Currie Technologies, which has been pioneering e-bike sales in the United States, will move its headquarters from Chatsworth to Simi Valley to accommodate its growing dealer base.


Currie Technologies CEO Larry Pizzi said the company’s lease in Chatsworth expires in November and the company was looking for more space in a less congested area that is more conducive to safe bicycle commuting.


 “There is approximately 20 percent additional square footage in the new location and a significant reallocation of the space to office, product development, R&D, assembly, QC and distribution,” Pizzi wrote in an e-mail shared with Outdoor Business Update. “The change in space will help accommodate Curries' rapidly growing dealer business.”


The space will serve as Currie Technologies' corporate headquarters and include sales, customer service, marketing, finance, product development / R&D, assembly, quality control, and distribution. It will include a large product showroom, large conference room, kitchen and associate break/lunchroom, full shower facilities, new climate controlled assembly area and quality control facilities and enhanced warehouse with additional dock high doors.


“The new location is right next to a bike path network and an outdoor recreation facility that will be great for staff,” said Pizzi.

 
Currie Technologies is among the largest U.S. designers, makers and distributors of e-bikes. In January, it was acquired by the Dutch company Accell Group, a leader in Europe’s booming e-bike market and holder of several patented technologies deemed critical to e-bike success.


E-bike sales in the U.S. are estimated at about 50,000, or less than a tenth of sales in the 27-nation European Union. Pizzi has said that one of the biggest challenges to the industry in the U.S. is establishing a dealer base with a shop capable of servicing the non-electrical portions of the bicycle. Currently, Currie Technologies distributes its eZip bikes through an eclectic network of dealers that includes REI, local independent bike dealers, scooter and motorcycle shops and even Northern Tool & Equipment.


Still, Currie recently added five people to its workforce and will continue to add jobs as the business continues to scale. The company currently employs about 50 employees.