May 4, 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. Pasquali soon realized that US bike shops had similar issues regarding diagnosing and repairing e-bikes, and as the micromobility sector continued to evolve, he felt that a broader mandate was in order. We caught up with Pasquali for his take on the marketplace and his 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. 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. 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.

At the same time, distributors need service-ready retailers to sell and support their products. Micromobility Connect is designed to help bridge the gap by giving dealers the training they need to confidently service e-bikes.

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.

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.

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 to help ensure that 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. 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.

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.