February 10, 2025 - Micromobility Connect was recently launched by Michael Pasquali who owns the Electric Avenue E-bikes bike shop in Hamilton, Ont. Back in 2019, he founded the Canadian Electric Bicycle Association (CEBA) offering online training courses for dealers to learn how to reliably service e-bikes, with a focus on hub motors. Fast forward, Pasquali realized that US bike shops had similar issues regarding diagnosing and repairing e-bikes, and as the micromobility sector continued to expand, he felt that a broader mandate was in order. Micromobility Connect is off to a great start and we caught up with Pasquali for his take on the marketplace and goals going forward.

What is Micromobility Connect and what was your motivation to start this organization?
Michael Pasquali: Micromobility Connect is a training and networking organization dedicated to strengthening the e-bike and micromobility industry. We provide world-class e-bike technician training to help dealers, service providers, and aspiring entrepreneurs confidently diagnose and repair e-bikes with a proven diagnostic process without the need for swapping parts (next training courses March 16-17 see link below). Beyond training, we serve as a connection between distributors, dealers, and certified technicians, ensuring that businesses have access to the skilled professionals and resources they need to thrive.

The motivation to start Micromobility Connect came from visiting dealers from California to New York, including Canada and everywhere in between. As well, I’ve spent 15 years gaining first-hand experience operating an award-winning brick-and-mortar e-bike shop. It became clear that many dealers are ordering e-bikes but don’t have a solid understanding of how to service and repair e-bikes – they have to figure things out the hard way. We see the lack of trained service professionals as one of the biggest gaps in the industry  particularly for diagnosing and repairing e-bikes with hub motors. Brick and mortar dealers are the backbone of the cycling industry, yet many still struggle with e-bikes.

At the same time, distributors need service-ready retailers to sell and support their products. Micromobility Connect is designed to help to bridge the gap by giving dealers the training they need to confidently service e-bikes. We help bike shops grow their businesses, and also connect distributors with a network of dealers that have been professionally trained to diagnose and service e-bikes.

As the micromobility space rapidly evolves, our mission is to ensure that dealers, technicians, and distributors have the knowledge, tools, and support they need to succeed—because professional e-bike service is the foundation of a strong and sustainable industry.

You recently attended the CABDA East bike shop dealer show in New Jersey… how did it go?
MP: Attending CABDA East in New Jersey was an incredible experience for us. Our booth was busy throughout the event, with dealers and brands eager to learn how they can adapt to the rapid shift toward e-bikes. The overwhelming response confirmed what we’ve known for some time—bike shops recognize the need for e-bike training and support to stay ahead in this evolving industry.

We were honoured to be invited by NBDA President, Heather Mason, as a featured speaker, where we delivered two well-attended presentations. The first focused on diagnosing e-bikes to address a major challenge many shops face, while the second covered shop safety and profitability, crucial for dealers navigating the growing micromobility market. The engagement from attendees was clear: bike shops are actively looking for the tools and training to confidently service e-bikes.

Building on the success of CABDA East, we’re excited to announce that Micromobility Connect will be speaking at CABDA Midwest in Chicago on February 12-13, and CABDA West in Las Vegas on March 26-27. If you’re a dealer, these shows are a must-attend, offering invaluable insights and industry-leading resources. As the industry continues its transition from traditional bicycles to electric bicycles, we remain committed to equipping dealers with the expertise, training, and support needed to thrive.

Safety is currently a big issue for e-bikes and cycling mobility– what’s your take?
MP: Safety is the foundation of a thriving micromobility industry. As e-bikes and other micromobility devices continue to grow in popularity, proper training, expert maintenance, and strict compliance with safety standards are not optional—they are essential.

We recognize that safety is a shared responsibility across the entire ecosystem. By fostering a network of trained technicians, service-ready retailers, and knowledgeable dealers, we help make e-bikes and micromobility devices more reliable and secure for everyone. When safety is prioritized at every level—from manufacturers to distributors, retailers, and technicians—the result is a stronger, more sustainable industry where businesses thrive and consumers ride with confidence.

For bike shops, having well-trained staff is not just an advantage, it’s a necessity. Consumers rely on shops as trusted experts to guide them through and explain battery safety, proper charging practices, and routine maintenance.

Additionally, being up to date on local laws and regulations allows shop employees to help customers navigate legal requirements, such as speed limits, helmet laws, and where e-bikes are permitted to ride. A knowledgeable team ensures that customers leave not only with an e-bike that has been tested and safe but also with the education they need to ride safely and confidently.

Anything you’d like to add…?
MP: Looking back, I often think about how different the industry might be today if a resource like this had existed when I first started. The need for structured training and stronger connections between dealers, distributors, and technicians has never been greater. Now, with Micromobility Connect we’re bringing that concept to the forefront—bridging the gaps in the industry and ensuring the future of micromobility is built on knowledge, professionalism, and connectivity.

In today’s fast-growing e-bike market, having a strong network of trained, service-ready retailers is key to success.

For distributors, we offer a connection to a wide network of e-bike technicians and retailers who are already trained and know how to service their products. This means brands can connect with brick and mortar dealers who not only stock inventory but also provide expert support and great customer service ensuring a great customer experience.

For dealers, whether they are established bicycle shops adding e-bike services, or new retailers entering the industry, we ensure they have the skills, training, connections and ongoing support needed to succeed. By linking them directly with trusted and reputable distributors, we help them secure the right products, build strong supplier relationships, and help grow their businesses with confidence.

Consumers win as well thanks to our training programs, as e-bike and micromobility users now have access to highly skilled e-bike technicians who provide top-level service and support. This means safer, more reliable e-bikes and micromobility devices, leading to better performance, longer lifespans, and a more enjoyable riding experience.

By strengthening the connections between distributors, retailers, and trained technicians, Micromobility Connect helps power the entire ecosystem.

Thanks for your time and all the best going forward.
MP: Thanks as well for helping us get the word out about Micromobility Connect and other important aspects of the micromobility industry.

For more on Micromobility Connect click here.
For next Training Courses March 16-17 click here.