Today we’d like to introduce you to Daniel Basaldua.
Hi Daniel, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was always active growing up and rode bikes. I became enthusiastic about transportation while working at ExxonMobil after college. I became enthralled with micromobility and finding a better, faster, easier way to get around Houston without using a car.
I made an ebike for fun via zip ties, etc. in 2018. At this time ebikes were not common in the US market and everything who rode it was super impressed and wanted one. Ultimately my little sister asked me to make her one for her daily trips around Boston. What started out as a fun engineering project ultimately turned into sourcing frames from factories in Asia, many late night meetings, a small capital fundraise and ultimately making the leap and quitting my job to go all in in Jan 2021.
After starting out exclusively direct to consumer, we are now in retail bike shops with over 185 retail partners. Out goal is to make premium high quality ebikes that are extremely comfortable and functional for every day use.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
When you make the leap, please understand there will be many struggles along the way. Although the stars will never quite line up for you, they will also never line up against you. The best time to start something is always today.
There were many challenges starting out. For example, our first focus market to sell to ended up being the wrong one. We had to find tune our product to adapt to consumer needs.
The capital intensive nature of the inventory and long lead time lends to cashflow challenges where sales are good but you run out of product due to the lead time and cash turn around. There is a pulsating go go with inventory to then run out and wait.
The tariffs this past year have substantially impacted supply chains across the board. We are currently evaluating a USA manufacturing operation.
There will always be challenges and obstacles. I recommend being willing to ask for help and maintain flexibility as the market shifts.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I’m the founder and CEO at Euphree Electric Bikes. I’m a starter. I enjoy creating and building products and teams. Entrepreneurship teaches you to wear a lot of hats and problem solve on the fly. I’m most proud of designing excellent products based on customer feedback. I really enjoy the design process and adding features to improve the product.
Our ebikes are known for a premium feel with a high attention to detail. We value the craftsmanship and small touch details to improve your ride.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The micromobility industry is growing very very quickly. Cost of vehicle ownership, health/sustainability trends, battery & motor technology improvements are some of the primary industry drivers. Over the past 10 years the ebike industry in particular has seen a lot of consolidations and supply chain challenges. Tariffs have added additional strain barriers to market entry.
I see the industry experiencing more consolidation while growing ridership. Regulations and standards for speed, power, and safety will increase nation wide. Due to demand growth and proliferation of product use city planers will increase utilizing ebikes as a core transportation option.
Pricing:
- City Robin – $1999
- Stellar Falcon – $1999
- Solar Sparrow – $1799
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.Euphree.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/euphree.bikes/
