The nation’s leading electric bike brand Pedego Electric Bikes is set to open its first authorized dealership in Coastal Virginia this May. The 1,675-square-foot lease on Norfolk’s East City Hall Avenue will sell and rent a plethora of Pedego’s cruisers, off-road and specialty bicycles.
Launching the local Pedego presence are Amy and Kevin Oliver of Virginia Beach. The couple first discovered the Orange County-based Pedego during a family trip to San Francisco. “We rented Pedego electric bikes in Tiburon for six of us and spent the entire day exploring Angel Island State Park,” says Amy. “It was the best day of our trip. We were able to ride for miles through the park without worry of the strong winds, the steep hills or not being able to keep up with each other.”
Eager to learn more about the electric bike concept, the Olivers returned to California that same year to meet Pedego founders Terry Sherry and Don DiCostanzo. Amy and Kevin were later introduced to eight fellow dealers who enthused over the company’s success in San Francisco, Irvine and San Diego. The Olivers knew it could be a big hit at home too.
Despite its identity as a metropolitan area, Norfolk is praised for its bikeability. The addition of an electric bike dealer is expected to increase traffic on the city’s established routes as well as attract riders of all ages and abilities. Pedego designs a total of 17 “pedal or not” bikes that can cruise for up to 60 miles on a single charge on their 250- to 500-watt motors. Models include cruisers, tandems, commuters, fat tire bikes, mountain bikes, cargo bikes, a trike and a portable electric folding bike.
“We are also very excited to offer tours of the area on Pedegos,” says Kevin. “There is so much to see, and we’re working on tours to our major attractions like the Chrysler Museum of Art and the Virginia Zoo in addition to breweries, the Cannonball Trail, a Norfolk mermaid search, the many historic sites and the beautiful waterfront. These bikes are perfect for all ages and skill levels, and we anticipate they will be very popular with visitors.”
In addition to rentals and sales, the Norfolk shop with offer professional bike services, regional events and activities hosted by a Pedego Owners Group as well as direct access to the Elizabeth River Trail through the shop’s garage door.
Pedego Electric Bikes is located in Norfolk’s City Center at 223 E. City Hall Ave.
Grace Silipigni
Grace Silipigni is an elementary school Spanish immersion teacher based in Virginia Beach and a regular contributor to Coastal Virginia Magazine, covering a wide range of topics such as health and wellness, education and learning, food and drink, happenings and events, travel and getaways and more.
