East Hampton Native Opens E-Bike Shop

Growing up in East Hampton, Ryan Struble always had a knack for surfing, swimming, and biking — some of the more popular outdoor activities the East End have to offer.

Now, he’s added e-biking to his repertoire.

Over the winter, Struble jumped on an opportunity to take over the lease of a 300-square-foot space at 575 Montauk Highway in Amagansett for a new business venture — The Hamptons Adventure Company. The new store, which opened its doors to the public on May 1, is the area’s first bike shop exclusively dedicated to electric bikes.

Imagine gearing up with a helmet and pads and riding 15 miles of hilly East End terrain on a hot summer’s day. Now imagine sightseeing the natural beauty of the area while the electric power of an e-bike allows you to cruise at a constant pace of your choosing

“We’re excited to tap into the growing demand for e-bikes and show a more accessible, fun way to explore this beautiful place that I’ve been so lucky to call home my entire life,” said Struble, founder and owner of the new venture. “Our goal is to get more people moving outside, while potentially lowering their carbon footprint, and ensuring they have a blast while doing it.”

Offering a premium selection of e-bikes for rent and purchase, the shop will be a hub of activity providing customers with the opportunity to learn more about this popular style of transportation and experience top brands, including RAD power bikes, Aventon, Super 73, Ride1up, and more. During opening weekend, Struble pointed to his fleet and explained he stocks cruisers and moped style bikes.

“You don’t even feel it. It’s very easy to ride,” Struble said while giving an e-bike tour around Atlantic Beach in Amagansett on a sunny Saturday, adding that the bike has a throttle to increase speed if need be. “People see the fatter-tired e-bikes and get a little intimidated.”

The Class 2 e-bikes go up to 20 mph, while Struble’s Class 3 can reach a speed of up to 28 mph.

“I’ve been taking friends and family out for a while and giving tutorials on how to ride the bikes,” he said.

Struble, a 2000 graduate of East Hampton High School, has always taken part in all the outdoor sports the East End has to offer. He and his wife, Khara, and two sons, A.J. and Jaxon, live in East Hampton and know all the best spots for hiking, biking and beaching.

The e-bikes level the playing field, so to speak, he said, adding that he rides with his mother, and she loves it and is able to keep up with her son, who is also a triathlete.

“There’s such an abundance of natural resources here with the protected lands and interesting history,” he said. “It’s such a great way to explore. You don’t have to be a cyclist to go out and explore. It’s also very social. You can go long distances, 15 or 19 miles, on an e-bike — it’s a cruise. They’re user friendly. It’s simple.”

The overall concept of the new shop, Struble explained, is to keep a rolling inventory of e-bikes on hand that are available for people to rent and try out. There are over 400 different e-bike brands out there, he said.

“It would be nice to jump on one before spending $2,000 or $3,000,” he said. “Before I got into it, I bought a couple of used bikes to figure out what I liked. I want to give other people the opportunity to try bikes out prior.”

The Hamptons Adventure Company will offer short demo rides for those looking to get comfortable on an e-bike before purchasing or renting, as well as guided excursions at varying distances for both individuals and groups. Helmets, gloves and other e-bike accessories are also available for purchase.

Struble will lead two specific tours — the Springs Meandering Muse Tour, and the South of the Highway Serene Tour.

The Springs tour will explore the views of Gerard Drive and Accabonac Harbor — famous spots that inspired the artists of the abstract impressionist movements such as Jackson Pollack, Willem de Kooning and John Ferren. The tour starts at the shop and visits the marshes and estuaries of Louse Point Bay. Groups of up to six can meander northeast toward the historic section of Springs and stop at the historic Springs General Store, Pussy’s Pond and Ashwagh Hall. Bikers will cruise past the Jackson Pollack Museum and then ride east down Springs-Fireplace Road toward the open bay area of Gerard Drive.

Struble said this flat 19-mile cruise is relaxing, fun and easy for all to enjoy at two hours and $225 per rider, with a six-person max.

For those interested in celebrities and ocean views, the South of the Highway Serene tour explores one of the most prestigious stretches of road in the Hamptons. E-bikers will glide past hedged celebrity and business icon owned estates from Bluff Road in Amagansett through Further Lane and Lily Pond Lane in the Village of East Hampton. The 15-mile ride starts at the shop and concludes after two hours at $225 per rider.

Struble also offers pickup and drop-off services. A demo is $25 for a half-hour, $45 for an hour, $95 for four hours, and $120 for a full day.

The Hamptons Adventure Company is located at 575 Montauk Highway in Amagansett, on the westbound side just before the Napeague Stretch. The shop will be open seven days a week to start, from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through November 1.

For more about the Hamptons Adventure Company, or to book an upcoming rental or tour, visit HamptonsAdventureCompany.com or call 910-547-5472. To stay up to date on new offerings, trail rides, and more, follow along on Instagram at @HamptonsAdventureCompany.