Vvolt
Vvolt is a Portland, Oregon-based Original Design Manufacturer of lightweight belt-drive electric bicycles (Alpha 2.1 city cruiser and Centauri II supercommuter), selling direct-to-consumer via vvolt.com and through a North American dealer network to urban commuters, families, and recreational riders.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2021
- HeadquartersPortland, United States
- Headcount1–10
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingHardware or Manufacturing
What Vvolt does
Vvolt is a Portland, Oregon-based Original Design Manufacturer (ODM) of pedal-assist electric bicycles, operating as Vvolt e-Mobility LLC and led by founder Kyle Ranson since 2021. The company designs 100% of its ebikes in-house and sells primarily direct-to-consumer through a Shopify storefront at vvolt.com, supported by a Portland showroom and test-ride location at 2101 SE 6th Avenue, an authorized dealer and service-center network across North America, and a small in-house workshop team that performs a 128-point inspection and ships each bike 95% assembled. Geographic reach is continental US with free shipping, plus UK GBP pricing online; Alaska, Hawaii, Canada, and Mexico are served on request or via freight forwarders.
Its core product lineup is intentionally narrow: the Alpha 2.1 Class 2 belt-drive city cruiser ($1,499, 44 lb lightweight stepthrough, UL-2849 certified, removable SafeSpeed throttle) and the Centauri II Class 3 supercommuter ($2,399 after 25% promotional discount, mid-drive Ananda 350W/650W peak/120Nm, proprietary AutoShift3 centrifugal-clutch automatic 3-speed hub, Gates CDX belt, integrated monoshock, UL-2271 battery and EN-15194 EU-compliant e-power system). Vvolt supplements the two flagship bikes with curated accessories, an exclusive "Ebike Apparel by Showers Pass" line, Burley cargo trailers, a certified Preloved refurbished channel, a Trade-Up trade-in program valued at $550-$950 by model, and an in-development STREEK cargo e-trike entering Kickstarter crowdfunding in 2025.
The revenue model is primarily transactional hardware sales ($1,499-$2,399 per ebike, $10-$729 accessories, $54-$415 apparel, $50-$1,000 gift cards), with attach-rate economics from commuter bundles and upgrades, recurring support revenue via a comprehensive 3-year warranty and replacement parts, and a community mobility program (Ride2Own with We All Rise and The Street Trust) that has delivered 100+ Alpha II bikes to underserved Portland-metro riders. The 1-10 employee team, founder-led ownership, single showroom, and absence of disclosed institutional funding or parent company position Vvolt as an early-stage, operationally bootstrapped premium ebike brand competing on lightweight design, belt-drive durability, automatic-shifting drivetrain technology, UL/EN safety certifications, and in-house Portland customer support rather than on price or scale.
Vvolt firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- Vvolt
- Legal name
- Vvolt e–Mobility LLC
- Website
- https://vvolt.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2021
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 1–10 employees
- Short description
- Vvolt is a Portland, Oregon-based Original Design Manufacturer of lightweight belt-drive electric bicycles (Alpha 2.1 city cruiser and Centauri II supercommuter), selling direct-to-consumer via vvolt.com and through a North American dealer network to urban commuters, families, and recreational riders.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
Vvolt industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Electric Bicycles
- NAICS
- Motorcycle, Bicycle, and Parts Manufacturing (336991), Automotive Parts and Accessories Retailers (44133)
- SIC
- Motorcycles, Bicycles & Parts (3751), Motor Vehicle Parts & Accessories (3714)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Cargo & Utility Bike Retail (CRAMAHAF)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Cycling & Bike Retail (Sales, Service & Accessories) (CRAMABAH)
Keywords
Where Vvolt is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Portland
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices1 record
Markets served
Vvolt business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Hardware or Manufacturing
- Cost components
- Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- New ebike sales: Direct hardware sales of new ebikes via vvolt.com Shopify storefront (Alpha 2.1 at $1,499 USD; Centauri II at $2,399 USD with 25% off sale; Alpha II at $1,899 USD being replaced by Alpha 2.1). Free shipping within continental US; assembly by Vvolt workshop with 128-point inspection.
- Accessories and components sales: Sales of branded accessories (Vvolt Aluminum Rear Rack $55, Fenders $80, Warp Core Upgrade $100) and partner-branded accessories (Kryptonite locks, PDW mirrors, ORTLIEB panniers, Shimano components, Burley cargo trailers). Categories include batteries, cargo, comfort, drink holders, locks, racks, safety/security, upgrade kits.
- Apparel sales (Showers Pass®): Sale of "Ebike Apparel by Showers Pass®" — branded jackets (Women's Porlite Refuge Jacket $415, Men's/Women's Syncline CC Jacket $175), gloves (Cross Point Waterproof Knit Gloves $54–$59), and Vvolt t-shirts.
