Down to Business: Knees and hips just don’t work like they used to? An electric bike might be for you

Business: Pedego Naperville

Address: 513 W. 87th St., Naperville

Phone/website: 331-457-5679, www.PedegoNapervile.com

Owners: Karen and Bill Budicin, of Lisle, and Jeff and Andie Alvis, of Wheaton

Years in business: 1

What does your business do? We sell bikes that come with "a battery and a motor. ... Hello, fun. That's our motto. That's what our business does. It brings joy to people. Most of our customers are people who maybe can't ride anymore on a regular bike. Knees. Hips. (Electric bikes) have changed a lot of lives," Karen Budicin, 59, said.

Is there another location? "We have a store in Wheaton that opened in March of 2021."

Why did you start this business? "Jeff Alvis is the key. Jeff and my husband Bill worked together in consulting for years. ... Bill retired. Jeff retired. They wanted something more to do. ... They used to talk about owning a business together. Jeff and his wife Andie went on a vacation to South Carolina. Jeff loved to ride his bike, but Andie couldn't go as far. They rented electric bikes. They had so much fun. ... Jeff returned to Chicago and said, ‘There's nobody who sells electric bikes around here.’ They discovered Pedego, which is out of California."

A 9-pound battery like the one Karen Budicin is holding at her store, Pedego Naperville, is all you need to power an electric bike, she said. The store sells a wide range of electric bikes, with the average costing about $3,000. (Steve Metsch/Naperville Sun)

Are electric bikes selling? "When we opened Wheaton in 2021, there were maybe 120 stores (nationwide). Now, there are 230. It's a hot business. ... People do not come back from a ride without a smile on their face. It's a fun thing to do."

Which model is most popular? "The City Commuter. It's more of our mainstream bike. ... We have a bike you can fold in 45 seconds and put in the back of your car."

What feature stands out? "Almost all of these have the ‘low step.’ What's interesting is what we found, I’d say 95 percent of our male customers buy a ‘low step.’ We don't call them ‘girls’ bikes’ anymore. It's a step-through because most guys, when they get to be my age, they don't want to swing their leg over the bar. A lot of them can't."

Can people rent bikes? "Yes. The cost is $25 an hour, $100 for the day."

And to buy? "The lowest price is $1,995. You’d get 350-watt motor and a 36-volt battery. Our highest is $4,495. Our midpoint is about $3,000. With that you get 749-watt motor."

More watts? "More power."

Can you explain the concept? "The battery weighs about nine pounds. The battery has an integrated light. Our bikes have brake lights. You can add turn signals to it. There's an on-and-off button on the left handlebar. ... The bike weighs about 58 pounds. A regular bike may be 20 or 25. So, when people say you don't get exercise, try riding a 58-pound bike. You’re going to get as much a workout as you want. With no power, you’re just pedaling along. ... What I find it most beneficial is when you’re first starting off. That's the hardest part. With a throttle on your bike, you turn it and you take off."

How fast can they go? "They will go up to 20 mph."

This device powers the battery that gives an electric bike an extra push when needed, according to Karen Budicin, owner of Pedego Naperville, which sells nothing but electric bikes. (Steve Metsch/Naperville Sun)

Are there gears? "Most have eight. The most expensive bike has 10. ... We also have five levels of assistance (with the battery). Level One gives you a little help. It will feel like someone is giving you a push. Each level you go up gives more assistance. Level Five, you’re going 20 mph. When you start at Level One, it's about 8 miles an hour of assistance. Each level adds 3 mph."

How do you stop? "Hit the brakes. When you stop, all the power cuts off. ... If you stop at Level Two, then start pedaling again, it's like cruise control (on a car). It will go to where you left off."

How's the business doing? "Very good. It was off the charts in 2021. Pedego had bikes when no one else did."

Any favorite stories? "Our No. 1 rider, Tom Zenaty, as of last month, has put 12,000 miles on his bike in two years. He rides here from Barrington."

When are you open? "Wednesday through Friday, 12 to 6. Saturdays, 10 to 3. ... We are always available by appointment."

What do you like best? "The customers."

Is Naperville good for business? "Anywhere in Naperville is good for business."

What misconceptions do people have? "That you don't get exercise."

What's your advice for someone starting a business? "Know you are never off. It's 24/7. ... And have fun. ... It's got to be something you have passion for."

If you know of a business you’d like to see to profiled in Down to Business, contact Steve Metsch at [email protected].

Steve Metsch is a freelance reporter for the Naperville Sun.