Next Commuter Craze?

Candiya · 11-26-2012, 01:22 PM

What do you guys think? Will chrome, "harley-esque" electric bicycles be all the rage in Bremerton soon?

BTW, you have to click the link and check out the photos with the article. I love the poncho that "secures to the bike". Now that's a different type of ATGATT!

Bremerton entrepreneur hopes to pedal the next commuter craze

BREMERTON — Gary Marley believes Bremerton could be the place where a new way to commute takes root.

The North Bend native has bought and imported more than two dozen electric bicycles from China to sell in his new store on Fourth Street.

The bikes, which can travel up to 30 miles on battery power alone, have a motorcycle look. But look down the 220-pound frame and you'll find bicycle pedals, which can be used on downhill stretches or in a pinch when battery power is low.

In an age of mounting energy costs and concerns, "There's definitely a future market for it," Marley believes.

He decided to bring his product to Bremerton after a customer he'd sold a bike to felt they would take off here. He noted the area's Navy presence, Olympic College campus and population of retirees.

"It has everybody I was looking for in a market," he said.

A friend told Marley about electric bicycles five years ago. In 2010, he found factories in China that could produce them. But it took until January that he settled on a design he liked.

The bike had more of a chrome, Harley-esque look to which he feels Americans will gravitate. He's ordered 30 of them. If they prove popular, more will come to fill out his shop, which he's calling GEM E-Cycles, named for his initials.

Marley said he's worked in all kinds of professions. He's raised cattle, started a company selling shrink-wrapped firewood to grocers, worked as a roofer and fabricated steel for Sound Transit's light-rail trails. He feels his latest incarnation has an opportunity not only to sell electric bicycles, but help others start franchises selling them.

The bikes can go up to 20 mph, and — as a power-assisted bike — do not require licensing under state law, he said. Helmets must be worn in Bremerton. They run with almost no noise and can carry up to 330 pounds. There's few moving parts, and they can be plugged in at home to charge, he added.

His shop also sells a poncho that secures to the bike, as well as helmets and gloves for the stormier days of commuting.

Marley plans to expand beyond electric bicycles, selling scooters and other two-wheeled vehicles. His current bikes run $1,745 plus tax and include a 90-day warranty, with a one-year warranty for the motor and battery controller.

While he's already open, Marley is planning a grand opening at his store for Dec. 8.

http://www.kitsapsun.com/news/2012/n...edal-the-next/

Texasl · 11-26-2012, 01:36 PM

Do I see "someone" becoming a trend setter here on the forum?

Candiya · 11-26-2012, 01:50 PM

Well, I do like smaller bikes, but I also like going over 20 MPH!

However, I do think it'd be totally bad ass to show up to a bike night on one.

mrwizard10 · 11-26-2012, 02:52 PM

It is Portland...so there is some wack job out there who will think it is the next eco friendly idea and sing it's praises.

Texasl · 11-26-2012, 03:16 PM

Originally Posted by mrwizard10

It is Portland...so there is some wack job out there who will think it is the next eco friendly idea and sing it's praises.

We managed to trade Bremerton to Portland? What did we get, not that it matters.

Lone Rider · 11-26-2012, 05:00 PM

Originally Posted by Texasl

We managed to trade Bremerton to Portland? What did we get, not that it matters.

Gawd! as much as I dislike having a Brem address instead of (said in snooty voice) a Seabeck address there is nothing that could make Me reside in Potland!!('R' left out for clarity, dude)

Where is Amboy anyway? And why is their citizens geographically challenged?

Back on topic;
I think the Electric bikes (and cars) ROCK!!!!
Too bad I live on the top of a large set of hills....,
Cant wait to try out the Zero dirt bike or tard.
Will definitely get one when I move into 'independent living' in 6 yrs......,

(been shopping a place for 86 yr old Dad & want to move into Crista Shores now!)
Hope Dudes business takes off, but has anyone, besides Sam Walton, made a living selling Chinese stuff?

