How I started an illegal eBike shop in Brooklyn - and changed the law
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- Опубліковано 24 лип 2024
- All the feels. It’s been 10 years since I started this electric bike business, and I figured it’s about time we tell the full story. Did you know Propel initially started as a scooter business? From the launch in 2011 to today with three locations and a growing community, Propel continues its mission to not only sell electric bikes, but to become something bigger. Despite many challenges along the way, we’ve made it to 10 years. A huge thank you to our viewers and everyone that’s helped throughout this journey. What do you think, should we make a full-on documentary?
If you guys are interested in learning more about Propel, check out the link below:
propelbikes.com/
Timecodes:
0:00 Fun clips from 2021
01:00 How I started this electric bike business
01:20 Propel was founded in 2011
02:00 But not as an eBike business, it was a scooter business
02:15 Decided to just focus on electric bikes
02:20 Changed the name to Long Island Electric Bikes, where we started
02:20 Our first location
02:50 Always wanted the business to be something bigger
03:10 At the time I was 30 years old
03:27 In 2012 my brother Kyle came on board
03:40 My friend Jack, master mechanic, helped out
03:55 In 2014 we made our first million
04:05 Just graduated, had to decide whether to get a “real job” or continue with eBikes
04:25 Electric bikes were technically illegal in New York
05:00 How my experiences in the army shifted my perspective
05:47 How I found our Brooklyn location, took the risk even though legality of eBikes was murky
06:50 Introduced ourselves during Five Boro Bike Tour
06:58 Changed our name from Long Island Electric Bikes to Propel
07:30 The infamous $25K fine
07:58 I had this vision of what Propel could be, of what eBikes could become
08:38 Despite all the challenges, I never quit
08:50 Sometimes the best you can do is to show up
08:53 I started visiting Europe, and saw the future of eBikes
09:20 The mission and vision behind Propel
09:40 Around 2014 is when Bosch came to the U.S.
09:52 I was looking for the best electric bikes in the world
010:30 In 2016, Riese & Muller came to the U.S.
11:20 Opened second shop in California in 2018
12:20 Not long after that we started the UA-cam channel
11:30 Reflecting back on 10 years in business
12:30 I’d just like to say thank you to everyone that’s supported
#ebike #nycebikes #ebikelaws
Musicbed ID: MB01QAUUA9ZYON0 - Наука та технологія
Thanks so much for watching! ✌
If you guys are interested in learning more about Propel, check out the link in the video description!🚲
I believe in Bikes as transportation, and I've joined the fight. I live in small town America... 2 traffic lights. I purchased a bike I couldn't really afford, Load 60 (spent part of my retirement money), and I've started riding it around town, doing my shopping on it, and yes of course I can't go anywhere without people saying what the heck is that. I'm about to retire as I'm of that age... and I plan to become the local ambassador for bikes as transportation. My local bike store is for sale... of course they don't currently sell cargo bikes... and it's a tiny shop. But I'm going to go and talk to the owner... who I know, and see if I can get him to hang on (he is greatly discouraged by supply chain issues), and maybe get into the bikes as transportation movement. He is my age, and he is tired (I get that)... but maybe if I can light a spark he will decide to hang on a bit longer. I fear no one will buy the shop, and then we won't have a bike shop... which would be a really bad thing. I've been really inspired by your channel, and it's time we made some changes in America... getting out of our cars to the extent possible can only be a good thing.
Go for it!! Life has been on a bicycle for me for over 66 years! So go with your dream and let your bicycle take you there. And once this pandemic thing slows, come visit me in beautiful Xalapa, Veracruz México where I have lived and cycled for the past 50 years. ¡Que viva la bici! Roy "El Gringo Jalapeño"
I live 6 miles outside a smaller town. I am concerned about the gravel on the edge of the 2-lane highway to town and the cars. But will work up to it.
Could your friends bike shop put a few cafe tables out front and serve coffee and pastries or? Is your town someplace that could be a bike destination or on a bike route? I am just learning about these things. Our town seems to be where motorcycles tour and I’m trying to find out if there are bicycles routes around here too.
Incredible. The mind shift is really necessary. I was taking my little brompton on a business trip, to not rely on taxis and the like. The folks were asking: does your employer not pay you enough?
