Local Company Fights Back Against Gas Prices, Turns Old Bikes Into Two-Wheeled Machines

May 5, 2011 5:15 PM

Reporting Maria Medina

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Local, News

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battery bikes, bicycles, Vacaville

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VACAVILLE (CBS13) — With gas prices at an all-time high, more people are leaving their cars in the driveway and turning to bikes.

“I’m saving a couple of gallons everyday,” says Karen Cook.

A Vacaville bike shop owner is transforming new and used bikes into an electric two-wheel machine.

“Our mailman here just bought a kit from us,” says Vincent Coons, bike shop owner.

Vincent Coons, of Velo Wrench Bicycle Shop, found a new way to convert any bike into an electric one, at a much more affordable price.

“Most of the kits are under a $1000, built and installed,” says Coons.

Lately, Coons customers, like local college teacher Karen Cook, are turning to E-Bikes for a common reason.

“I’m just really ticked off at the oil companies, I mean gas prices are high now,” says Cook.

The bike can go as fast as 20mph, and there’s no need to pedal, its battery can go 40 miles before a recharge. And at under a $1000, E-Bikes are gaining speed for people who just can’t afford to gas up anymore.

“Just ride to work, charge up the battery and you’re ready to ride home,” explains Cook.

Coons also told CBS13 that it only takes three days to convert that forgotten bike into an electric one.

Vince Coons

Thanks guys we had a lot fo fun taping with you today
cgood2

I would love to see a photo of a re-purposed bike.
Lori

Its not the oil companies ,its or government, the oil companies make only 7 to 10 cents a gallon but look at what the government makes a gallon fed 18.4 cents and good old tax you to death california 48 cents a gallon so who is ripping who off , and the rest of the 3.00 dollars left over goes to buying the oil, refining, and shipping.At least big oil sells you a product what does the government give you for all the money they TAKE from you.
landsknekt

Lori, its not California’s fault most of the people that live there think they should get some of the money that you earn. So the elected politicians take what you have and give it to the fat ass down the street that will not find a job, or is too lazy to do better. See its your fault for being successful, so you should pay more and let the government take your hard earned money away from you.
me

you mean the gas stations are only making a 6 to 7 cent profit. Exxon just reported an $11 BILLION profit. I hate to break the news to you but big oil companies are partially to blame
Coporate criminals

No. It’s the oil companies. The gov’t just gets a kick back and turns a blind eye. The oil companies are selling you a way overpriced product based on a futures market. There are other countries that are paying $1 a gallon right now.
Rusty

How about just riding an old fashion bike with pedals? It’s a lot cheaper and it’s better for your health.
AmpedBikes

Ouch.. Wish they had mentioned our name! lol
Debra Bubier

I bought my ebike kit through AmpedBikes last year…I live in Western Massachusetts. I have not owned a car in 5 years. I work 4 miles from work and leave my house at 3:30am to go to work. After a 12 hour day I have a 1 mile uphill ride before the last three level out….without an ebike it would be horrendous. I go through a bad part of town and I am not by any stretch of the imagination in shape (unless you count round). I still have a regular non-electric bike for exercise but for getting around town and commuting to work…an ebike is the way to go
http://www.electricbikee.com/store-converts-bikes-to-ebikes/ Electric Bikes – Electric Bike News – Reviews – Trends – Information

[...] the complete article at: Local Company Fights Back Against Gas Prices, Turns Old Bikes Into Two-Wheeled MachinesOther NewsAnything You Can Do… Zero BackflipsEbike Conversions Ease the WayOhm Cycles – [...]
Bill

What the government gives you for that money is the roads to drive on and the maintenance to keep those roads in shape and clear of snow. Think that’s cheap? Ever pave a driveway? Now make it four times thicker so large trucks can drive on it without damaging it.