According to statista, the electric bike market may reach $24 billion by 2025 — and for good reason. Battery assistance enables bicyclist to ride longer and faster while using less energy and carrying heavier cargo. This technology makes longer bike commutes possible and more pleasant.
Seattle has some incredible local e-bike manufacturers and conversion shops. We strongly believe in supporting these local businesses to strengthen the community and reduce shipping emissions. But, we believe any e-bike is better than none, so we’ve listed some nationwide retailers too.
We sorted through Seattle’s top electric bike shops to make find out which brands they carry, what they charge, and what they specialize in. Before shopping, check out “What to know before you buy an electric bike” and Washington Bike’s review of the 2018 e-bike law.
Seattle-based electric bike brands
Save money and support local brands by buying an e-bike made in the Emerald City!
Hilltopper Electric Bike Company – Hilltopper was “born in Mike’s garage in 2008.” Three models of pre-built e-bikes made in Sodo range from $1,000 to $1,200, which is very inexpensive for an e-bike (here’s why). Hilltopper specializes in e-bike conversion kits that turn almost any bike into an e-bike. These cost between $599 and $1,399 and require home assembly or help from a professional.
For each bike Hilltopper sells, they donate a bike to a child in Seattle through Bike Works. CEO Andrew Jay said an affordable “e-bike hack” is to buy a used bike at Bike Works and enhance it with a Hilltopper conversion kit.
Rad Power Bikes – Since forming in 2015, Rad Power Bikes has been riding a wave of hypergrowth. The company’s seven ebike models range from $1,299 to $1,499 and are up to $200 off during its Black Friday Cyber Monday sale. Rad Power Bikes keeps down its costs by keeping all of its operations – except for manufacturing – in-house in Seattle.
The Rad Academy offers e-bike classes to teach riders about maintenance and riding skills. Proceeds from the class go to Outdoors for All.
Bike Swift – Bike Swift also specializes in converting traditional bicycles into e-bikes. Its homemade conversion kits, The Swift and Meridian, cost $995 and $1,295, respectively. It also sells complete bikes that pair well with conversion kits, and pre-built floor bikes that cost between $1,698 and $3,999.
The two-person Bike Swift team is provides joyous and efficient transport to Seattle bike commuters.
Propella – Propella is a Seattle-born brand “bridging the gap between bikes and e-bikes” with a sleek, lightweight design. It currently offers two models for pre-order: single-speed (V3.2) for $1,099 and 7-speed (V3.2) for $1,299. The 7-speed is recommended for riders in hilly areas. Check out a demo model in the Seattle b8ta store in U-Village.
Propella offers a 10% discount (on an already low price) to university students and faculty with a valid ID or email address. The founder, Ben Tarassoli, is a former University of Washington engineering student.
Bundle and save in the Emeraldology Shop!
For a super-custom e-bike…
West Coast Electric Cycles – This home garage-based business is the epitome of local. Operator Barent Hoffman was a founding partner of Kinaye Motorsports where he engineered and assembled a race bike that achieved a speed of 78.9 mph.
While they won’t always reach 75+ mph, Hoffman builds custom bikes that typically cost between $2,500 – $5,000. He also sells conversion kits and parts for select bikes. Definitely a sneaky, cool local option for e-bike enthusiasts!
Related: How To Find the Best CSA For You In Washington
Local electric bike retailers
G&O Family Cyclery – Owned and operated by a couple of Seattle dads, G&O is the area’s most family-inclusive e-bike retailer. Alongside traditional bicycles, G&O has e-bikes designed for comfort, speed, compact, cargo and family uses. Expect to pay between $2,200 and $8,329 based on the model and purpose.
Electric & Folding Bikes Northwest – Established in 1996, EFBN was Seattle’s first e-bike shop and has been carefully evaluating and selecting e-bikes ever since. One of the few places to buy an electric folding bike, EFBN carries 14 brands of e-bikes ranging from $1,699 to $9,999 along with power kits and e-bike accessories.
Alki Bike & Board – Established on Alki beach in 1936 and family owned since 1987, Alki Bike & Board is West Seattle’s go-to bike destination. As for e-bikes, it carries the IZIP E3 Vibe+ for $1,799.99 (on sale) and the Bafang 8Fun Electric bike motor and battery kit for $1,099.99.
Gregg’s Cycle – Gregg’s Cycle has been a family-owned Seattle staple since 1932 and has locations in Greenlake, Bellevue and Lynwood. Along with a vast selection of traditional bicycles and bike accessories, Gregg’s carries eight e-bike brands including Trek, Electra and Specialized Turbo. Gregg’s offers a free service and bike fit program, and sponsors a number of local bike events and racing teams.
E-bikes cost between $1,499 and $12,075 depending on the make and model.
Seattle Electric Bike – For nearly 10 years Seattle Electric Bike has been making longer bike commutes possible. With locations in Seattle, Bothell and Bellingham, Seattle Electric Bike carries 10 brands of E-bikes ranging from $1,499 to $8,499. They also accept trade-ins for credit toward select new e-bikes.
Seattle E-Bike – Not to be confused with the aforementioned Seattle Electric Bike, Seattle E-Bike has the city’s widest selection of e-bikes and vehicles. Shop over 20 brands of e-bikes alongside electric scooters, skateboards and folding bikes at its Pioneer Square location. E-bikes range from $1,250 and $9,999. They also provide expert service for e-bikes and traditional bikes.
Single-brand retailers
Nationwide e-bike brands with storefront in Seattle.
EVELO Electric Bikes – EVELO’S Seattle showroom displays its 15+ e-bike models, which range between $1,899 and $3,499. E-bikes ship (for free) directly to customers and assembled at home or at a recommended e-bike-friendly shop.
Pedego – Pedego has stores in Redmond, Seattle and Sequim, and its e-bikes can be found at Wattzup E-Bikes in Tacoma. With 20+ models for commuting, cruising and cargo, Pedego has an e-bike for most riders. Expect to pay between $1,895 and $5,495, or as low as $1,699 for a “pre-loved” e-bike.
Featured photo: A brand new Propella 3.0 e-bike created by former UW engineering student Ben Tarassoli. Photo courtesy of Propella.
