Rocket Electrics Bike Shop Expands In North Austin

NORTH AUSTIN, TX — Rocket Electrics, an all-electric bike shop and rental/tour outfitter, has opened a north Austin location at Mueller’s Aldrich Outdoor Market, officials announced.

The electric bicycle rental company operating out of a converted shipping container houses a fleet of rentable, high-end, ebikes in a custom-fabricated, solar-powered shipping container, officials said. The satellite operation at the market on 4209 Airport Blvd. is designed to make ebike commuting more accessible and more appealing to residents in and around the Mueller area, officials explained in a press release.

"Traditional bikes remain a popular form of transportation for many Austinites, but ebikes remove the barriers that often inhibit car commuters and even traditional bike riders from embracing 2-wheeled transportation," officials noted. "Ebikes function and look like traditional bikes but the rechargeable battery provides a power assist that makes bike commuting viable for people of diverse abilities and for commuters who don’t have access to showers at their destination."

In keeping with its service-oriented mission, Rocket Electrics staff will be on hand during rental hours to provide assistance and answer the common questions people have about ebikes, company officials said. For those interested in ebikes as alternative transportation for car commuting, Rocket Electrics also offers customers “commute coaching.” This service is offered by a guide who will map a bike route and ride door-to-door in order to help build commuter confidence and ensure the most safe and efficient ebike route from home to work and back, according to company officials.

The Mueller site's rental fleet comprises Bosch-powered Riese + Müller ebikes. "Technology enthusiasts will appreciate the fine quality step-in mid-drive equipped with easy-to-use, continuous NuVinci hub gears and Gates Carbon Drive systems," officials added. "The components are closer to those used in automobiles because they last longer and eliminate greasy maintenance. Fully charged, the Bosch batteries provide between 30 and 50 miles of assisted riding. Rates vary for weekday, weekend, and one-time rentals."

In the end, they're that and more, Rocket Electrics Co-Founder Nicole Zinn added: “Rocket Electrics has always been about more than just fun,” Rocket Electrics Co-Founder Nicole Zinn said in a prepared statement. “From the beginning, we’ve championed ebikes as a transportation solution that can move people off of congested roads and onto trails, pathways, and bike lanes. We are thrilled to provide ebikes in Mueller, a community that was developed with sustainability in mind.”

Company co-founder John Dawson observed that the dynamics of Austin are well suited to the company's product line: “Austin has seen an influx of short-trip transportation options in the last few months, and we’re happy to see people explore all options that promote activity and the outdoors,” he said. “But our goals extend beyond casual occasional use. We are changing behaviors by offering an option that is convenient, affordable, and enjoyable for those interested in dependable alternative transportation. That’s why our personalized service is critical to developing the kind of confidence that can lead to commuting via ebike.”

Rocket Electrics is located at Aldrich Outdoor Market and their summer hours will extend to seven days a week starting June 13, remaining open weekdays from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m., weekends 9 a.m. to noon and 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Reservations for commuters outside of normal operating hours can be arranged by appointment.

The company also operates a site at 408 W 2nd St. in downtown Austin.

About Rocket Electrics (provided promotional text):

Rocket Electrics is a TaaS (transportation as a service) provider of diverse electric bicycle solutions, retail, rentals, and tours for individuals, businesses, and communities. Under the Rocket Electrics, Inc umbrella includes Rocket Electrics, Pedego Austin and Rocket Tours. The company's scalable, green, on-demand transportation solutions make it possible to provide simple, efficient transportation that can reduce the number of vehicles on our roads and parking spaces needed. Electric bikes bridge the gap between mass transit and the need for on-demand personal mobility. Founded in 2011, Austin-based Rocket seeks to transform multi-modal transportation networks to include electric two wheeled transportation options, encouraging people to “ride a Rocket.”

Visit www.rocketelectrics.com for more information and follow on Instagram and Facebook.

>>> Top: Photos courtesy of Rocket Electrics