Ron Thomas said he no longer drives his car around Moab to do errands. Instead, he zips around town on a Pedego electric-bike (e-bike) in about the same amount of time it would take to travel by car, but without the hassle.

Ron, his wife Annie Thomas, and his parents Brent and Wilma Thomas opened Pedego Electric Bikes in mid-August 2021, at 1076 S. Main St. in Moab. The shop is an independently owned and operated Pedego dealership.

Before opening the shop, Ron noted there wasn’t an E-bike-specific store in town. He also noticed a bike trail alongside the entrance to Arches National Park. He realized he could rent (or sell) e-bikes to help people enjoy the national park without standing in a long line of vehicles waiting to enter the park.

That’s because bicyclists are exempt from the temporary, pilot timed entry reservation system, he said. Instead, bicyclists can cruise on by the entrance station and pay the park entrance fee at the Visitor Center, Ron said.

“We’ve been sending quite a few people into the park on e-bikes,” he said.

Ron, an outdoor recreation guide for 15 years, also leads e-bike tours. Ron said he knows Moab well and enjoys telling stories about the area. He has permits to take people into the backcountry.

E-bike tours include riding on the Kane Creek Trail to view petroglyphs in the morning, or riding through Spanish Valley to Spanish Valley Vineyard & Winery in the afternoon for some wine tasting. Customized tours are an option, as well depending on people’s interests and abilities.

“It’s been fun,” Ron said. “I like meeting new people from different areas.

“It’s quiet out in the desert. E-bikes in the wilderness are really special because they’re super quiet.”
There are five levels of pedal assist from which to choose. Pedego e-bikes range from 20-70 miles, lasting two hours, four hours, or all day. For a 24-hour or multi-day trip riders need to bring a charger.

People can always turn off the electric motor and pedal like a regular bicycle for a while, if they choose.
“I like to set it up so there’s a little bit of pressure,” Ron said. “They’re really fun. They’re heavy bikes so they’re stable at speed. People with new hips or knees, enjoy them.”

They’re also good for people getting back into biking,” he added.

Pedego Electric Bike’s retail hours are Monday through Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., although tours begin earlier, or end later. Rentals are also available on Sunday by appointment. The shop can be reached at 435-523-3500.

For more information visit:
www.pedegoelectricbikes.com/dealers/moab/