When was the last time you rode a tricycle? It’s probably been awhile, but the memories come flooding back: a warm summer day with your friends, racing down the street, with laughter filling the air. Why did you ever give it up?
If you’re longing for all the fun of three wheels coupled with a great way to exercise, stop by Trikke Tech, Inc. CEO and co-owner John Simpson will see that you ride away in style.
Trikke specializes in the three-wheeled scooter. Think of it as a tricycle with a major facelift.
Simpson’s start in the Trikke business began with a chance encounter during a night in hunt of sushi. On his way to a restaurant, Simpson ran into his future business partner Gildo Beleski riding around on a three-wheeled scooter. Simpson, then a distributor of the popular Razor scooter, was hooked.
Shortly after that, Simpson and Beleski opened Trikke Tech, Inc., offering Trikke products for any and every occasion.
Trikke’s line of products couldn’t be more unique, showcasing models fit for exercise, commuting, and even snow use.
Commercialized in the United States in 2002, these adventures on wheels have been used for physical education in schools, providing cardio workouts and overall fitness as “fit disguised as fun!”
Electric Trikkes have also been seen on the streets, ridden by environmentally conscious commuters.
“This bike is for the people who know they don’t have to power up a 4,000-pound vehicle to get to work” Simpson said.
Beyond appealing to the environmentally-
friendly citizen, electric Trikkes have found growing popularity among meter readers and patrol units in malls and parks.
Kids may be the expected No. 1 audience for this new ride, but adults aged 45 to 75 years are hopping on.
If you’re worried about learning how to use a Trikke product, there are training centers all over the Central Coast, with one nearby in Buellton. The centers are staffed by fellow Trikke owners who, excited by the product line, can teach any owner how to ride and scoot out of the store with pizzazz.
The growing fan base for Trikke products, however, goes beyond a love of exercise or joy of carving down the street with the wind in your face.
Simpson enjoys the difference Trikke products have made in the lives of its customers. He shared one such story of a young man with fibromyalgia, who would have been wheelchair bound if it weren’t for the Trikke, which helped strengthen his leg muscles.
It’s stories like this, Simpson said, that make the job rewarding.
Going beyond the personal satisfaction of changing peoples’ lives, Simpson wants to spread the message that Trikke Tech, Inc. is trying to send to the community.
“It’s a movement to get people out of their cars,” he said. “We’re starting a transformation.”
Simpson’s Trikke products are only the tip of the iceberg, with big plans for the evolution of the line in the near future.
Interested individuals are welcome to visit the Trikke Tech store in Buellton to test drive a Trikke product at 85 Industrial Way. For more information, call 1-877-487-4553.
Highlights
• To celebrate National Children’s Dental Health Month, Johnson Family Dental in Solvang will be offering free dental care to children in need during its Little Hearts, Big Smiles event on Aug. 5.
The Johnson Family Dental staff will see any children ages 12 and younger from noon to 5 p.m. for a free exam, digital x-rays, cleaning, and fluoride. Free orthodontic consultations for braces will also be offered to those who are interested and qualify. Balloons, face painting, coloring books, and door prizes will be given out to children who get their teeth cleaned.
The practice will also be taking donations for the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, which it sponsors.
Johnson Family Dental is at 678 Alamo Pintado Road in Solvang.
For more information, call the office at 688-9999.
Biz Spotlight was written by Intern Malory Ensor. Highlights are compiled by Staff Writer Jeremy Thomas. Information should be sent to the Sun via fax, e-mail, or mail.
This article appears in Jul 21-28, 2011.