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focused on Zimbabwe , where people were beginning to earn some money , but still were unable to buy bicycles . So , Lupton-Smith reasoned , why not make low cost / low maintenance bikes somewhere , then ship them to South Africa , for distribution — and ultimate economic potential for people willing to pedal beyond their homes to distant employment .
Between trips to South Africa and the U . S ., once again Lupton-Smith followed a brother , this time to Southern California . It was while walking through Fashion Island in 2012 that he watched a guy zip about on an electric bike . Lupton-Smith ’ s entrepreneurial gears were about to spin faster . After two years of research — which included frame manufacture , parts sourcing , cyclist psychology , and strategic marketing courses — he built his first electric bike at a 3,000 square foot combo showroom and factory on Newport Boulevard .
In a crowded market , differentiation is one key to success . Lupton-Smith ’ s in-depth research revealed in part that the majority of bike riders are recreational riders ages 45 and older . They are taking to the road both individually and in groups . The concept of an electric boost for a bike encouraged those with ailing knees to realistically take up two-wheel recreation and transportation , and for some the soaring prices of
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gasoline meant driving was becoming a financial burden .
To that end , the Electric Bike Company focuses exclusively on “ cruising bikes .”
But not simple cruising bikes : “ The best made cruising bikes in the world ,” Lupton- Smith claims . His self-assessment was echoed in an objective bike industry article in 2017 by one of the most respected e-bike reviewers , who opined , “ This is one of the finest cruisers that I have ever seen .”
That one review launched not a thousand ships , but more than 100,000 bikes manufactured since Lupton- Smith opened shop . The Electric Bike Company today produces revenues in excess of $ 20 million a year and receives countless queries for acquisition from other bike manufacturers and investors . “ Not interested ,” he stated . Lupton-Smith has set quality standards not seen in most competitive products , starting with staff “ who are more than just employees — they ’ re true craftsmen and women who love their work and the industry itself .”
Most are bike riders . In fact , when giving this writer a tour of one facility , part of an 85,000 square foot collection of local manufacturing sites , Lupton- Smith stopped to praise the team that packages the bikes for shipping , which in itself became an art form of protection comprised of sturdy cardboard ,
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foam and more — almost a bomb shelter of integrity against the threats of mass shipping .
“ We have 44 builders , engineers , craftsmen , and inspectors , not including office staff — importantly , all local talent ,” Lupton-Smith said .
Unlike his competition , The Electric Bike Company does not import complete bikes , whose parts most likely , Lupton-Smith shares , come from limited sources within a country of origin .
The Electric Bike Company imports custom-made , over-engineered components from different manufacturers in 17 countries , most of which Lupton-Smith has visited in his search for the highest quality parts . Some of those countries include Japan , Holland , Taiwan , China , India , Israel , and Germany . Custom accessories , such as helmets and bike racks , are manufactured in Vietnam .
Because everything is assembled in Newport , and nearby , customers can custom order their bikes at the store . Aiding the process is a “ design wall ” in the show room , a huge TV screen on which all seven bike models are displayed , alongside a pallet of more than 10,000 color variations . If a customer wishes , the paint shop will custom spray every paintable part of a bike in a different hue .
All options can be ordered on-site , onscreen . Seventy dealers out of more
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than 250 across the U . S . offer this screen tech , which also benefits the retailer , as they don ’ t require a huge in-store inventory . However , finished models do come in standard colors off the showroom floor .
Today ’ s e-bikes are a far cry from the underpowered models of early years . Most are equipped with a rear-drive motor of 750 watts output , which can propel the 50-pound bikes up to 28 mph ( if local laws allow ). Speed , as well as other critical data for the rider , is shown on the full-color LCD display .
Depending on battery chosen and terrain ridden , range runs from 40 miles to 200 miles . Add pedal power to the electric assist , and the horizon is never far away . The Electric Bike Company offers a five-year warranty on the batteries — whereas most e-bike batteries come with a one or two-year protection plan .
Lupton-Smith admits that “ e-bikes do not replace the traditional bike ,” but notes that more people are using them in place of cars , weather permitting .
Both ordering and riding Electric Bike Company e-bikes is easy … in fact , it ’ s no sweat ! See the e-bike line at The Electric Bike Company ’ s Newport showroom , 1510 Newport
Blvd . in Newport Beach , or go online to www . Electricbikecompany . com . Contact writer Richard Simon at
Pleasepitchrich @ yahoo . com .
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