Bob
04-24-2008, 08:03 PM
I found this in my local paper. Regardless what you may think about man-made global warming, I like the idea a lot of not paying $4.00+ per gallon of gas this summer (or freaking next week at this rate.). This guy is making electric bikes here in America right out his freaking garage.
http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2008/04/24/news/local/24-greenbike.txt
Entrepreneur's motors give bicycles a no-emission push
By CATHY ULRICH
Of The Gazette Staff
With gas prices soaring ever higher, Lloyd Schell, owner of Green-Go Bicycles LLC, can help people looking for alternatives to driving to work. The Lockwood resident outfits bicycles with electric motors. A two-hour charge can take the rider 20 miles. With pedal assist, that number is doubled.
"Unless you're Lance Armstrong, us old people and younger people need a little help," Schell said.
Schell decided to go into business for himself after a work-related injury.
"It took away a lot of my options in the manual labor field," he said.
His injury, which affects his back and his leg strength, led him to a Bozeman-based bicycle business, Day 6 Bicycles.
"I looked for a bike that wouldn't put pressure on my spine," he said. "Something to get around on that was easier on my legs."
What he found was a recumbent-style bicycle and a new career.
Schell orders the bikes from Bozeman, which come shipped to his home in cardboard boxes. Working out of a shed in his yard, he then installs an electric motor that runs on a battery, and it's road-ready. Schell offers a variety of motors and bicycles and will even retrofit a bike with a motor for someone not in the market for a new ride.
Bob Snizek with St. Vincent Healthcare is helping Schell market his product. Snizek has helped several local businesses in the initial launch phase by writing business plans for them. He's enthusiastic about Schell's business.
"I thought, boy, the timing couldn't be better for him, in terms of inflation and the pressures of the cost of gas right now," Snizek said. "I think there's a certain market segment that may be interested in buying a bike because of environment concerns. Whether a person has concerns about the environment or just doesn't want to be bled dry, both are decent motivators."
Depending on which model of bike and motor you choose, a Green-Go Bike could cost around $1,500.
But considering the price of gas, Snizek said, the bikes practically pay for themselves.
"For the actual purchase and replacement of batteries, it's 3 to 5 cents per mile," Snizek said. "Which is pretty darn cheap."
Because Green-Go Bikes are considered bicycles and not motorized vehicles, you don't have to pay insurance. You don't even have to have a driver's license to ride one.
"As long as you're cruising along at less than 20 miles an hour, you're still classified as a bicycle," Snizek said.
With bikes ranging from the recumbent style with a back rest and wide seat to the classic saddle seat, from one speed to 21-speeds, Schell has a little something for everyone.
"I'm pretty particular about what I want," he said. "I've tried to adapt it to different lifestyles."
Batteries for the motors come in three styles, from the low-end sealed-lead model, similar to the kind of battery found under a car hood, to Schell's personal favorite, the mid-range nickel metal hydride battery, to the most expensive, the lithium battery. The batteries are good for around 600 charges. After that, they can be recycled, either by Schell or at Batteries Plus of Billings, A-1 Accredited Batteries or Interstate Batteries Systems of Billings.
"Batteries are the most expensive component," Schell said. "Take care of your batteries."
Schell recommends his bikes to anyone looking to save a little money on gas, help the environment and still enjoy the feel of the road.
"They're environmentally friendly," he said. "They're off the grid as far as fuel consumption. Plus, you get exercise, freedom. You can go anywhere you like."
Published on Thursday, April 24, 2008.
Last modified on 4/24/2008 at 12:30 am
Lloyd Schell of Lockwood operates Green-Go Bicycles LLC, a company that sells motorized bicycles. The motors are battery-operated, and one charge can take a rider 20 miles.
http://www.billingsgazette.net/articles/2008/04/24/news/local/24-greenbike.txt
Entrepreneur's motors give bicycles a no-emission push
By CATHY ULRICH
Of The Gazette Staff
With gas prices soaring ever higher, Lloyd Schell, owner of Green-Go Bicycles LLC, can help people looking for alternatives to driving to work. The Lockwood resident outfits bicycles with electric motors. A two-hour charge can take the rider 20 miles. With pedal assist, that number is doubled.
"Unless you're Lance Armstrong, us old people and younger people need a little help," Schell said.
Schell decided to go into business for himself after a work-related injury.
"It took away a lot of my options in the manual labor field," he said.
His injury, which affects his back and his leg strength, led him to a Bozeman-based bicycle business, Day 6 Bicycles.
"I looked for a bike that wouldn't put pressure on my spine," he said. "Something to get around on that was easier on my legs."
What he found was a recumbent-style bicycle and a new career.
Schell orders the bikes from Bozeman, which come shipped to his home in cardboard boxes. Working out of a shed in his yard, he then installs an electric motor that runs on a battery, and it's road-ready. Schell offers a variety of motors and bicycles and will even retrofit a bike with a motor for someone not in the market for a new ride.
Bob Snizek with St. Vincent Healthcare is helping Schell market his product. Snizek has helped several local businesses in the initial launch phase by writing business plans for them. He's enthusiastic about Schell's business.
"I thought, boy, the timing couldn't be better for him, in terms of inflation and the pressures of the cost of gas right now," Snizek said. "I think there's a certain market segment that may be interested in buying a bike because of environment concerns. Whether a person has concerns about the environment or just doesn't want to be bled dry, both are decent motivators."
Depending on which model of bike and motor you choose, a Green-Go Bike could cost around $1,500.
But considering the price of gas, Snizek said, the bikes practically pay for themselves.
"For the actual purchase and replacement of batteries, it's 3 to 5 cents per mile," Snizek said. "Which is pretty darn cheap."
Because Green-Go Bikes are considered bicycles and not motorized vehicles, you don't have to pay insurance. You don't even have to have a driver's license to ride one.
"As long as you're cruising along at less than 20 miles an hour, you're still classified as a bicycle," Snizek said.
With bikes ranging from the recumbent style with a back rest and wide seat to the classic saddle seat, from one speed to 21-speeds, Schell has a little something for everyone.
"I'm pretty particular about what I want," he said. "I've tried to adapt it to different lifestyles."
Batteries for the motors come in three styles, from the low-end sealed-lead model, similar to the kind of battery found under a car hood, to Schell's personal favorite, the mid-range nickel metal hydride battery, to the most expensive, the lithium battery. The batteries are good for around 600 charges. After that, they can be recycled, either by Schell or at Batteries Plus of Billings, A-1 Accredited Batteries or Interstate Batteries Systems of Billings.
"Batteries are the most expensive component," Schell said. "Take care of your batteries."
Schell recommends his bikes to anyone looking to save a little money on gas, help the environment and still enjoy the feel of the road.
"They're environmentally friendly," he said. "They're off the grid as far as fuel consumption. Plus, you get exercise, freedom. You can go anywhere you like."
Published on Thursday, April 24, 2008.
Last modified on 4/24/2008 at 12:30 am
Lloyd Schell of Lockwood operates Green-Go Bicycles LLC, a company that sells motorized bicycles. The motors are battery-operated, and one charge can take a rider 20 miles.