Leavenworth Electric Bikes reaches milestone with permanent location in Plain, adds rentals

PLAIN – After operating out of a mobile unit for the past three seasons, Leavenworth Electric Bikes (E-Bikes) is opening a permanent establishment in Plain, expanding its offerings to e-bike and paddleboard rentals in addition to its guided e-bike tours.

“It's behind Plain Grocery, next to Plain Hardware. Everybody knows and loves Plain Hardware. So, it's kind of in the heart of the community,” said owner Christy Weihs. “I think it's 140 square feet. It's teeny-tiny, but it fits the bill.”

Weihs is celebrating her fourth season of offering e-bike tours from May to October. Over that time, she’s taken tours with 80-year-olds and their grandchildren, taught someone how to ride a bike, and helped reintroduce physical activity to people recovering from health challenges, such as surgeries and long-lasting COVID-19 symptoms.

“You can jump on a bike with your friend, your partner, or just yourself, and if there's a hill or you're tired, it doesn't matter, because there's the e-bike that can assist you no matter what. It's just an easy way to level the playing field, not just for yourself, but with other cyclists,” said Weihs.

The same was true for Weihs, who loved cycling and outdoor activities her entire life, but quickly became busy raising a family and running her own marketing business. Then, someone introduced her to e-biking, and she fell in love. 

“I love the outdoors. I love activity. I love bikes. It doesn't matter if it's an e-bike or a regular bike. I enjoy connecting and reconnecting with family and friends. And with Leavenworth E-Bikes, creating this business was the perfect opportunity to bring all four of those components together,” said Weihs.

Through Leavenworth E-Bikes, Weihs started offering guided tours of the area out of a mobile unit, eventually basing it at Lake Wenatchee Village Mercantile, and offering two-hour tours around Lake Wenatchee.

“I think the personal favorite is the Lake Wenatchee e-bike tour, just because it's in and around the lake…I think because we cover such a diverse offering of sight, from lakes, to rivers, to woods, paved lanes, piney paths, different terrain, and we kind of cater it to personality and biking ability as well,” said Weihs.

Now Weihs also offers an hour-long “Just Plain Fun” tour, which explores forested gravel paths and riverview roads. For an additional fee, the tours have an option to end with wine tasting at Plain Cellars on Fridays and Saturdays, or add a picnic stop and charcuterie box made by local caterer Modern Mountain Creations. 

Although Weihs has found success with her mobile unit, opening a permanent location has been her goal since starting Leavenworth E-Bikes in 2021.

“The sign on the outside of the building is my original sign that I had Gibbs Graphics create four years ago with my dream in mind, and now it's coming true,” said Weihs.

The new establishment, located at 18632 Beaver Valley Road, will be the meeting spot for the “Just Plain Fun” tour and will have rentals for e-bikes and paddleboards.

Taylor Caldwell: 509-433-7276 or taylor@ward.media