- Gift cards: Vvolt gift cards in denominations of $50, $100, $150, $250, $500, and $1,000 USD.
- Preloved/refurbished ebike sales: Sales of certified pre-loved, factory seconds, demo bikes, and customer exchange/returns at discounted prices. Each bike is inspected and tuned with the same 3-year warranty (unless otherwise noted). Final sale — no returns, no coupons.
- Trade-Up program: Trade-in credits toward new Vvolt purchases: Alpha/Alpha S up to $550, Slice Lite up to $700, Alpha II up to $600, Proxima/Centauri/Centauri S/Sirius up to $950. Original bike must be operational; $90 return shipping fee (Portland locals return free).
- Affiliate commissions via AvantLink: Affiliate program managed via AvantLink offering 3–10%+ commissions on qualifying sales, with product samples available for review by high-performing partners.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Alpha 2.1 — Class 2 belt drive city ebike |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Centauri II — Class 3 mid-drive auto-shifting supercommuter |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Alpha II (legacy/being replaced by Alpha 2.1) |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Vvolt Gift Cards |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Accessories and components |
| Unit Pricing | Pay-as-you-go | Apparel (Ebike Apparel by Showers Pass®) |
Go-to-market motion6 records
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels8 records
Vvolt product offering
Product offeringCore offering
Vvolt is a Portland-based Original Design Manufacturer that designs and sells lightweight, belt-drive pedal-assist electric bicycles (Alpha 2.1 city cruiser at $1,499 and Centauri II Class 3 supercommuter at $2,399) directly to consumers via its Shopify storefront, Portland showroom, and authorized dealer network. The core offering is complemented by a curated catalog of branded and partner accessories (Burley cargo trailers, Kryptonite locks, PDW accessories, ORTLIEB panniers), Showers Pass® branded apparel, gift cards, a certified Preloved refurbished channel, a Trade Up trade-in program, and an in-development STREEK cargo e-trike slated for Kickstarter crowdfunding in 2025.
Product overview
Vvolt offers a focused, two-bike core lineup (Alpha 2.1 city cruiser and Centauri II supercommuter) supplemented by a curated catalog of brand-name and Vvolt-made accessories, Showers Pass® apparel, Burley cargo trailers, certified Preloved refurbished units, a Trade Up program, and a co-developed STREEK cargo etrike entering crowdfunding. The two flagship electric bicycles share a belt-drive, hydraulic-disc, integrated-lighting, Portland-designed platform philosophy, and each anchors its own accessory ecosystem (Alpha Add-ons vs. Centauri II Add-ons) plus a unified ebike apparel and cargo accessories program that pairs them with third-party components from Kryptonite, Portland Design Works, ORTLIEB, Burley, Gates, Shimano, and Ananda. Archived legacy models (Alpha/Alpha S first gen, Proxima, Centauri/Centauri S first gen, Sirius, Slice Lite, and the now-superseded Alpha II) remain supported through the Vvolt Support Center and the Preloved channel, while a forthcoming AI assistant ("Evee") and an in-development STREEK cargo etrike round out the roadmap.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Brands
- STREEK®: Cargo etrike co-developed with Japanese partner STREEK; described on the website as 'STREEK x Vvolt' and slated for Kickstarter crowdfunding in 2025.
Products and services
- Alpha 2.1 Electric Bike Current-generation Class 2 city-cruiser e-bike with removable SafeSpeed throttle (configurable to Class 1), 350W nominal / 550W peak rear hub motor with 45Nm torque, 20 mph top assist, up to 40-mile range (up to 60 miles with the Vvolt Ranger battery), Gates SideTrack belt drive, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes, integrated Multivision lighting, custom aluminum stepthrough frame weighing 44 lbs with battery, and UL-2849 certified electrical system.
- Centauri II Electric Bike Current-generation Class 3 high-performance supercommuter e-bike with 350W nominal / 650W peak mid-drive motor producing 120Nm torque, 28 mph top pedal-assist, up to 60 miles of range from a 490Wh / 13.6Ah removable battery, Vvolt AutoShift3 automatic 3-speed rear hub transmission, Gates CDX carbon belt drive, 30mm integrated monoshock front suspension, Shimano hydraulic disc brakes with 180mm rotors, integrated Multivision lights with USB-C front port, Ananda D16 onboard controller, and EN-15194 / UL-2271 certified electrical system; weighs 50–56 lbs depending on size.
