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Mitchell Shapiro has a vision. A dream of a Sonoma Valley where the sound of gas-guzzling vehicles is muted, a place where roads and highways are free of cars belching fumes, a vehicular utopia where people of all walks of life happily get from here to there and back again by riding quiet, environmentally friendly electric bicycles.
Sounds crazy, even for Sonoma, but the 70-year-old Shapiro is a man on a mission, riding what he believes is a worldwide wave of popularity for alternate means of personal propulsion.
“My electric bikes can better the environment, reduce traffic congestion, aid our local viniculture industry and help seasonal workers get around town,” said Shapiro.
The electric bike handles like a traditional one and comes with headlights, brake lights, turn signals, rearview mirrors, locking ignition and carrying basket. The sleek, brightly colored bicycle offers the option of either pedaling or switching on the motor and quietly gliding along at up to 20 mph.
According to Shapiro, electric bikes are one of the principal modes of transportation in China. “When I visited China and saw these bikes in operation, I knew they were just what Sonoma Valley needs. The model I offer is designed to carry one person, but I saw entire families riding electro-bikes. The Chinese have also converted electro-bikes into mini-trucks by replacing the rear platform with a cart. They are far ahead of us when it comes to green, low-cost transportation – which is what my bike offers.”
Shapiro also believes the bike is perfect for the DMV-challenged: No driver’s license or motorcycle permit is required to operate it. “The rider must obey the same rules that apply to regular bicycles. But you don’t need a permit or insurance to get around town on my electro-bikes and believe me, with summertime traffic, I often get around quicker on the bike than in my car,” he said.
The experience of riding an electric bicycle in power mode is like coasting on a regular bike – all you hear is a gentle wind. The low center of gravity makes maneuvering easy, the tires and shocks give a smooth ride on any surface, the braking is effortless and all bikes are designed for women and men. But a rider heading up a steep hill will probably have to switch to pedal power. Shapiro acknowledges the bikes aren’t climbers.
“They don’t do well on steep grades,” admitted Shapiro. “But in a small town like Sonoma, with mostly flat streets and bike paths, their 25-mile range and limited climbing ability is rarely a problem, plus pedaling is good exercise!”
Shapiro tested several Chinese-made bikes before choosing a brand known for durability, eye-catching quality and ease of use. For example, the bike allows users to uncouple the electric motor and plug it into a regular household outlet. “The motor can’t be overcharged and by next morning, you’ll be ready to glide to – well, wherever your fancy takes you – as long as it’s not up a hill or beyond 25 miles. Then, just start pedaling.”
His electric bikes sell for under $1,000 and are available at Sonoma Segway on Broadway, the Dollar Store on Highway 12 and the Toy Store on Napa Street. For information visit www.ablebicycle.com or call 707.320.4971.
