“Hello, fun!” is the slogan at Pedego, newly opened in downtown Harrisburg. Pedego’s eBikes give riders an enjoyable, eco-friendly way to get around town.
The California-based company opened its first Pennsylvania dealership last week with both eBike rentals and retail available. Pedego moved into Provisions former space in Strawberry Square with a street entrance on Third Street.
I got the chance to take a test ride last week and enjoyed a small adventure around Harrisburg.
My experience
I want to start by noting this was my first time riding any sort of two-wheeled transportation in a good six years, at least.
Yes, the saying “like riding a bike” is mostly true. I say “mostly” because the first kick of acceleration makes you rethink how you need to approach the next part of your ride.
Pedego bikes are designed for use as both a regular pedal-powered bike or an eBike.
You have two options when you engage the power of the bike. Pedal-assist gives you a pick-up every time you pedal. Use the throttle to set the pace without exerting any physical effort.
The first moments, for me at least, were a bit shaky. The initial extra “oomph” set my balance off, but I quickly regained my composure.
I took off down Third Street in downtown Harrisburg, made a right down Chestnut, and crossed Front Street to Riverfront Park. There, I knew I would be able to get my “sea legs” without having to deal with traffic.
I tested the Pedego bike out at a few higher speeds along the river but didn’t have the chance to unleash its full potential. It was a warm day and a quiet ride at that time was just what I needed.
Steering was easy and once you get your wits about you, balance and control of the bike becomes second-nature.
Yes, just like riding a bike.
These bikes have a lot of get-up to them. You can hit up to 25 MPH and go for about 30 miles on a single charge.
Due to a busy day, my trip was only about 30-minutes, but you can rent these speedy bikes for up to 8 hours or buy one to ride whenever.
Ride with Pedego
Pedego is a retail service first, but their rental services allow riders the chance to see the benefits of an eBike before commiting.
If you rent, you can take a bike out anywhere from one to eight hours. Rentals start at $25 an hour with discounts for additional hours.
You have the pick of any of their available rental bikes, including a tandem bike that could make for a cute date idea.
Make all reservations online.
The rentals are nice, but you might get some bike envy when you look at the bikes to own. They are slick.
Pedego has 14 different models, 12 of which are available right now at the downtown Harrisburg location, from the popular city-friendly Interceptor to their Trail Tracker mountain bike.
Personally, I was drawn to the City Commuter and Boomerang. The City Commuter just has this timeless look that my old soul was drawn to immediately. The Boomerang leans slightly more modern and would make a statement.
Pedego eBikes start at around $2,000 and can range up to $5,000 depending on style and upgrades to base models.
Pedego is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday-Saturday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., Sunday.
