Research, Development & Product Testing


An essential aspect of VBike's work and role is to conduct research and product testing of bike designs, technologies and accessories that are potential solutions specific to the terrain, climate and road conditions in Vermont. We do this so that we can confidently make recommendations to you concerning what might work to meet your bicycle transportation needs. We also share our findings from this work with Vermont bike shops to help spread the knowledge around.
        Here's a list of some of some of what we look at:
  • Bike designs that best negotiate specific terrains
  • E-assist systems that best fit specific bike types
  • Lighting systems to keep us safe
  • Cold weather gear (hands, feet and face)
  • Improved battery technology for cold temperatures
  • Testing out different types of battery chargers
  • Best tire options (rough terrain, winter riding etc)
  • Winter bike maintenance practices
  • Maintenance-free technologies, ie. belt drive & internal-gear hubs
  • Solar charging for at home & on the road
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Lighting is so important! We outfitted this bike for less $100, yet the front light is 1000 lumens (almost a bright as a car light) and the rear light is visable from a 1/2 mile away. The lights run through the bikes main battery.
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Handmade bike by Rob English. dubbed the "No-Car-Kitty-Cargo." It features a belt drive (no chain) and a mid-drive motor system.
Vermont's Cargo Bike Builder, Aficionado & Researcher
Our very own Karl Kemnitzer, of Hartland, is a dedicated cargo bike builder and e-assist expert. He has shown his handmade longtail and Long John cargobikes all around Vermont. Many of his bikes include solar panels! His research and experience is vitally important to VBike. Check him out on http://mysolarelectriccargobike.blogspot.com/.
VBike bike industry sponsors, contribute, cargo bikes, electric assist, e-bikes, e-cargo bikes, Bar Mitts, Yuba Bikes, Dillenger Electric Bikes, Go Vermont, E-Bike Kit, Sun Bikes,