Buy the shop yourself. If he does decide to close shop, you might be able to work out a deal to buy it with payments based on how well you do...i.e. lower risk. Plus who wants to sit around in retirement...😊. If you have any questions on how to structure the deal. Reach out, I'd be glad to help.
@@chrislynn9592 @Michael_Morris any updates on this? Hoping that bike store survived. Rooting for you. I am a believer.
5200 miles and 22 months later, my R&M Multicharger was the best retirement investment I could make and Chris was a part of that decision although thousands of miles separate us. He was more concerned about the right bike for me rather than the right sale for him. The bike has helped me control Type 2 diabetes and a heart condition by riding my bike whenever I can to do errands of just want to see the world around me at 15 mph. The story that should be told is the attitude behind the storefront. Keep on keepin' on.
I just started the first Electric Bike store in Chicago and really want to thank you for being real and honest with your experiences in the industry. Your insight on how its done in different parts of the world has helped reassure me that this truly is the future of transportation. Your an inspiration in an industry that really needs it! Thank you for the quality content. Cheers
Wonderful video. People go in to small businesses and mostly have no idea the incredible sacrifice/$$ risk/endless hours it takes to make it work. I ran my small business for 25 years. Hats off to you!!
Isn't this the truth!
Kudos for creating a life and business that seeks to make the world better. It's a pleasure to get to know you via these videos.
As a relatively new member of the e-bike community, I've really enjoyed watching your videos and found that they helped ease me into the e-bike lifestyle. I've also come across some of your historical videos (like the one about your shop's experience with the NY inspector) and found it super interesting. I think a documentary would be a great idea!
Congratulations Chris to you and your team on your 10 year anniversary! Here in the UK at Fully Charged, we have loved your videos. Here's to years and years more!
I bought my Reise & Muller at Fully Charged! Great store!
Keep “showing up” Chris. You are a significant member of a band of pioneers changing the world for the better. It took us a hundred years to get into this mess. Hopefully fewer years to create places designed around people not just cars.
Yours is a really compelling story. Thanks for sharing it. I have watched your channel since the beginning and it has inspired me to get back into cycling. I really enjoyed it years ago, but when I hit my 60s I thought I just couldn't climb hills any more on my old bike so I gave up cycling. But then your channel made me look into ebikes which means I can get out there again. Thank you Chris. I am from London, UK. You really do inspire people all over the world.
A propelling story one might say
Love it! This gives me a lot of great background info for our conversation coming up pretty soon. Cheers! John
Totally looking forward to that!😉👍💯
Thank you for your service, not just in the military, but also in advancing the acceptance and public image of e-bikes!
This is exactly what America is all about and what it was founded on.. Congratulations, you have achieved the American Dream.. Keep Pedaling Forward..
I guess America was also founded on breaking the rules. I'm happy I don't need to live in that ambiguity anymore.
I like how your smile gets more relaxed and confident in each successive picture.
Keep going in what ever you do. Propel if you will. :3
100% a documentary would be appreciated. I still think you guys should have over 100k subscribers by now. The UA-cam algorithm is not doing its job.
You're very kind Joe! I'm just grateful for people like you who support us
I’m just back from another e-bike ride that would have been a car trip before I got my e-bike. I’m so grateful for all the information from your channel - so helpful when i was e-bike shopping last summer! I love riding the e-bike instead of using a car!
I'm a non electric purest but I've loved watching your journey.
Thanks!
Wow, thanks for sharing your journey Chris. Your passion and perseverance is admirable and inspiring! I consider you a leader in spearheading and educating folks how fun and practical ebikes can be. I for one first tried an ebike in June of 2018 and I rarely miss a day where I don't get out and ride. At 62, I feel like a kid every time a get an assist climbing a big hill or cruising through a headwind!
And we all thank you that you stuck to it and you propelled all of us so thank you again 🙏
I see what you did there 😉
@@Propelbikes I use to watch you did some stuff with Court on electric bike review so I've had the pleasure of watching you grow through all the ups and downs my friend 👍🏾💯
that would be a strong yes on the documentary
Thanks Sean!
