As greater Atlanta enters a new week of sheltering at home, many of us are finding time for more outdoor pursuits than usual.  Adults and children are encouraged to exercise as we wait for the coronavirus pandemic to subside, and neighborhoods are busy with dog-walkers, joggers and cyclists.  To keep people healthy and moving, bicycle shops have been deemed “essential”.  Eric Hunger, president of ElectroBike Georgia, is on the forefront of the cycling surge, and is helping people discover new ways to safely enjoy bicycling.

“After weeks of being confined to our homes, people are eager to get outside and enjoy some new activities,” said Hunger.  “Electric bicycles are fun and easy to operate and help you keep that important social distance when you’re outdoors.  Essential workers can use them to commute to and from work, and families can enjoy outdoor time together since e-bikes work for all ages and abilities. This is the perfect time to give e-bikes a try since there are so few cars on the roads right now.”

DeKalb resident Neville Carson had planned to purchase an e-bike for his son to take to college next year.  “His university doesn’t allow freshmen to have cars on campus, so my wife and I thought an electric bicycle would be the perfect way for him to get around the school, plus travel to and from the off-campus freshman parking lot.  We planned to buy the e-bike for him in late summer, but decided to purchase it now so the whole family could enjoy riding it why we are staying home.”

Nearly all electric bicycles feature a rechargeable, Lithium-ion battery, which powers a quiet electric motor.  E-bikes can be operated as traditional bicycles, but with the flip of a switch, the rider can turn on the pedal assist feature or operate a throttle for an effortless ride.  This versatility is especially prized in a hilly city like Atlanta.

Hunger opened ElectroBike Georgia in Brookhaven in 2016, and in less than four years, ElectroBike Georgia has become the largest retailer of electric bicycles in the Southeast.  The company also owns the Atlanta Bicycle Barn at 151 Sampson Street on Atlanta’s Eastside Beltine, which offers sales, service and rentals (rentals are temporarily suspended during the coronavirus outbreak) of both traditional and electric bicycles.  In addition to its namesake brand, ElectroBike sells industry-leading e-bikes from Magnum, Raleigh, e-Joe, iZIP and Haibike, as well as helmets, bike locks, baskets and other accessories.  The Brookhaven store also offers service for all e-bikes purchased there or from the Atlanta Bicycle Barn.

Hunger and his staff are following all CDC protocols for disinfecting and social distancing.  “Right now, while we are all doing what we can to stop the spread of COVID-19, electric bicycles give us a perfect opportunity to safely get out of the house and exercise,” said Hunger.  “They also provide some much-needed distraction and fun.  Bicycle shops have been deemed ‘essential businesses’ for this very reason.  Maybe one silver lining from this current crisis is people will discover the benefits of owning an electric bicycle, and continue to enjoy riding for many years to come.”