Electric Bike Adds to Transportation Options

With her electric bike, Flaherty's Hill no longer presents obstacle to Kari Schuh's commute

Does the prospect of laboring up Orcas’ inclines deter you from bicycle-riding as a means of transport?

Kari Schuh, who sometimes commutes to Moran Park where her husband Jim is a Park Ranger, recently acquired a HEBB electrical-power assisted bike after researching her options.

The bike is designed to stay within the legal limits for electric-assisted bicycles (20 mph) and is intended to assist, not replace, pedaling.

She researched and purchased the bicycle online. When it came, she only had to put on the the pedals and seat, adjust the handlebars, and insert the charged battery.  She added the panniers (saddlebags) and a side mirror which she purchased at Wildlife Cycles.

“It should be OK in rainy weather,” says Schuh.  Most of the components are solid and have a covering to protect them from the elements.

The 350-watt battery for the motor needs recharging after 35 miles, and the 20 mph speed limit can be increased with pedal- and/or incline-power; something to keep in mind should you see the operator flying down Flaherty Hill.

“I wish I’d bought it before this,” Kari says. “When my friends ‘test-drive’ it, they can’t wipe the smile from their faces.”

“The bike is solidly made and weighs quite a bit (60 lbs).  A lot of electric bikes are made in China and I wanted something made in a America.  So this bike is made in Texas by an entrepreneur, Bill Hebb.

“Like any bike, one has to be careful over gravel, bumps, and be aware of cars that pass.   The passing cars are the scariest part. I had a SUV with a boat trailer pass me just as several other cars were coming the other direction.  Gulp!”

Schuh, who is a teacher and the Special Education Director at Orcas Island School District says, “I wanted something that would help ‘flatten out’ the island and this bike makes it so I can get great exercise and the hills are a lot less daunting.”