Here in New Zealand, post pandemic and both working at home, we realised we didn’t need a second car anymore. We sold it and bought 2 x Bosch-powered e-bikes instead, largely on your recommendation. Riding them is quickly becoming a lifestyle and your videos were instrumental in seeing them as a car alternative and not just recreational toys. So thank you and yes, would love to see a documentary.
Your videos literally bring tears to my eyes. Can't imagine the pride you must feel about what you've accomplished.
Really what moves me the most is hearing how people have been impacted. I don’t think I spend much time thinking on what I have done. There is so much more to do. But I guess I’m learning to stop and smell the roses and this moment reminded me to do so. Thank you for stopping and commenting. I know I don’t always reply, but I do always appreciate the comments and feedback.
Chris, your definitely a pioneer in the evolution and acceptance of ebikes here in New York, thank you for all your very hard work.
Chris. It's because of dedicated entrepreneurs like you that the e-bike business is booming in the US. Your vision was so far ahead of the rest of the US that you almost didn't survive. But though dedication, persistence, research, and advocacy you have become a leader in the industry. Yes, the next 10 years will be very interesting and I'm confident that you will be leading the way. Love the documentary idea but of course I'm bias.
Chris, being a newer and small cog in the Propel story it still excites me to watch this "origin story". I've said a number of times, what you are doing, not just selling bikes, but displaying a lifestyle, is the most important thing you might add. Keep at it and let me know when I can assist.
You are surely the most visible person on the net information wise. I enjoy every one of your informative videos. I am probably going to purchase a Riese and Muller bike soon. I am slightly holding out hoping they ad a throttle option which I know Bosch refuses to do.
I'm humbled by this title, but I will continue to work to improve. I doubt we'll see a throttle on a Bosch eBike, but I can understand why you might wish it. I encourage you to try and rent one though as you might realize with time the desire for one wanes.
You have a tremendously inspiring story - Yes! Make the documentary.
That is very nice to hear. I think we should all try to inspire others to do positive things.
I envy and admire you and your enterprise at the same time.😊 Seeing you first video some time ago, I immediately concluded from my Dutch background, that your enterprise is a golden business opportunity in the US. And in 10 years you did very well, despite the hurdles along the way. Just keep going strong and enjoy while digging into this goldmine.👍
Chris congratulations with this footage and the story covered in this. You know, Iam very proud to have for my self a R&M and a Tern electric for my wife here in Curacao.
Each time I go to town being Willemstad, Curaçao, people ask me where the R&M I have comes from as due we are part of the Netherlands, they think that this bike was bought and shipped from Holland.
And there where Propel comes to the conversation. Here in curaçao the Trek also equipped with Bosh is the market leader. But, having and riding the R&M is like riding a Bentley, by far well build, and an eye Cather.
Your story has impressed me, and I feel proud to be Propel costumer here in the Caribean. You have and created a top notch team, and reason for your succes. I am here manager in a family owned Nissan KIA dealer, and I know and understand all you have been during the growth of your company.
What the future will be from now and 20 years ahead? Well, the very best for your and Propel team/ family.
Again, congratulations and if I can mean something for you and your business here in Curaçao again part of the Netherlands, please don’t think twice.
A good week end and we all enjoyed this you tube coverage.👌🏼
Yes, if you could make a full documentary, that would be very interesting! I remembered seeing the video about the struggle you had with the law to legalize ebikes, you're such a gem in the bike promoting world Chris, keep it up!❤️
I love your inspirational story.
I've had the privilege of meeting you once when getting my 1st DIY build checked over by your pros in the Brooklyn shop. I didn't know your backstory then, only that you seemed to have the most reputable shop within over a 50 mile radius. I've gone back a few times to admire & aspire to one of your quality e-bikes. You not only have an eye for quality and a good business ethic but a marvelous inspiration for it. You've also been very active in making it easier and safer to e-bike in NYC. Thank you, for all your various services to the community.
+1 for the Propel documentary! Maybe it would be a good fit for the Bicycle Film Festival, too 🎬
Love it, thank you for sharing looking forward to that documentary.
It's a real honor that people want to hear our story.
