CLEVELAND — Sales of electric and hybrid vehicles in the United States are decreasing this year, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. But that’s not the case for smaller, personal EVs, says Scott Colosimo, founder and CEO of LAND.
“Electric definitely right now has its niche which is smaller, lighter weight, shorter distances,” said Colosimo. “But it will grow as the technology advances.”
Moving the technology forward are two Cleveland-based electric vehicle companies: LAND and 2Swift. Recently they came together, showing off what is new while the public took a spin. LAND makes a two-wheeled EV called the District. One vehicle, 3 modes: e-bike, moped and motorcycle. Perfect for urban commuting.
“It's quieter. It's easier to ride. You could kind of jump on and off different roads, and you can traverse the city very easily on an EV, much easier than you could do on a big gas motorcycle,” explained Colosimo.
Assembled in Cleveland’s Gordon Square District, LAND is working to expand its business.
“We launched, we were sold out,” said Colosimo. “We are at capacity right now when it comes to sales. So, we're bringing in more money to scale the business.”
People got to experience what the bike has to offer over gas motorcycles.
“I ride motorcycles. It's nothing like that,” said Max Micklitsch, who test drove the District. “Not having to shift is weird but it's also fluid because you're just able to twist and go. They're super fun.”
The Cleveland Division of Police is putting the EV to work, patrolling large-scale events. The new bikes align with the mission to build a sustainable city.
“When you're doing crowd control or helping out with the Cleveland Guardians or anything like that in the city, that's really where the LAND Districts shine,” said Colosimo.
Riding high on their success, LAND says a new product is coming out later this fall.
A 2 wheel in-line skateboard is 2Swift’s entry in the personal EV space. It rides like a snowboard.
“It's super curvy and agile,” said the president of 2Swift, Andrew Dorman. “It has ten-inch tires on it that are pneumatic. So, it's able to handle pretty big bumps and rougher terrain. It's definitely a totally unique ride.”
Manufactured in Collinwood, the boards started selling last April, after 4 years of development. 2Swift is spreading the word, traveling to expos across the country, and people are taking notice.
“It's definitely a product that you got to ride first, said Dorman. “And so we kind of got to sell the experience.”
They continue to refine the board, and work on accessories for it. it's about getting more people on board EVs in Greater Cleveland.
“It is like a fun community to be involved with,” said Dorman. “If you don't have anything to do one night and everyone's riding around like it's a blast.”