In a city such as San Francisco, commuting on a bike just makes sense. And, considering many residents in the Californian city are conscientious about their carbon footprints, one would expect nearly everyone to invest in an electric bike. As it is, few can afford an electric bike because they are so expensive. Fortunately, a new bike store in the Bay Area of San Francisco is inviting patrons to trade in their old vehicles for an e-bike – and a healthier lifestyle.
One can take up this encouraging offer at The New Wheel. According to Fast Company, customers can bring in their old vehicles and the bike shop will take notes on the car’s condition and mileage. Then, they will send the information to Roadster.com. Within 48 hours, the patron will receive an offer; finally, an employee will even pick up the old car and deliver a check. The intention is for people to use some – or most – of the newly received money to purchase an e-bike at The New Wheel. However, they aren’t required to do so.
The shop’s co-founder, Brett Thurber, explained the unique initiative:
“We’ve always been in the business of trying to figure out ways to get people out of cars and onto bikes. With all the traffic and even parking, it’s not convenient anymore, in many instances, to own a car. I think the thing we’re up against is just habit.”
The ultimate goal, as Thurber says, is to get more people riding bicycles in a city where commuting via a car is a major inconvenience. To ensure as many people as possible can obtain e-bikes, the shop offers financing plans for the electric two-wheelers. The New Wheel even allows people to trade in their old e-bikes for newer models and has extended the generous offer of roadside assistance. For instance, if a biker gets a flat tire miles away from home, The New Wheel will pick them up twice a year and give them a free ride up to 30 miles.
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