GOING THE DISTANCE

5 things to look for in a local business.

It’s not easy for a local business to compete with big box retailers, let alone the internet. As today’s consumers become more conscious of the importance of shopping local and supporting their neighbors, we asked the owners of Pedego Electric Bikes La Jolla what makes their business so solid. Here’s what they told us.

1. A KNOWLEDGEABLE TEAM
Since Pedego La Jolla opened its doors in 2017, the business has been owned and operated by Tracy Sheffer, Terry Galka, and Riley, their Havanese, lovingly known by the community as “Pedego Riley, the Mayor of Bird Rock.” They have the highest regard for their management team: General Manager and Head of Merchandising Sierra Pinkman; Director of Business and Website Development Khyle Pinkman; and Service Manager Bird Fiddes. Each member of the team has been on board for more than five years and each is proficient in all areas of the electric rideable arena. The entire team is driven by a customer-comes-first mentality.

2. A BRAND TO STAND BEHIND
Pedego Electric Bikes is a Southern California brand and one of the oldest and largest manufacturers of electric bikes in the industry, with 240 independently owned and operated dealerships nationwide. Launched 15 years ago, the company has experienced unparalleled growth on an annual basis. Today, Pedego features more than 20 models of electric bikes with Best-in-Class branded Panasonic, Samsung, and Shimano Lithium-Ion Batteries. Pedego offers multiple sizes, frame geometries, and styles for multi-functionality to personalize the individual riding experience. Pedego bikes are user-friendly, with a median weight of 50 pounds while on average, other electric bikes weigh in between 70 to 90 pounds. Pedego La Jolla offers an unprecedented Best-in-Class Pedego 5-Year Bike Warranty, a Pedego 5-Year Anti-Theft Bike Warranty, and a Lifetime Warranty for the frames.

3. A FULL-SERVICE REPAIR SHOP
Pedego La Jolla features a full-service department for all brands of bicycles—not just Pedego. They service electric and non-electric bikes and perform scooter tire repair. Service manager Bird Fiddes has 30-plus years of experience as a respected mechanic in the bicycle industry. He once owned his own bicycle service shop in Austin, Texas and had many of the world’s top professional competitive cyclists as clients. Pedego La Jolla offers a comprehensive menu of service options, including, but not limited to, tune-ups, tire repairs, custom wheel builds, hydraulic disc brake bleeds, safety checks, custom bike builds, and the opportunity for complicated mechanical troubleshooting.

4. A PERSONAL RELATIONSHIP
Pedego La Jolla is all about people. They have a way of building lasting relationships with their guests, customers, and patrons. By going above-and-beyond the expected standard of service, they build trust. It is not uncommon for a member of the Pedego La Jolla team to deliver a bike after business hours and work until the wee hours to keep the promises they’ve made to a customer. Even Pedego Riley gets involved, sending out weekly customer emails with exclusive promotions, service reminders, and news about group rides, events, and more.

5. A LOCAL BUSINESS COMMITMENT
It is the customer’s responsibility to shop local, but a good, local brick and mortar store gives back to its community as well. As an active merchant in the La Jolla/Bird Rock Community, Tracy serves with the Bird Rock Merchants Association Team as a partner to the Bird Rock Community Council, to support and enhance the unique, coastal community of Bird Rock. Pedego La Jolla regularly supports many local organizations and schools with donations and participates in annual fundraising events on behalf of La Jolla Methodist Church Nursery School, Bird Rock Elementary School, La Jolla Country Day School, and Canyon Crest Academy. In 2023, Pedego La Jolla has strengthened its ongoing commitment to putting safety first. They actively support the San Diego Bike Coalition’s Parent University classes on the subject, and do all they can to provide education and instruction on the safe use of their products, in-store and in the community.

Pedego Electric Bikes La Jolla 5702 La Jolla Blvd, Ste 101A, La Jolla | 858.291.8845