Great video Chris! I loved hearing all of the history- your story is super interesting. I think a documentary would be great! Here's to another 10, 20 years or more !!
You make great videos. They have a unique angle, Long Life to you and to propel’s Family.
Very much appreciated Jean!
WOW! Awesome video. I've watched so much of your content. It's super insightful and inspiring. Looking forward to the documentary!
Great video - I live in UK and I follow your videos. Keep up the good work. When I next visit the USA I will come and say hello in person
Thanks! Much appreciated!
Thanks for the full story Chris.
Thanks Jeff! Maybe we'll have a more in-depth on in the future.
Great video Chris. Really enjoying following your journey. All the best!
Thanks Alex!
Always an inspiration Nolte. Keep up the amazing work!
Grateful for all you’ve done and keep doing for the ebike community.
Hi Chris and the Team, I would love to view a documentary on Propel. I enjoy seeing your take on biking and the differing approaches taken to transport integration. as shown by your videos
The UK are "playing" about trying to get more of us riding bikes but are not investing in separate infrastructure but instead penalising car users assuming it will motivate them to use bikes more. As a both a driver and a cyclist I want to see separation as I believe that this is the safest way to co-exist. Punishing drivers (who actually pay road taxes) if they don't prioritise pedestrians and cyclist is not going to make riding safer, and being in the right will not help an injured rider/ pedestrian.
I am 61 retired from work and live in a hilly part of the UK. I bought my wife and myself R&M Nevo's in preparation for the retirement. Non assisted pedal bikes are out of the question in my location (Ramsbottom) and would gather dust. However with the luggage we have we can do 95% of our local transport on the bikes hence getting fitter, saving money and reducing our carbon impact. I love my bike, I also love my land rover and want to continue to use both safely.
Keep up the good work, the educational value is fantastic and it is also entertaining as well
Cheers
Colin
Thanks Colin! Happy riding!
A really great reflection on how you have built up your successful business. I have watched you many times over the last ten years with great interest as you are a true enthusiast and always bring out all the details of whatever you are riding / reviewing without any hint of selling. I am really pleased you have made it a real well deserved success and no doubt changed many peoples lives for the better. We will never know all the effort, struggles and potential setbacks you must have endured to get where you are but you have done it, many thanks for sticking with it and bringing your customers and UA-cam followers a really great service.
Best wishes for the future.
Thanks Chris, Family and Team! Your channel is an absolute inspiration for individuals and policymakers alike. That background just underlines how you come about and fought hard to get where you are. Keep spreading the word, but also enjoy meeting all the amazing people along the way
I have always enjoyed the Nolte videos and point of view. My wife has loved her R/M Tinker even though she has shrunk and lost enough flexibility to have to move on to electrifying her BikeFriday. But the key has been getting immersed in the hobby which Propel/Nolte has helped me with immensely. Thx so much!
Great story, Chris. I hope you continue to have great success for the rest of your life. I can't wait until you open a store in Cleveland, Ohio. We don't have an e-bike store here and it sure would be great to start off with the best.
Yes! Documentary please!! Your story is incredible and so inspiring. You are revolutionizing the way people move around and structure their communities. As a believer, I truly appreciate your work. Thank you!
Super interested to see a documentary of your first 10 years! You're an inspirational business to emulate and I'm sure some real grit went into it!
Awesome vid! Thanks for telling your story
Thanks for watching!
Great video as always, Chris and Tara. Just to let you know how influential you are in Europe. I bought my own ebike, in part, because of your infectious positivity about ebikes as a transport solution. Looking forward to the next ten years.
That was sweet my friend.I am truly blessed to be involved with your journey in the beginning . i love seeing your desire to help people. Great to see pictures of your team and family in this video too! The documentary will be great( whenever it comes out..). No doubt that is is the most positive comment section around, seeing peoples lives changed through e-bikes is amazing. Looking forward to seeing what the next 10 years will bring!
Great story Chris, you just need more cameras 😉
If Tara will go along with that…
Oh they are coming for sure!
Thanks for sharing your journey! Awesomeness!
Thanks for this video Chris. You have certainly inspired me to get more involved. I believe ebikes are the future of transportation. Thank you so much for the inspiration and purpose. I love my bike and your videos. I appreciate you and your team.
