WASHINGTON -- ElectricBikeReview.com founder Court Rye left a tech career in the Silicon Valley to build an online business reviewing electric bikes. He said he wanted to build a business that aligned with his values. One of which, said the Fort Collins, Colorado native, a more environmentally conscious way of life.
“I know I’m definitely slowly killing people by driving an automobile. The pollution that it causes. And international conflicts. There is death associated with this guaranteed. With a bicycle or an electric bike, it’s not necessarily guaranteed.”
Rye said his goal was to build a business combining his loves of technology and cycling in a site that is both informational and objective. Mission accomplished. Industry experts say ElectricBikeReview.com is now the most influential e-bike review site in existence.
The thirty-something-year-old said his love of cycling began at an early age growing up in Fort Collins, Colorado.
“My parents had a tandem. And I had like a little car seat on the back. And my sister was up on the front in like a little car seat. Yea, it’s been part of my life," said Rye with a beaming smile.
Rye said the opportunity to learn and grow professionally at some of the world's marquee tech companies was a tremendous experience. But that when the time came to leave the relative security of the Silicon Valley to try his hand at entrepreneurship, sacrifice was key.
"I traveled the country for two years living out of my vehicle."
He also had to be creative. And reach for his wallet.
"I used to look up people selling e-bikes on Craigslist and offer to pay them $10 to let me review their bikes."
Hard work seems to have paid off. ElectricBikeReview.com's YouTube site has more than 37 million views alongside his 116 thousand subscribers.
“I’ve actually met people who know the YouTube channel in the airport. And they recognize me and we have a great conversation!"
Rye said e-bikes can be expensive.
"From about three to five thousand dollars--and higher."
But when tolls, gas, insurance, and vehicle maintenance are factored in e-bikes quickly pay for themselves, said Rye.
He is now sought after by virtually all major e-bike manufacturers to review their e-bikes. But the heart of what he's after has less to do with dollars. And more to do with a sense of wanting to do good.
"I feel like it's my way of bringing some good into the world."
For more information check out Court's e-bike review site.
Note: Electric bikes use what are essentially large lithium-ion cell phone batteries to 'assist' cycling. They are wildly popular in Europe and on the West Coast of the US. Experts say their popularity in the DMV region is taking off due in large part to local demographics of fit, environmentally conscious, and well-educated people who can afford them.