In 2008, during a challenging economic downturn when gas prices soared past $4 a gallon, I found myself at a crossroads. As a finance professional commuting daily from New Hope, Pennsylvania to Manhattan—a grueling two-and-a-half-hour journey each way—the toll of being away from my newborn son and the strains of the economy were palpable. But amid these challenges, an opportunity quietly presented itself, one that would not only change my life but also the lives of many others.
The spark came unexpectedly while driving home one evening. A story on NPR resonated deeply with me; it was about a couple on the West Coast who turned to electric bikes to cut down on commuting costs. Despite the steep initial price of $3,000, they found substantial savings and convenience in bypassing the challenges of terrain and traffic. This tale of innovation in the face of adversity sparked something within me—an idea that seemed promising enough to pursue.
With a background in e-commerce and a nascent desire to be closer to home, I dove into the world of electric bikes. My first foray was importing a rudimentary electric bike conversion kit. Collaborating with a local bike shop, we converted a Trek cruiser. That first ride felt magical, akin to floating on air, free from the constraints of traditional commuting. It was not just about the joy of riding; it was about the freedom it promised.
This experience propelled me to launch my first brand, EBikeKit, while still juggling my finance career. The business started modestly—operating out of a 300-square-foot garage, packing orders by myself, and learning everything from wheel building to digital marketing on the fly. It was tough, but the flexibility it afforded me was invaluable. I could now spend precious moments with my son and eventually left my job in Manhattan to focus full-time on my burgeoning enterprise.
As the business grew, so did our understanding of our customers' needs. Feedback from our community suggested a growing demand for more stable, three-wheeled electric bikes, especially from seniors seeking reliable, simple-to-operate mobility solutions. Listening closely to their experiences and needs led to the creation of something truly special: the Liberty Trike.
The concept for the Liberty Trike was born out of a collaboration with America’s oldest tricycle maker, Worksman Cycles. Our goal was clear: to design a trike that was portable, powerful, and easy to use, catering to the needs of seniors and those with mobility challenges. The first prototype was tested by my own grandmother, providing invaluable feedback directly from the potential end-user. Though she eventually couldn't use it due to her balance issues, the prototype paved the way for what the Liberty Trike would become.
Today, the Liberty Trike is more than just a product; it is a lifeline for many. It allows its users to maintain an active, independent lifestyle—whether it’s attending a grandchild's soccer game, running errands, or simply enjoying a ride in the park. It represents freedom and independence, crucial aspects of living a fulfilled life regardless of age or mobility constraints.
My journey from a finance professional to the creator of the Liberty Trike reflects my commitment to innovation and my deep-seated belief in the power of mobility. Each morning, as I hear stories from our users about the adventures they embark on with their trikes, I am reminded of why I started this journey. It's not just about building electric trikes; it's about empowering people to live their lives to the fullest, with the freedom and joy that mobility brings.
Every feature added, every modification made, is informed by the real-world experiences of our customers. The Liberty Trike is a testament to the transformative power of listening and adapting to meet the needs of those we serve. And as we look to the future, we continue to innovate, driven by the stories of independence and renewed vitality that our customers share.
This is why I rise each day—to continue this journey of innovation and inspiration, ensuring that every pedal forward on a Liberty Trike is not just a move along the road, but a ride towards greater independence and a better quality of life for all.