What a great and inspiring explanation. I'm going through a lot of the videos and I'm so glad I got to hear your perspective on e-bikes. It is really confusing to look at all of the different brands and not know what you are really looking at.
Thanks for all the work done !
Great story, thank you for sharing and may you have continued success forever and a day
Congratulations on the 10 years. Thank you very much for all the videos.
That's an amazing story! Glad your risk paid off, looking forward to checking out your Delaware shop.
Thank you. I recently purchased a Gazelle ebike after much research that included your videos. Now I’m commuting to work and really enjoy it. Keep up your good work. Matt
Way to go! Viel Erfolg und alles Gute!
Fascinating story. May be my favorite Propel video to date 👍
Chris. Hi there. I think your videos are very well displayed, you are a passionate entrepreneur. Fantastic how you try to get the Americans cycling. Here in the Netherlands, the electric bicycle is indispensable. As you know we have fantastic bike paths all over the country. You can cycle here from north to south and from east to west. As cyclists, we are also not bothered by cars. There are bike paths everywhere. The Netherlands is the best cycling country in the world. You know that yourself. Much love from the Netherlands.
It's likely that living in Europe I'll never be your customer but I'm happy to be your regular viewer here. Thank you for continuing your mission to make the world a better place!
This was so cool to watch, Chris!! I always love hearing these stories and your passion to build something impactful and positive for people is really inspiring!!
Propel has unlocked so much for our family by making it possible for us to get the Urban arrow. It’s hard to over state how valuable your store and amazing team are for the NYC bike scene. Just incredible.
Yes definitely make a longer documentary. 👍👍❤️❤️
Thank you for excellent videos about eBiking! I look these from the perspective of Scandinavia and Finland in Europe. It is exiting to see this development in USA. You bring bring fresh viewpoints using your contacts to your European suppliers. Im 66 years and eBike around the year in Finland. Now we have about 1 meter of snow and lakes in the ice. eBike gives more possibilities to enjoy the environment and life. Wish you great success and many inspiring video publishments for next 20 years! Bg. HannuJ
I've been in the electric bike industry for almost 3 years now and super enjoyed this video. I would love to watch a longer documentary on propel. Let's make the world a better place together ❤❤❤
Love it, gives my some motivation
Thanks Jason!
Your Ebike business is really cool and inspiring Mr. Chris N. thanks for all that you all do! 🚲
Continued success to you! 🚲
Much appreciated!
I really love this. I was a bike mechanic up until 1997, 11 years in the business and some of my best interactions with people. I would be lost in todays technology. I always thought bikes were the perfect mode of transportation and with the ebikes and cargo bikes, the reality of it has become possible. I love what you are doing, keep up the great work.
I’d like to see more of what you’re doing. Keep it up. Thanks for sharing the motivational experience.
Inspiring video. I'd love to see the documentary!
Hoping we can find the time
Big thanks for your work an persistence. You’re an inspiration to me and many others!
There’s a sizable market for bikes here in Salt Lake City, UT. But the e-bike side is still new and has plenty of room to grow. I’d love to see a Propel shop here!
We have a passionate local community of bike advocates slowly starting to affect city policies, infrastructure, and community culture. I’ve been welcomed in and am trying to lend my best efforts to the fight as well!
Awesome story! Thank you for sharing. Demonstration of perseverance and doing something you are passionate about.
Awesome video Chris, glad to see Propel continuing to thrive! I'm always down to chime in for a documentary if you ever decide to go for it.
Amazing journey Chris! I think you are doing an important work that makes more people move around in a way that is more healty for them and the environment.
Great video. Keep up the good work.
Well done Chris. Nice to know your story, don't stop dreaming big!
I really would love to see the documentary. Keep up the good works.👍
Your reach is pretty global. Your videos helped me make a decision to buy a load 75 here in Australia. Couldn’t be happier with the bike and I love taking my son out in it and can’t wait to take my next kid along as well. Thanks!
Man, man, man, how I admire you. Just start from scratch and get there. Totally awesome.
Greetings from a Dutch fan!
Chris - Great going always...And Tara, ever brilliant. Onward. Yay!
