How I Built This with Guy Raz Rad Power Bikes: Mike Radenbaugh
Sep 7, 2020
Mike Radenbaugh, Founder and CEO of Rad Power Bikes, turned his not-so-fun bike commute into a booming e-bike empire. From his early days of rigging a battery to his mount bike, he shares the trials and triumphs of launching the largest e-bike brand in the U.S. The podcast dives into the challenges of scaling production, the importance of community feedback, and his journey from a college entrepreneur to a leader in sustainable transportation. With the pandemic igniting interest in e-bikes, Mike’s story is both inspiring and entertaining.
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Rural Upbringing
- Mike Radenbaugh grew up in rural Garberville, Northern California, amidst redwood forests and off-grid marijuana farms.
- His parents were part of the "back-to-the-land" movement, valuing hard work and nature.
Long Commute
- Mike's high school was 16 miles away, requiring an hour-long bike ride each way.
- He raced mountain bikes, needing the miles for training, but his parents disliked him biking on the freeway.
First E-bike
- To avoid a sweaty arrival at school, Mike converted his old mountain bike into an electric one.
- After nine months and 12 prototypes, he had a bike that could get him to school, though not back without recharging.
