making the transition to the e-bike sector. To leverage his knowledge he recently began selling e-bikes through automotive dealerships.
Because the future of bikes is cars, Klehm said.
Last year the brand’s sister company – Prophete in Oldenburg, Germany – sold 40,000 e-bikes in Europe alone; eBliss leapt in the global charts and is now regarded as one of the top-20 product distributors.
Not your average bike shop
The new experience center promises to be “more than your average bike shop.” It boasts a large test ride area and showroom where visitors can come to learn about and test the latest products in e-mobility.
“We design and build purposeful transportation devices, not bikes,” clarified Khlem. “There are a few main drivers to have an e-bike: the quality of the seat, intuitive start/stop technology, the quietness of the drivetrain."
As stated by Klehm, the two-wheelers cost $3,000 but unlike other bikes they don't require maintenance.
To head its new location the brand hired Utica resident Bill Chromczak.
Chromczak has run Whitesboro Frame & Body auto repair shop for over 45 years, repairing more than 300,000 vehicles.
“I’m excited to grow the eBliss Experience Center into a pillar of the community,”Chromczak said in a statement. “I’m going to bring the same passion I have for cars into the e-bike industry. I hope to see many familiar faces during our grand opening.”
Why Clinton?
When asked why the corporation chose Oneida County, Khlem pointed to the blend of ethnicities, newly implemented bike lanes, and neighboring universities.
“We’re thrilled to plant roots in the Mohawk Valley,” said Klehm. "This area represents some of the best parts of America.”
According to Klehm the e-bike industry is estimated to be worth $3.5 billion in the United States by the end of this year. The company’s goal is to catalyze the already growing market and offer premium rates to locals, he said.
The new line includes three ride styles: the Anytime (the Always standard model), the Outa’Here (the Always offroader), and the Anywhere (Always’ adjustable folding e-bike).
In July, eBliss will release a Cargo bike line, designed for business deliveries.
Owning the first and last mile
Klehm acknowledged that green transportation is crucial this day in age. He noted that Americans drive 190 million solo rides each day (one passenger per car), 29 million of which travel less than a mile.
“Short trips are the worst thing we can do for the environment and our cars,” continued Klehm. “We want to own the one mile trip. If we can help consumers make a carbon conscious choice the atmosphere and their wallets will be happier.”
The brand is also interested in the last mile.
“The average delivery speed is down because trucks are making single package deliveries,” explained Klehm. “Now that can be done using some form of e-mobility. We’re aiming to tackle the one mile ride for the consumer and the last mile for local businesses.”
This article originally appeared on Observer-Dispatch: eBliss Global Experience Center opens Saturday in Clinton, New York