Texasl · 11-26-2012, 05:51 PM

Originally Posted by Lone Rider

Gawd! as much as I dislike having a Brem address instead of (said in snooty voice) a Seabeck address there is nothing that could make Me reside in Potland!!('R' left out for clarity, dude)

Seabeck, AKA North Crosby

If I lived in a city (God forbid) I would think about rocking one of those "lectro peds.

canyon63 · 11-26-2012, 06:08 PM

I bought a gas engine kit for a 21 speed bike for like 120 bucks. I got well over 100mpg and it had a top speed of 28 mph with the gearing.

I don't think anything bike related is going to take off in the PNW.

MaytagRepairman · 11-27-2012, 08:42 AM

I wish the guy luck but if I wanted a small bike there is a plethora of gas-powered scooters from major manufacturers that get really good gas mileage that I would rather have than this.

mrwizard10 · 11-27-2012, 10:29 AM

Geeze..did I meiss the geography on that one...I just ready the first part and knee jerk reacted into thinking it was another Portland boondoogle....it sound so much like something that would happen in Portland that I didn't think there was any place except San Francisco where this might be considered a good idea.

PS..don't tell my directionally challenged SO..she will never let me live this one down.

Fat Berries · 11-27-2012, 11:18 AM

[QUOTE=Hope Dudes business takes off, but has anyone, besides Sam Walton, made a living selling Chinese stuff?[/QUOTE]

Harbor Freight?

I agree electric cars and bike are frikn cool. Hope he does well


11-26-2012, 01:36 PM	#2
Texasl Joined: Apr 2011 From: Port Orchard, WA I Ride: 2007 Moto Guzzi Norge, 1988 H-D Electra-Glide	Do I see "someone" becoming a trend setter here on the forum? __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-26-2012, 01:50 PM	#3
Candiya Pit Crew Joined: Oct 2010 From: Bremerton, WA Blog Entries: 7 I Ride: CBR250R, F800R	Well, I do like smaller bikes, but I also like going over 20 MPH! However, I do think it'd be totally bad ass to show up to a bike night on one. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-26-2012, 02:52 PM	#4
mrwizard10 Pit Crew Joined: Jun 2009 From: Amboy, WA I Ride: Suzuki Burgman 650	It is Portland...so there is some wack job out there who will think it is the next eco friendly idea and sing it's praises. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-26-2012, 06:08 PM	#8
canyon63 Chicken Strips Joined: Apr 2012 From: Olympia, WA	I bought a gas engine kit for a 21 speed bike for like 120 bucks. I got well over 100mpg and it had a top speed of 28 mph with the gearing. I don't think anything bike related is going to take off in the PNW. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-27-2012, 08:42 AM	#9
MaytagRepairman Licensed Joined: Jan 2009 From: Kingston, WA I Ride: 2012 Honda NC700X	I wish the guy luck but if I wanted a small bike there is a plethora of gas-powered scooters from major manufacturers that get really good gas mileage that I would rather have than this. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-27-2012, 10:29 AM	#10
mrwizard10 Pit Crew Joined: Jun 2009 From: Amboy, WA I Ride: Suzuki Burgman 650	Geeze..did I meiss the geography on that one...I just ready the first part and knee jerk reacted into thinking it was another Portland boondoogle....it sound so much like something that would happen in Portland that I didn't think there was any place except San Francisco where this might be considered a good idea. PS..don't tell my directionally challenged SO..she will never let me live this one down. __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter


11-27-2012, 11:18 AM	#11
Fat Berries Peg Dragger Joined: Jul 2006 From: Kennewick WA I Ride: GSXR 1000 2004 MM ed	[QUOTE=Hope Dudes business takes off, but has anyone, besides Sam Walton, made a living selling Chinese stuff?[/QUOTE] Harbor Freight? I agree electric cars and bike are frikn cool. Hope he does well __________________ Follow PNW Riders on Facebook and Twitter

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode