Sun and clouds mixed. High 72F. Winds light and variable..

Considerable cloudiness. Occasional rain showers after midnight. Low 59F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.

Sun and clouds mixed. High 72F. Winds light and variable..

Considerable cloudiness. Occasional rain showers after midnight. Low 59F. Winds light and variable. Chance of rain 40%.

Experiencing the West Columbia Riverwalk just got easier with the addition of an electric bike store less than a quarter mile from the river. Pedego Soda City recently opened and brings a new style of riding around the city.

Coker Day is the owner of Pedego Electric Bikes and first opened a shop in Aiken. He said it was clear that he wanted to open a second location in the Columbia area, but was not sure where.

“When I decided I wanted to open in Columbia, I looked all over,” said Day. “This side of town has done the most with its infrastructure, with the riverfronts and the paths. So its a very cool, up and coming area.”

Pedego bikes can travel around 50 to 76 miles per charge, depending on the bike. All bikes come with a charger and take a few hours to fully charge.

According to Day, electric bikes are convenient for getting around without becoming too exhausted.

“A normal bike is if you really want to test yourself; these bikes are great for getting around and commuting, and you get the fun and feeling of being outside riding a bike,” said Day.

All of the bikes are pedal assist electric bikes and are available for purchase or rent. Day said the opportunity to rent bikes provides many people the opportunity to try before they buy.

“If there’s a model in here that someone has their eye on and they want to go try it, we’ll let them rent that bike and then if they decide to buy it, we just take the cost of the rental off the bike,” said Day.

Renting a bike is $40 for two hours, or $75 for four hours. Buying a bike starts at $1,895 and includes a five year warranty.

“A lot of people have never ridden an electric bike when they come in here and we want to spread the word that it's a fun, safe way to get around,” said Day. “One good thing about this shop is we never see people come in with buyer’s remorse, they’re usually wanting to come in and get upgrades.”

Day said they are in the process of creating maps to show customers paths they can take on their bikes, including traveling on the river. He said the store usually has at least two people working at a time and if they are not too busy, an employee will ride along with customers down to the river, which offers a safe and convenient route for pedestrians to ride bikes.

"This side of the river has really done a great job with their riverfront," said Day. "Once you get to the riverfront, you can ride from our shop all the way to Dominion Energy without even crossing a road and then it’s all boardwalks and paved paths, and you always see two or three officers patrolling while you’re out there."

Pedego bikes will be donating electric bikes to the West Columbia Police Department, to help with the efforts of patrolling the river.

Customers are able to customize their bike and make it their own. Day said a lot of times when bikes are purchased, they look quite different than what visitors may see on the showroom floor.

Pedego Soda City is located at 521 Meeting St. and is open Tuesday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Visit their website to find out more about products and accessories.

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