GeekDad Giveaway: Win An Electric Bike From A2B

The owner of Hollywood Electrics, a likable, quiet guy named Harlan, pulled up to the house shortly after 8pm on a Friday night. I helped him unload the electric bike, the latest model from A2B, the Alva+, from the back of his van, and I listened as he walked me through the hows of it all.

It sounded so simple, and before I knew it I was on the bike, pedaling then not, cruising, riding, the wind was in my helmet. It was as simple as it sounded. The payoff worked in layers of joy and complexity.

It was my first time on an electric bike, and I was hooked within the first five seconds.

I walked the bike into my backyard, and I couldn’t take my eyes off it—even as the fireworks shooting over the local high school homecoming game littered the sky with pops of fire, all I could do was look at how the colors reflected off the Alva+, and possibly weep a little.

Then the kids needed something as kids are prone to do, and I left the electric bike beneath the smoke and the stars, and I went about the business of pizza and animation.

The bike was a loaner, and I only had a few days to get acquainted before returning it to Hollywood Electrics, so it wasn’t long before I found myself at the window peering out to check on it. It was sitting there, alone, a sculpted piece of interactive art, and it needed the warmth of eyes upon it, so I brought it into the house. My wife took one look at the bike, and she totally understood. This was more than a machine, it was an object worthy of our affection.

In the morning I woke with the sun, give or take a couple of hours, and I rode. I rode for all I was worth.

Seriously, the bike is that awesome.

The Alva+ (as in Thomas Alva Edison) has a throttle that allows you to ride without pedaling when need be, but it also has pedal assist, which means that every time you push your foot forward the bike jumps like a horse on a mission. I mean that in the best way possible. The thing can move.

The Alva+, depending on the power setting, the rider, and riding conditions, has a range up to 40 miles on one battery charge and a  maximum power assistance speed of 24mph. It has a 500W motor, an optional 17ah battery (standard is 13.2ah), hydraulic brakes, and suspension that feels like you’re riding on pillows (not that I have ever ridden on pillows). It takes just under four hours to charge the battery and the bike weighs 66lb.

This is what it looked like in my home office:

Basically, an electric bike from A2B offers the exercise and convenience of a traditional bike with added flexibility, safety, and let’s face it, style, for those that want to go further without breaking a sweat (but again, sweating is an option)—it is perfect for getting around the city and those looking to reduce their carbon footprint by leaving the car at home.

But don’t take my word for it; win one! That’s right, we are giving away an electric bike from A2B, it’s called the Velociti (not the Alva+ that I reviewed) and if it is anything like the bike I tested, which it is, then it is sure to be awesome. Did I mention you can win it?

Yes. Yes, I did.

It looks like this:

How to enter:

• Prize: One (1) Velociti (also known as the original Alva) electric bike from A2B.
• The main differences between the bike reviewed (Alva+) and the one in the giveaway (Velociti) are the maximum power assistance speed (20mph) and range (20 miles depending on rider, conditions, and power setting), battery size (Li-Ion Samsung, 36v 12ah), and motor (480W). Information listed in parenthesis is for Velocity. For Alva+ information see review above.
• To enter, leave a comment below explaining why you want an electric bike! Please include a valid email in the space provided.
• Only one (1) entry per person is allowed. Only residents of the U.S. that are 18 and older with a valid mailing address are eligible to enter.
• The awarding of the Giveaway prize is the responsibility of A2B and not GeekDad.The winner will be contacted by the author of this post (Whit Honea).
• This Giveaway entry period starts today, Tuesday, October 15, 2013, at the time of this posting, and ends on Monday, October 21, 2013 at 11:59:59 PM PST.
• One (1) potential winner will be picked in a random drawing from qualified entries on or about Tuesday, October 22, and notice will be sent to that person via the email address they have provided. If you are a potential winner but fail to claim your prize within three (3) days of us sending you notice or are otherwise in non-compliance with the Giveaway rules, then we will choose an alternate winner.
• We will announce the winner in an updated version of this post once confirmation of prize acceptance is verified.
• No purchase necessary. Void where prohibited. Odds will depend on the number of eligible entries.

I would like to thank A2B and Hollywood Electrics for the loaner eBike. I miss it already. If you live in the Los Angeles area and want to experience an electric bike for yourself, check out the big A2B event this weekend (October 19-20), from 10am to 6pm at Hollywood Electrics (901 North Fairfax Avenue, West Hollywood) and ride one for yourself! If you see me, say hi (or the greeting of your choice)!