Yes on the Doc. Great story and more to be told. Thanks.
God bless you, I bought my first e-bike a Raliegh step-thru bike on around 2010 and I loved it. They were not a lot of e-bikes around and people was asking me about it. I sold it on 2014 and my intension was to get one with hydraulic brakes and have not any luck with any of the manufacturers and Raleigh discontinued their models and a lot of bikes produced were not good by other brands. I am 4"11" and it's hard to find a bike that fits me coupled to the price of some these bikes. Keep up the good work.
I thought you entered the business right at time when e-bikes begun to become more popular. But thanks sharing your story, I now know it wasn't without risk at all to investigate that time and money starting a new business with all its struggle in NY. A very fascinating perspective. Wishing you all the best in the next 10plus years!
Chris.. Ever since I stated thinking about E- Bike's I now love listening to all the different things you have to say about E- Bikes.. & now you are as you could say rather famous !! Not making you out to be someone who has his head up his arse but someone who can explain to every individual that you are a true guy who likes to help everyone out in whatever you know about E-Bikes.. & also explaining to teveryone how you came about starting this thing off.. To you... You are the man..
Yes Chris, please create the documentary. Love your work, even from Australia👍
Whose better than you!
Been a fan a long time
You have more than accomplished your goals
So happy you took this path!!
Thanks for a wonderful description of how you started your electric bike business. My Wife and I started our Montessori school business 35 years ago in our home and has grown to over 300 students from preschool to middle school and looking to start high school soon. It started as a family business and still is with our son now running the school now. I like how you started with family members and friends. I think that is important to work with friends. It is all about community. I can see how you innately feel the importance of community too. When I was young I always wanted to start a business with my friends and maybe unknowingly like you, it just happened because it was a part of what was important to us. I really enjoy all your UA-cam videos and your approach to life,. I like how you have overcome so called obstacles and have grown your business. It shows that your approach to life is working for you. I think everyone has to discover their true mission in life and do what they love to do - we all have a unique specialty that goes beyond skills - it encompasses our approach to life , and doing things with people we love - including our customers we serve… thanks for a great job - Propel …..
Yes. Male the documentary :)
Ur awesome man. Keep doing what you do!
Congratulations from north west Germany. I will never buy a bike at your shops. But your vids were also a part of my decision to bought a Term HSD S8i instead of a very applied I:SY here. And sure R&M are the best bikes. You give hope too, that the USA can have a future. Looking from Germany the image about USA getting strong negative like the USA are a failed state with all the political disasters and the impossibility for compromises. Your and the people around you reflected minds are a real good sign. Thanks and best and health for future.
Thanks Christoph! We definitely have a lot of work to do, but it feels good to be contributing to something positive.
Blimey, I’ve never been to California but I’m enjoying your bike life ethos videos more ours. Congrats, and phew you didn’t give up. I hope you keep sharing these great vibes, really cheers up my day 👍
Congratulations! Documentary? YES!
You rock Chris! Thanks for putting your heart out there. I bought an Urban Arrow because of your videos, and it changed my life. I have three kids and I live in the San Francisco Bay Area. The pandemic has put a damper on a lot of human connection, but my cargo bike has kept human interaction witj my family and community consistent throughout. So, thank you. Yes! Make a documentary. Come visit me in Moraga!
Chris, thanks to your UA-cam channel (and Not Just Bikes and a few others), I bought an e-bike last summer and restarted daily cycling. I had to stop cycling 10 years ago due to medical issues. My Benno e-Joy turned out to be even more a revelation than I could ever have imagined!
Thanks for "putting another positive thing into people's lives"... electric bikes. I became a fan of e-bikes, and got my first one after the first 4 months of COVID. It's definitely become a great commuter. Keep up the good work that you do. Cheers.
Congrats from Belgium, man, from a man you convinced to go for R&M for himself and his wife. Just perfect, no regret!
Don't give up!
Great story and I love your videos
I'm happy that Propel has been successful. Chris has done a lot to accelerate the adoption of e-bikes in the US. I bought one of the first Riese and Mullers in the US in 2016. It was fun to fly to NYC for a day-trip, to test ride my bike, and meet Chris and see Propel's Brooklyn store.