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I started E-BikeKit™ to sell electric bike conversion kits because I heard a story on National Public Radio while driving my X5 home from work. You can listen to it here. As an entrepreneur I immediately realized a business opportunity and I acted on it. I got into the business of e-bikes for the money plain and simple and I had never even ridden one.

But here’s the thing…now instead of driving my X5 for my 12 mile commute each day I ride one of my electric bikes. I never planned on doing that but now it just makes perfect sense. I ride whichever bike I’m in the mood for (I now have 4, all E-BikeKit™ conversions) and I take the road or I ride along the towpath beside the river. It’s a beautiful ride especially now that’s its Spring. I do get more exercise from riding but I’ll admit I usually never go less than full throttle (my personal bikes do 25-30 MPH and I like the speed).

I ride an e-bike to work now because it’s more fun than driving. I feel great when I get to work and the wind blows my hair straight up the whole way but that’s part of the good vibe too (I can still feel the wind in my hair when I sit down at my desk). I ride the bikes to get lunch and zoom around town during the day to get errands done quickly. People are getting to know me in town and sometimes I feel like I may be looked at like the “crazy electric bike guy” but I don’t care. I zip around and get things done and after every ride I am a little less stressed. Sometimes during the day I’ll take a spin around the block just to take a break. There is something exhilarating and at the same time relaxing about riding the bikes.

When I finish my work day and head home I look forward to the ride. While others sit in their hot cars in the long line of traffic to go over the bridge I zip down the street and get on the bridge crosswalk. You’re not allowed to ride bikes over the bridge and you’re supposed to walk them but I just hop on one pedal and use my throttle to cruise over to the other side. If the bridge cops are their I slow down or pretend I’m using my other foot to propel myself. If it’s safe I go fast and all the people in cars look at me with puzzled faces (I love that). The ride home is never long enough for me. Sometimes when I reach my house I’ll do a couple laps around the development just because.

The best thing about the ride home is that no matter what kind of day I’ve had, no matter how stress-filled it may have been, when I get home I have a much clearer and much more relaxed attitude. I’m calmer and more focused and I’m breathing a bit more easily from the fresh air. I’ve used my muscles and I’ve had a chance to decompress. Before when I drove I would immediately put my bluetooth in my ear and continue working on the drive home. But now I just ride and when I get home I’m not thinking as much about work. Now I’m smiling when I come in the house and 15 minutes after I walk through the door, I can still feel the wind in my hair.

For anyone that doesn’t “get it”, I would suggest taking a ride.