The Story of Charge Bikes

The idea of building the perfect electric bike didn’t happen overnight.  Rather it was from years of experience building traditional bikes, observing the challenges and listening to customers about the problems and issues that prevented them from riding bikes more. 

We started Charge in 2004 with the mission of making cycling easy and produced an assortment of well-priced, durable bikes that were both easy and fun to ride.

When electric bike technology emerged, we instantly recognized that adding an electric motor made bikes even better and more accessible to more people – removing even more barriers to cycling.  Suddenly hills aren’t a problem and you can cruise effortlessly to work in normal clothes without needing a shower.

About Charge Electric Bikes

With this in mind, Nick Larsen, founder of the Charge brand, teamed up with longtime friend and Cannondale’s VP of Product, Peter Vallance, to create the ideal electric bike.   

Nick and Peter rethought every aspect of the electric bike experience, from buying to assembly, to storage and ownership, looking for smart solutions to the pain points they had witnessed over the decades building and riding bikes.

Problems. Solved.

Problem: Bikes are hard to store, especially if your apartment is also your bike garage.

Solution: Folding handlebars and pedals to save space, making it easier to move and store.

Problem: You never know if there is enough air in your tires.

Solution: Automated tire pressure sensors that turn red when you need air or green if you're good to go.

Problem: Will I have enough battery charge to get there and back again?

Solution: Powerful battery with up to 50 miles in range and a display that shows range in miles to go, not just as a percentage.

Problem: How can I feel more safe on the road?

Solution: Integrated front and rear lights and reflective tires to provide better visibility in all light conditions.

Problem: Will the bike withstand daily commutes on pot-holed streets?

Solution: High-quality aluminum frame that is lightweight but durable, plus puncture-resistant Goodyear tires.

Problem: What if there isn't an electric outlet near where I keep my bike?

Solution: Easily removable (yet lockable) batteries so you can recharge at home, work or wherever you have power.

All with the goal of making these standard features on all bikes at an affordable price.

The team didn't stop there.  They also knew that most bikes are shipped today in pieces and require numerous, complicated assembly steps with various tools.  That wasn't going to fly, especially if we wanted to sell bikes directly to consumers who would have to assemble them on their own.

So the team designed a box that allows us to ship bikes nearly fully assembled, with four easy steps that takes just minutes to put together with only one tool.

Plus, as part of our commitment to environmental conservation, the packaging was intentionally designed to minimize waste by eliminating all the foam and plastic wrap, using only 100% recyclable materials.

The result?

Three beautifully designed electric bikes: the City, designed for urban commuting; the Comfort for leisurely, upright rides; and the XC for on- and off-road adventures.

While we think these are pretty perfect, we'll never stop improving and listening to you.