Albuquerque startup adds electric jolt to bikes

ALBUQUERQUE, N.M. — Clint Wilsey has ridden 1,000 miles on Albuquerque streets since April on an electric bike he built in his garage.

The bike can go 45 mph and up to 30 miles on a single charge.

“About four dollars of electricity takes me about 600 miles,” Wilsey said. “I haven’t been to a gas station in like five months.”

Wilsey, an architect, has joined with investor and serial entrepreneur John Cousins to sell the patent-pending vehicle through their new company, DC Electro. It’s intended for daily commuting, rather than recreational use. And it has a $6,000 price tag.

“It’s intended to replace a car in short point-to-point commutes,” Cousins said. “It will sell for $5,999, but it can pay for itself in 18 months with all the savings on gas.”

The company is tapping into a rapidly growing domestic and world market for electric bikes. But it faces challenges, starting with federal laws that limit electric bikes to 20 mph, or 750 watts of power, to ride in bike lanes or on multi-use trails. At higher speeds, it would be classified as an electric vehicle, such as a scooter, and might need to be registered for use on streets.

“If you’re ripping along at 20 to 40 mph in and out of traffic, how will that work?” said Bicycle Coalition of New Mexico Vice President Keith Ashmore. “That raises some safety questions, and there could be legal implications.”

Wilsey said the company will sell the bike with a 15-amp controller to limit it to 20 mph. But it will customize the bike on request with a 40-amp controller for up to 2,000 watts, or 45 mph.

“We’ll offer a legal version, and a faster version with a disclaimer that says it’s for off-road use on race-tracks or as a mountain bike, and that it’s up to the buyer to abide by local laws,” Wilsey said.

Another potential issue is that the vehicle has no pedals, just foot rests, raising questions about its classification as an electric bike. “If it doesn’t have pedals, it’s not a bike,” Ashmore said.

Even so, the vehicle could be welcomed by people who want to save on fuel or help the environment.

“We totally want to promote sale of e-bikes, because it’s a good option for low-income people, elderly people or whoever wants to save gas or lower emissions,” said Bicycle Coalition President Diane Albert.

DC Electro is targeting domestic and global customers seeking high-end but affordable alternatives to common, low-wattage e-bikes that range from a few hundred to a couple of thousand dollars.

“Most of those come from China,” Wilsey said. “They have a battery hanging off the back and they’re not meant to go fast — just kind of a stroll down the beach.”

On the other end are specialty designers who sell e-bikes ranging from about $8,000 to tens of thousands of dollars, Wilsey said.

Ed Benjamin, co-owner of global consulting firm eCycle Electric LLC, said there’s a growing market for affordable high-end e-bikes. The company, which produces the industry survey Electric Bikes Worldwide Reports, provided some consulting to DC Electro.

The DC bike uses a lithium iron phosphate battery, which is lighter, longer lasting and safer than the lead acid batteries used on many other bikes. It weighs about 48 pounds, allowing users to carry it into offices or homes.

Cousins, who has a 20 percent stake in DC Electro, helped Wilsey file a patent and design a business plan. He’s now working to raise funds from individual investors.

“We’re looking for an office and small manufacturing space with a couple of thousand square feet to make the bikes,” Cousins said.

Talk to us

> Give us your news tips.

> Send us a letter to the editor.

> More Herald contact information.

More in Local News

Olivia Vanni / The Herald 
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County.
The Mukilteo Lighthouse. Built in 1906, it’s one of the most iconic landmarks in Snohomish County. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Mukilteo mayor vetoes council-approved sales tax

The tax would have helped pay for transportation infrastructure, but was also set to give Mukilteo the highest sales tax rate in the state.

South County Fire plans push-in ceremony for newest fire engine

Anybody who attends will have the opportunity to help push the engine into the station.

Marysville Mayor Jon Nehring gives the state of the city address at the Marysville Civic Center on Wednesday, Jan. 31, 2024, in Marysville, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
Marysville council approves interim middle housing law

The council passed the regulations to prevent a state model code from taking effect by default. It expects to approve final rules by October.

x
State audit takes issue with Edmonds COVID grant monitoring

The audit report covered 2023 and is the third since 2020 that found similar issues with COVID-19 recovery grant documentation.

Bothell
Bothell man pleads guilty to sexual abuse of Marysville middle schoolers

The man allegedly sexually assaulted three students in exchange for vapes and edibles in 2022. His sentencing is set for Aug. 29.

Larsen talks proposed Medicaid cuts during Compass Health stop in Everett

Compass Health plans to open its new behavioral health center in August. Nearly all of the nonprofit’s patients rely on Medicaid.

Britney Barber, owner of Everett Improv. Barber performs a shows based on cuttings from The Everett Herald. Photographed in Everett, Washington on May 16, 2022. (Kevin Clark / The Herald)
August 9 will be the last comedy show at Everett Improv

Everett improv club closing after six years in business.

Community members gather for the dedication of the Oso Landslide Memorial following the ten-year remembrance of the slide on Friday, March 22, 2024, at the Oso Landslide Memorial in Oso, Washington. (Ryan Berry / The Herald)
The Daily Herald garners 6 awards from regional journalism competition

The awards recognize the best in journalism from media outlets across Alaska, Idaho, Montana, Oregon and Washington.

Logo for news use featuring Snohomish County, Washington. 220118
Snohomish County will host climate resiliency open house on July 30

Community members are encouraged to provide input for the county’s developing Communitywide Climate Resiliency Plan.

Monroe Mayor Geoffrey Thomas talks to the crowd about the new "Imagine Monroe" city flag and symbol before the ribbon cutting on Monday, July 14, 2025 in Monroe, Washington. (Olivia Vanni / The Herald)
Monroe unveils its new $17M City Hall and municipal court

Mayor Geoffrey Thomas showcased the new campus to residents, local and state officials during a celebration Monday.

National Weather Service issues red flag warning for slopes of Cascades

High temperatures, low humidity and winds are combining for critical fire weather conditions, either “imminent or occurring now.”

Photo courtesy of Graphite Arts Center
Amelia DiGiano’s photography is part of the “Seeing Our Planet” exhibit, which opens Friday and runs through Aug. 9 at the Graphite Arts Center in Edmonds.
A&E Calendar for July 10

Send calendar submissions for print and online to features@heraldnet.com. To ensure your… Continue reading

Support local journalism

If you value local news, make a gift now to support the trusted journalism you get in The Daily Herald. Donations processed in this system are not tax deductible.