Two Hollywood business owners have put a unique spin on an old classic with their new bicycle business, helping the environment in the process. Reed Wallace and Camilo Carrillo opened New Age Cycles, an electric bike and electric scooter shop that provides greener forms of transportation, in Downtown Hollywood last month.
The new business offers residents and visitors the opportunity to rent or purchase electric bicycles, electric scooters, power boards (which are electric, remote-controlled skateboards) and even electric tricycles that contain baskets for purses, briefcases, groceries, etc. Each electric vehicle travels up to 20 miles per hour, has a 20-mile range without pedaling and recharges in four to six hours with a standard electrical socket.
“There’s no excuse not to get out and ride now,” Wallace said. “Our bikes can be used like a regular bike for exercise, but if you get too tired, then you can just flip a switch and cruise to your destination. You don’t have to worry about going too far.”
In addition to providing a great way to see South Florida sites, Wallace said these electric forms of transportation are a great alternative to cars, which cuts down on both pollution and noise. Anyone who lives close to his or her work, he said, can use an electric bike to avoid traffic and the hassles of parking without getting too tired from pedaling to work.
“We are an anti-gasoline business,” Wallace said. “Our business is about being green.”
New Age Cycles celebrated its Grand Opening with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Dec. 10, and Wallace said he believes Hollywood provided the perfect location for the business.
“There’s so much to see in Hollywood,” he said, “and it’s a good, strategic location between Miami and Fort Lauderdale. We love Hollywood.”
The business will soon offer maintenance-free fleet rentals to hotels, so guests can use electric transportation to explore the area. Guests of all ages can ride in the fresh air without worry of getting tired, overheated and regardless of their health, according to the New Age Cycles’ website. The business also offers maintenance on individually owned bikes.
“These bikes and scooters are a lot of fun,” Wallace said. “We haven’t had anyone come back without a smile on his or her face. It’s a great way to be mobile, and it’s a great experience.”
The experience costs $40 for an all-day rental, and the store is open seven days a week from noon to 8 p.m. For more information, call 954-367-3503 or visit www.newagecycles.com.