Quantifiable outcome
- Alpha 2.1 weighs only 44 lbs with battery — one of the lightest ebikes in its class
- +7 more outcomes
Companies that use Vvolt
Customer profileSegments6 records
Ideal customer profiles6 records
Vvolt technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
AI capability2 records
Feature8 records
Vvolt partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
13 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship / core — represents vvolt's first major expansion beyond its two-bike lineup into the cargo e-trike category, core — exclusive apparel line for vvolt branded "ebike apparel by showers pass®", core technology supplier across the entire vvolt lineup, core — primary affiliate channel, strategic — flagship cargo trailer partner, strategic — community mobility program partner, standard — accessories partner, standard — security/locks partner, standard — cargo/pannier partner, core — primary brake supplier across the lineup, core — primary motor and display supplier and core — e-commerce platform backbone.
- STREEK (Japan)flagship / core — represents vvolt's first major expansion beyond its two-bike lineup into the cargo e-trike categoryTrans-pacific development partnership to re-develop the Japanese STREEK cargo trike for the US market. Vvolt is taking the front wheel module and cargo system and reimagining the powertrain and cockpit based on its e-bike expertise. Specifications include Gates belt drive, mid-drive motor with 100+Nm torque, 28 mph top pedal-assist speed, internal rear hub gearing, lightweight aluminum frame with carbon front suspension/linkage, 3-wheel hydraulic disc brakes, and 350 lbs total rider + load weight. Crowdfunding via Kickstarter planned for Spring 2025, with early-bird discounts; demo tours planned for Portland and San Francisco.
- Showers Passcore — exclusive apparel line for vvolt branded "ebike apparel by showers pass®"Showers Pass® is Vvolt's exclusive ebike apparel partner. The co-branded line ("Ebike Apparel by Showers Pass®") is featured across the Vvolt storefront under /collections/clothing, /collections/ebike-jackets, /collections/e-bike-pants, and /collections/gloves-and-socks. Products include the Showers Pass Women's Porlite Refuge Jacket ($415), Men's/Women's Syncline CC Jacket ($175), and Cross Point Waterproof Knit Gloves ($54–$59).
- Gates (Carbon Drive / CDX)core technology supplier across the entire vvolt lineupGates Carbon Drive belts are used across the Vvolt lineup. Centauri II features the premium Gates CDX belt drive system (lasts ~4x longer than chains, virtually zero maintenance). Alpha II/2.1 uses the Gates SideTrack system. "It's not a Vvolt if it's not belt driven" per company messaging.
- AvantLinkcore — primary affiliate channelAvantLink powers Vvolt's affiliate marketing program (Vvolt merchant ID 21909). Offers 3–10%+ commissions on qualifying sales, active program management, free consumer shipping on all ebike orders, bonus opportunities for high-performing partners, regularly updated banner and text creative, seasonal promotions, product samples for high-performing partners, and access to an in-house marketing/creative team.
- Burleystrategic — flagship cargo trailer partnerBurley ("a fellow Oregon company who literally invented the game more than 40 years ago") is Vvolt's cargo trailer partner. Vvolt resells Burley products including Encore® X ($699.95), Bark Ranger® (from $649.95), Tail Wagon® ($419.95), Bee® (from $379.95), and Travoy® ($319.95). Vvolt explicitly states: "When it comes to safety and quality we don't think you'll find a better option."
- We All Risestrategic — community mobility program partnerCo-organizer of the Ride2Own community ebike program alongside The Street Trust. After piloting with another brand's ebikes, organizers approached Vvolt seeking a more reliable, lighter weight, more comfortable option. Vvolt has since delivered more than 100 Alpha II bikes to new riders across the Portland metro area.
- The Street Truststrategic — community mobility program partnerCo-organizer of the Ride2Own community ebike program alongside We All Rise. Provides advocacy for cycling infrastructure investment, supporting Vvolt's broader mission to "transform urban mobility by introducing innovative electric micromobility vehicles."
- Portland Design Works (PDW)standard — accessories partnerResells PDW accessories in Vvolt storefront, including PDW Watch Your Back XL Mirror ($34), PDW Swigamajig Bottle Holder ($30), and PDW Sturdy Lad Kickstand. Also paired with Alpha II Add-ons collection.
- Kryptonitestandard — security/locks partnerResells Kryptonite locks including the Kryptonite Evolution 790 Folding Lock ($174) bundled with Centauri II, and Kryptonite ATB U-lock - 5" x 9" ($72) bundled with Alpha 2.1.
- ORTLIEBstandard — cargo/pannier partnerResells ORTLIEB Back-Roller Design Pannier ($105) across ebike collections; recommended for both Alpha II and Centauri II riders seeking cargo capability.
- Shimanocore — primary brake supplier across the lineupShimano hydraulic disc brakes featured across the Vvolt lineup: Centauri II uses Shimano mountain-style brakes with 180mm rotors and mineral oil brake fluid for extended service life; Alpha 2.1 uses "Premium Shimano hydraulic disc brakes."
- Anandacore — primary motor and display supplierAnanda is the motor and display supplier. Centauri II features the Ananda D16 onboard display with rich colors, easy-to-read information, and left-thumb remote. The M100 motor (referenced in blog context) provides the Centauri II's 350W nominal / 650W peak / 120Nm torque mid-drive system.
