Propel Bikes Brooklyn isn’t just another bike shop; it’s a mission-driven company with a powerful story rooted in resilience and a vision for a more sustainable future. To truly understand Propel Bikes Brooklyn, you need to know its founder, Chris Nolte. His journey is the very foundation upon which Propel was built.
At just 18 years old, Chris Nolte displayed entrepreneurial spirit and resourcefulness. He invested his savings into purchasing 55 used bicycles from a police auction. His plan was simple but effective: restore each bike and resell them, using the profits to fund his college education. To further support his tuition, Chris enlisted in the US Army Reserves, demonstrating his commitment to both personal growth and national service.
The trajectory of Chris’s life took a significant turn following the 9/11 attacks. He was deployed to Iraq, tasked with the dangerous job of transporting fuel. Tragically, a back injury sustained during his service led to his return home as a disabled combat veteran. This injury dramatically impacted his active lifestyle, making simple pleasures like bike riding – something he deeply cherished – incredibly difficult.
Instead of succumbing to limitations, Chris channeled his frustration into seeking solutions. He discovered pedal-assist electric bikes, and this marked a turning point. His first e-bike reignited his passion for cycling and broadened his horizons. Experiencing firsthand the transformative power of e-bikes, Chris recognized their potential to revolutionize transportation and contribute to a greener world. Fueled by his experience in Iraq and a desire to lessen US dependence on foreign oil, Chris embarked on a new mission.
In 2011, Propel Bikes Brooklyn, initially named Long Island Electric Bikes, was established. Starting modestly with just six bikes in an office space, Chris took a calculated risk, betting on the burgeoning e-bike market in the United States. His gamble paid off. Propel quickly expanded, moving to a warehouse to accommodate its rapidly growing inventory. Propel Bikes soon emerged as a leading e-bike dealer nationwide.
Today, Propel Bikes Brooklyn operates a thriving storefront and warehouse in Brooklyn, and has expanded to a second location in Long Beach, CA. Beyond sales, Propel is committed to advocacy and education. They actively engage with local legislators to promote fair regulations for e-bike riders and work to ensure balanced media representation of e-bikes. Propel Bikes Brooklyn believes in the power of e-bikes to improve lives and reshape the transportation landscape, and they are dedicated to making this vision a reality.
