When you want all the benefits a bicycle has to offer without the actual manual labor, an electric bicycle is definitely the ultimate choice. While most customers that walk into a bicycle shop are looking for the old-fashioned pedal version, the electric bike will catch a lot of eyes and maybe even a few pocketbooks.

If you promote the electric bike as having all the benefits of the usual bicycle without all the work, it may appeal to many more customers than you may think possible. Stock at least one motorized bicycle in your store as a great marketing tool to appeal to those who might not step in your store otherwise.

1. Find motorized bicycles in two basic styles: those that use only electric power, and those that mix muscle and electric power.

2. Help customers choose a bike based on the use, the range they need it to go and the amount of time they have to recharge a battery.

3. Look for used electric bikes at online dealers that sell new motorized options.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Stock the latest and greatest in electric bicycles

Even if you only have one electric bicycle on display, it could be the difference between making a new customer and watching that non-bicycle person walk out the front door. Find a simple bike or two for display, but keep several other electric bicycle catalogs close at hand to give your customers choices.

I recommend: NYCE Wheels designs an urban electric bicycle in many styles. The bikes resemble their manual-labor counterparts, but boast an electric bicycle motor. Electric Bikes.com has a three-wheel electric version that's sure to catch the eye of some recumbent and specialty bike owners. For an almost standard looking bike with an electric motor, show your customers the options form Electrik Motion.

Show your customers that electric bikes can be portable

Most bicycle owner's appreciate the portability as one of the top qualities of owning and riding a bike on a daily basis. Buyers of electric bicycles don't have to give up that portability. Give your customers the option of a portable electric bicycle that folds up for easy transport or storage.

I recommend: JV Bike produces an electric folding bike that's light and easily folded to a smaller size to fit into a trunk of a car or store easily in an apartment. Find a selection of bikes at Bionx Montague Electric Bikes including a folding mountain bike and a street-ready bike that can go 60 miles on a lithium-ion battery.

Give them a taste of the unique motorized bike options

These unique electric bikes are a little out of the ordinary with a lot of extra power and options. While some resemble bikes, others are nearly unrecognizable as a bicycle.

I recommend: Huayang Electric Bicycle Co. designs several scooter style electric bicycle in many shapes, sizes and colors. IZIP Mountain Trailz is a great off-road electric motor bike. If you really want to "wow" your customers, check out the Aerorider hybrid tricycle that combines muscle power and an electric motor.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  A great electric bicycle is only as good as its battery. Stock lithium-ion batteries that have great life spans and are very portable. The lithium battery can hold its charge a lot longer than most other standard electric bike batteries.