LeClaire business shows ‘joy of electric vehicles’

LECLAIRE, Iowa – Many people love using electric bicycles and golf carts to get from place to place. In fact, the global e-bike market was valued at about $43 billion in 2032 and is projected to grow to $148 billion by 2032. And the global personal golf cart market is expected to grow from $2 […]

LECLAIRE, Iowa – Many people love using electric bicycles and golf carts to get from place to place. In fact, the global e-bike market was valued at about $43 billion in 2032 and is projected to grow to $148 billion by 2032. And the global personal golf cart market is expected to grow from $2 billion last year to more than $3 billion by 2032, according to a report at Fortune Business Insights. That love for e-vehicles and golf carts is helping at least one Quad Cities business survive and thrive, according to Scott Gelande, the owner and sales manager of Electric Vehicles of Iowa (EVI) in LeClaire. EVI specializes in the sale and service of numerous models of e-bikes and golf carts. “We’re your local, family-owned team passionate about bringing the joy of electric vehicles to the Midwest,” the company says on its website. “People love them (e-bikes); it allows people to get outdoors and be active again. You are a lot healthier when you get outside on these bikes,” Mr. Gelande said. He recently got to share his love of e-bikes and golf carts with the LeClaire business community when the LeClaire Chamber of Commerce held a ribbon-cutting ceremony Friday, March 28. The event celebrated EVI’s recent move to a new location – a storefront at 538 N. Cody Road, next to the La Herradura Mexican Grill. (For the past several years, EVI operated out of 905 Eagle Ridge Road.) The EVI owner said he loves the new storefront site and it’s a lot closer to the shopping action of downtown LeClaire. “We are excited to have EVI as another downtown business. They are going to be a very exciting partner here in LeClaire,"  Rob Cain, the chamber’s president, said. One of the big reasons for the excitement is that EVI is bringing new customers to LeClaire. Mr. Gelande said just a few of his e-bike and golf cart customers come from LeClaire. Most of them visit from outside the community. He recently had a customer from Joplin, Missouri, but most live within an hour or so of the Quad Cities, he said. “You would be surprised by the people who come to buy e-bikes. … We sell a lot (of golf carts) to campgrounds and golf courses,” Mr. Gelande added. EVI attracts customers, the business owner, said because of its large variety of electric vehicles. Some of the e-bikes include brands such as Anza, Antero and Monday Motorbikes. Prices for the bikes traditionally range from $1,000 to $3,000. The electric golf cart brands include Bintelli, Legion EV and Venom EV. The prices start at around $8,000, but many carts sell for $11,000 or more. Part of the popularity also hinges on the advances to e-bike technology. In just a few years, the bikes have seen advances in battery technology, smart connectivity, enhanced safety features and lighter designs. “They are upping their game,” he said. “They are like small cars.”  Another big reason for EVI’s growth is the growing popularity of e-bikes. Mark Hendricks, manager of Ruby’s Bikes at 532 W. 3rd St. in downtown Davenport, told the QCBJ that he too sees the bikes’ popularity increasing in the region.  In an email reply, he said the e-bike growth comes down to this for riders: “It is relaxing because I’m never around anyone in a hurry. There is no road rage, and I get a little exercise. At 68, a little is all I want. I estimate it costs a dollar a mile to drive my wife’s economy car. This means a $2,500 e-bike – way above average (cost) – pays for itself in less than a year. … Personally, I see e-bikes not as bicycle replacements, but as car replacements.” Mr. Hendricks said he is technically a competitor with EVI, but has great respect for the LeClaire business.  “In the bike business, we depend on each other for parts and experience. … The customer service is excellent. EVI’s experience with electric golf carts really gives them an edge,” he added. Mr. Gelande said he hopes to continue to do good business and enjoy that edge in the years to come.  Before he started selling e-bikes and golf carts, the EVI owner had a 35-year career selling data center software. This new part of his career has its own rewards. “Selling these bikes and golf carts sure is a lot more fun. … People come back with smiles ear to ear,” he added.

AT A GLANCE:  Electric Vehicles of Iowa

Address: 538 N. Cody Road, LeClaire. The business opened a few years ago inside of Grace Marine at 905 Eagle Ridge Road, LeClaire. It moved to its new location a few months ago. Number of employees: Three. They include the father-son team of Scott and Patrick Gelande, and a part-time mechanic. Products: The store sells a large variety of e-bikes and golf carts. It also sells many accessories such as e-bike battery covers, baskets, baseball-style hats, bike seats, T-shirts, skateboards and much more. Store hours: Weekdays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Contact information: Email: eviiowa.com  Phone number: (563) 210-5766.