- Shopifycore — e-commerce platform backboneShopify powers vvolt.com's online store and payment processing (Shopify Payments). Used for analytics, cart, checkout, customer login, fraud prevention (automated denylisting of IPs/cards), and is referenced throughout the Privacy Policy as the data processor.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights8 records
Vvolt competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Rad Power Bikes: Largest US e-bike DTC brand; competes head-to-head with Vvolt in the $1,200–$2,500 commuter/hybrid category with a broader multi-model lineup and national dealer presence. Most direct comparable on GTM motion (DTC + retail).
- Lectric eBikes: Value-priced direct-to-consumer e-bike brand based in Arizona; competes in the same entry-to-mid commuter category as Vvolt's Alpha 2.1. Comparable on DTC scale and price discipline.
- Aventon: DTC e-bike brand selling Class 2/3 commuters and cruisers in the same $1,200–$2,500 price band with both online and dealer channels. Closest peer on product positioning, US-manufactured ambition, and design-forward branding.
- Ride1Up: DTC e-bike brand selling commuters, cruisers, and cargo models at $1,000–$2,500 with a focus on affordability. Direct overlap with Vvolt's commuter and city-cruiser use cases.
Broad incumbents
- Specialized: Major US/global premium bicycle incumbent with broad e-bike lineup (Turbo series) including commuter, mountain, and cargo categories. Overlaps with Vvolt on commuter and supercommuter segments at higher price points.
- Trek Bicycle: Global bicycle incumbent with an extensive e-bike portfolio (Domane+, Allant+, Rail+) sold through a deep dealer network. Comparable on premium e-bike positioning, UL-certified electrical systems, and dealer-led service model.
Regional players
- Gazelle (Royal Dutch Gazelle): Dutch e-bike incumbent with EN-15194 compliant commuter and city models; relevant comparable on European regulatory positioning and the city-commuter use case Vvolt addresses.
Emerging players
- Tern Bicycles: Cargo and family-focused e-bike brand; relevant as Vvolt's nearest aspirational peer for the planned STREEK cargo e-trike entry into the car-replacement category.
- Charge Bikes: DTC e-bike brand focused on simple, low-maintenance city commuters sold online at accessible price points. Closely aligned with Vvolt's positioning around 'ride better with less maintenance.'
- Propella Electric Bikes: Lightweight, affordable e-bike brand sold DTC and via Amazon; targets similar urban commuter customers. Comparable on lightweight product positioning and price point ($1,200–$1,600).
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat7 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights7 records
Customer concentration
Vvolt social profiles
Digital presenceVvolt compliance and trust
Trust signalCompliance8 records
Vvolt financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
Vvolt leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles1 record
Vvolt subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries1 record
Vvolt funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds1 record
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Vvolt M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about Vvolt
What does Vvolt do?
Vvolt is a Portland-based Original Design Manufacturer that designs and sells lightweight, belt-drive pedal-assist electric bicycles (Alpha 2.1 city cruiser at $1,499 and Centauri II Class 3 supercommuter at $2,399) directly to consumers via its Shopify storefront, Portland showroom, and authorized dealer network. The core offering is complemented by a curated catalog of branded and partner accessories (Burley cargo trailers, Kryptonite locks, PDW accessories, ORTLIEB panniers), Showers Pass® branded apparel, gift cards, a certified Preloved refurbished channel, a Trade Up trade-in program, and an in-development STREEK cargo e-trike slated for Kickstarter crowdfunding in 2025.
Is Vvolt a public or private company?
Vvolt is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was Vvolt founded?
Vvolt was founded in 2021. It employs 1 to 10 people.
Where is Vvolt based?
Vvolt is headquartered in Portland, United States, in the North America region.
How does Vvolt make money?
Seven revenue lines are on record. New ebike sales are the primary driver. The others are accessories and components sales, apparel sales (Showers Pass®), gift cards, preloved/refurbished ebike sales, trade-Up program and affiliate commissions via AvantLink.
Who are Vvolt's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Rad Power Bikes, Lectric eBikes, Aventon and Ride1Up. Broad incumbents are Specialized and Trek Bicycle. Gazelle (Royal Dutch Gazelle) is listed as a regional player. Emerging players are Tern Bicycles, Charge Bikes and Propella Electric Bikes.
Does Vvolt have an API?
No public API is recorded for Vvolt.
What industry is Vvolt in?
Vvolt's product category is Electric Bicycles. Its primary akta.pro industry code is CRAMAHAF, Cargo & Utility Bike Retail, with a secondary code of CRAMABAH, Cycling & Bike Retail (Sales, Service & Accessories). Its NAICS code is 336991 and its SIC code is 3751.