LONG BEACH, Calif. (BRAIN) — Propel Bikes, a Brooklyn, New York, retailer that specializes in e-bikes, has opened its second location — this one on the opposite coast.
Propel's Long Beach location began operating several months ago and held a grand opening recently.
Owner Chris Nolte opened the first store in 2011 as Long Island Electric Bikes. The operation is now one of the largest e-bike retailers in the U.S.
"The decision to expand into California was a very natural move," said Nolte. "Its active outdoor culture, combined with its alternative transportation leadership were big factors. Long Beach in particular has separated itself as a model city for cycling and mobility infrastructure. It is amazing what is happening here. Add the weather, the close proximity of the port, the fact that so much of the e-bike business and industry is here ... it became clear in a hurry that Long Beach is where we needed to be."
The company's mantra, is "Changing The Way We Move" and promoting e-bikes as viable alternative transportation, as well as overall mobility education, are core parts of the business.
Claudia Wasko, VP and GM of Bosch eBike Systems America, said, "Chris' vision, dedication and focus are completely in line with how we see the future of e-bikes and mobility in our modern world.
"He and the Propel staff offer so much more than the best selection of e-bikes in the U.S. They offer insight and a path forward for this rapidly developing form of transportation and recreation. They do it exactly right."
Propel Bikes sells only pedal-assist e-bikes from Benno, Bulls, Butchers & Bicycles, Cannondale, Gazelle, Haibike, Moustache, Raleigh, Riese & Muller, Specialized, Stromer, Tern, Urban Arrow, and Xtracycle.
