5 Min Read

Integral Electrics - Our Story

By Laura Belmar, CEO of Integral Electrics

In web development, intelligent design often begins with a "mobile-first" approach, recognizing the challenges of optimizing usability and navigation for smaller screens like phones and tablets.

At Integral Electrics, we advocate for a "female-first" design philosophy for cargo e-bikes. This approach acknowledges the difficulty smaller individuals face in carrying heavy loads, which is core to our design philosophy.

Regrettably, the biking industry has yet to embrace this perspective, with most market offerings tailored for and by men. Considering the significant presence females have both in purchase decisions and in bike riding, this felt like a serious missed opportunity.

Cargo e-bikes have more in common with family minivans or SUVs than you might think. It is unlikely that you will buy two, so both partners need to feel comfortable driving it.

Prior to founding Integral Electrics, our family underwent a frustrating cycle of purchasing and selling multiple cargo e-bikes. Despite our efforts, we couldn't find one that provided me with the stability I needed when riding with our two boys. These endeavors proved to be costly mistakes, draining our finances by thousands of dollars. As we began to share our experiences, it became evident that our struggles were far from unique.

Nearly every couple I spoke to who had invested in a cargo e-bike faced a similar dilemma: one partner felt uneasy and unstable while riding. I initially attributed my discomfort to personal shortcomings, believing I needed to increase my strength or practice more to achieve comfort.

However, the issue lay not with me, but with cargo e-bike design and the bicycle industry's narrow focus on catering to a specific body type. Unlike conventional bikes, cargo e-bikes often serve as the functional replacement for the family minivan or SUV. It is crucial that both minivans and cargo e-bikes possess the flexibility to ensure that every member feels at ease when driving or riding.

By prioritizing features that establish a lower center of gravity and offer easy adjustability, we've ensured that our cargo bikes accommodate riders of any gender, height, or biking experience level, fostering accessibility and versatility within households.

Going beyond design and drawing from my experience as a Teach for America alumnus, I quickly recognized the importance of (and lack thereof) education in the realm of cargo e-bikes. Given so many options available, it was imperative to me that we provide prospective buyers with the necessary insight and resources to match them to their perfect fit.

At Integral Electrics, our aim is to equip you with the knowledge needed to avoid the initial pitfalls we encountered and aid you in your journey to becoming better informed, happy cargo e-bike purchasers.

Please join us for the ride!

"I have ridden many cargo bikes before and the Roam is spot-on for stability and control. While on other bikes my kids felt unstable, but riding this bike makes everyone feel safe so that we all can enjoy the ride!"

Jamie

Contact Us

Are you ready to learn more about cargo e-bikes and if they are a fit for your family? If so, reach out to us and we will get you started on your journey!

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