IRVINE, Calif. (BRAIN) — Pedego Electric Bikes recently celebrated the opening of its 30th store in the company’s hometown in Orange County, Calif. Pedego Irvine is owned and operated by longtime Irvine resident and cyclist Bob Bibee.
Like many Pedego storeowners, this is a second career for Bibee, who worked in the aerospace industry for 25 years. His original idea was to offer tours — not open a bike shop — after he took a tour through Los Angeles with a friend who recently opened a bike tour company.
“That ride had a huge impact on me. I grew up in Southern California and have spent a lot of time in LA. I saw the city in a totally different way,” he said. “I wanted to do the same thing, but in Orange County.”
But while researching the possibility of starting a tour business, Bibee saw his first Pedego bike and was intrigued. He contacted the company’s headquarters in Irvine and scheduled a meeting, which included a ride, to explore the possibility of using Pedego bikes for his tour business.
When Bibee left the meeting, he was a bike shop owner—and had even scoped out a location for the business during the ride with Pedego employees. “I loved the bikes and saw the potential right away,” he said. “And once the store gets up and running, I will offer tours to explore Irvine’s many bike paths and see the sights.”
“I have always ridden a bike in lieu of driving a car,” he added. “I want to show people how much infrastructure there is in Orange County, and these bikes make it even easier — and more fun — for people to ride bikes for everyday transportation.”
The full line of Pedego electric bikes is available for rent or sale at the 2,000-square-foot shop. Bibee also provides service and sells a full array of accessories.
A grand-opening celebration is planned for Saturday, Feb. 15. Group rides are planned, and free sport watches will be given to those who test ride a Pedego.
