BEND, Ore. (BRAIN) — Voltaire Cycles will open its third e-mobility franchise — this one in Bend, Oregon — offering road and off-road personal electrical vehicles for rent and purchase.
Voltaire Cycles of Central Oregon is located at 2755 Northwest Crossing, Suite 113. The grand opening is scheduled Oct. 10, and the shop features e-bikes, e-motocross dirt-bikes, fat-tire trail bikes, electric fat-tire trail scooters, electric skateboards, commuter e-bikes, foldable e-bikes, electric trikes, and accessories and gear.
The new franchise joins the Verona, New Jersey, pilot store (Electric Spokes Co.), and Highlands Ranch, Colorado, location.
"I realized that as more visitors arrive looking to experience Oregon's natural resources, the need for sustainable, and soundless forms of mobility are growing in popularity as alternative modes of exploring the wilderness while preserving it," said Bend franchise owner Charles Hildreth.
Hildreth also has interest in growing the competitive market of electric mountain bike racing. "Europe is embracing electric mountain bike racing with teams and tour circuits that are attracting big sponsors," Hildreth said. "I'm certain that within a year's time, we will have similarly sponsored e-MTB races here in Central Oregon."
The COVID-19 pandemic has driven e-bike sales in 2020. The U.S. is not the only country to experience shortages in personal electric vehicles. Global demand is rising, placing even greater pressure on major brands like Yamaha, Trek, Electra, Cannondale, and Evolve to increase production.
Voltaire Cycles franchises trains and mandates certification of its owners and technicians. "Without service support, customers are left hoping they will never need to service their vehicle, which is ludicrous if you think about the miles and the terrain that an average rider is likely to face," said Jamie Gilson, co-founder of Voltaire Cycles.
Voltaire Cycles offers multiple retail and online sales opportunities that provide new franchise owners exclusive territory rights for multi-brand representation and a catalog of vehicles, gear, replacement parts, and accessories in the personal electrical vehicle market.
Voltaire Cycles of Central Oregon will be followed soon with the opening of a Sarasota, Florida, and Manhattan Beach California, locations. Franchise information is available at voltairefranchises.com.
