As an entrepreneur adept at tailoring transportation to fit one's preferences, Hemenway looked for something better and found the eZee Bike, which so impressed him that he purchased regional franchising rights, signing on as the nation's sixth retailer to sell the battery powered bike.
Electric bicycles have existed for more than a century. U.S. manufacturers such as Schwinn have sold models for decades. But motorized bikes, long popular in Europe and Asia, have not caught on in this country. Hemenway thinks a simple, efficient design and trends toward exercise and renewable energy can make eZee Bike a product with breakout potential.
"There have been electric bikes in the past, and Mopeds, and scooters one could also pedal," Hemenway said. "But this new generation rides like a bike: it's different than anything else out there."
According to Hemenway, eZee Bike's small motor is on the front wheel; the gears are not on sprockets ("You can shift it standing still."); it has disc brakes; a lithium ion battery (not lead-acid) that fits snugly under the seat; and has front and rear LED headlights. The battery, which charges in about 4.5 hours, lasts 20-30 miles, Hemenway said.